Leo stepped forward just as Hera approached the ranking podium where Xavier and Zen stood. With a gesture of gentlemanly grace, he extended his hand, offering support for her ascent to the top of the rankingdder, which stood slightly higher than knee height.


    Leo’s gesture seemed calcted, perhaps to preempt any chance of Xavier leaving his podium to support Hera. Hera, having cleared her mind, didn’t resist Leo’s offered assistance. cing her hand atop his extended one, they walked together gracefully, their movements conveying a sense of familiarity and ease as if they were a couple who had spent years in each other’spany.


    Their synergy wasn’t just superficial; there was a palpable harmony between them, an unspoken connection that resonated like a well-tuned melody. Each step they took together seemed to paint a picture of an ideal couple, perfectly in sync andplementing each other’s presence.


    [AuntieNextDoor: Oh my!!! Don’t they look good together walking hand in hand like that?!]


    [HeraismySister: So true! Now, I’m having a hard time choosing between Xavier and this gentleman who’s good for my sister Hera. ?(?0?)]


    [JustPassingBy: I guess I’ve been living under a rock. It’s surprising to see there are other guys out there who can rival Xavier’s charm and good looks.]


    [PasserbyGod: They looked like a seasoned couple to me.]


    [GoldenLight: Oh please, @PasserbyGod, it is clear that Leo guy is openly seducing Hera.]


    [FatherOfCaduceus: He really does.]


    [EntertainmentKing: He’s too obvious.]


    [Dave_Carson: Why do I smell sour lemons from miles away?! （￢з￢）]


    [EntertainmentKing: Shut the fuck up @Dave_Carson, weren’t you attending the inauguration of the new president of Country Y? What are you even doing in the live stream chatroom and watching the live stream?!]


    [Dave_Carson: ?～(￣,￣ )]


    "Congrattions on your victory," Leo whispered to Hera, his eyes softening as he looked down at her face while escorting her. There was a glimmer of pride in his eyes, not just for her sess, but for the culmination of her hard work. It was as though her triumph in the championship carried a personal significance for him, akin to his own aplishment.


    "I didn’t expect to see you presenting the award for our race," Hera whispered with a discreet giggle, meant only for Leo’s ears and eyes.


    Leo’s tone was less cold and dominant as he spoke. His eyes show distinct affection and gentleness. "What can I do? I was sent here to represent the Hendrix as the sponsor of the event. Showing respect to the participants and organizers was necessary." He paused for a bit before continuing. "Meeting you here, well, that was an unexpected bonus." His words conveyed a sense of authority, suggesting that his presence was more than just coincidence. Beneath the surface of his words, there was a clear implication that he was not directly associated with the higher-ups of Hendrix Consortium and their decision-making, a message was delivered without needing to be explicitly stated.


    If Leo’s assistant could hear his words, he would surely roll his eyes at Leo’s attempt to distance himself from the decision he made. Leo was trying to present their meeting as a mere twist of fate, conveniently ignoring his deliberate actions to orchestrate it. Such maniption came as a surprise, even to those close to him.


    In a surprising twist, the typically domineering and cold Leo found himself ying the role of matchmaker for himself. If his grandfather were to catch wind of this, he’d surely be amused. Leo smoothly guided Hera towards the ranking podium, his actions betraying a rare tenderness. With a firm grip on her small waist, he effortlessly lifted her up, sparing her the effort of climbing—a gesture not extended to the other champions.


    After helping her up, Leo reluctantly let go of her soft waist and then went back to his position where the host gave him the award to be presented to Hera. Leo walked forward in front of Hera, Hera slightly bent her body forward to make it easier for Leo to ce the medal on her neck.


    After ceremoniously draping the medal around her neck, the host passed the trophy to Leo, who then tenderly presented it to Hera, his gaze locked solely on her. "Congrattions!" he eximed, a genuine smile gracing his features. Hera returned the gesture with a sweet smile of her own. This fleeting moment was captured in a photograph, capturing their exchange. Finally, they all gathered together with the winners for onest snapshot, destined for the front page of the equestrianpetition.


    Xavier silently observed the exchange from the sidelines, resisting the urge to intervene and pull Hera to his side. He found sce in the thought that Leo’s time with Hera would be limited, unlike his own potential opportunities to deepen their rtionshipter or tomorrow. Besides, he reminded himself, he still had two wishes left.


    He reminded himself not to rush things, realizing that impatience could jeopardize the progress they’ve made in their rtionship, which was currently on good terms. Moreover, he reasoned, there would be ample opportunities not just tomorrow, given their shared professional path. With Hera as his junior in the same industry, he could fulfill the role of a supportive and guiding senior without putting her in any difficult positions.


    After quelling the storm within him, Xavier’s mood lifted, and he paid little mind to Leo’s proximity to Hera. Leo’sck of introduction regarding his position within the Hendrix Consortium led Xavier, along with nearly everyone else, to assume that he was likely from the branch family of the Hendrix, perhaps holding a managerial or even directorial role if he provedpetent. With this spection in mind, Xavier no longer viewed Leo as directpetition.


    Unbeknownst to Leo, his love rivals were contemting simr thoughts, no longer viewing him as a significant threat. Nheless, he continued to happily pose for pictures beside Hera, subtly inching closer with each shot until their faces were mere inches apart. Even if he were aware of his rivals’ thoughts, Leo wouldn’t have cared. Hera’s opinion was paramount to him, and he would likely just sneer at his rivals, knowing they held no sway over her feelings.