Even after deducting taxes and fees from their winnings, they would still pocket a clean $150,000. However, despite his annoyance, Bry’s father remainedposed, masking his frustration. He was ustomed to encountering opportunistic individuals eager to profit without being prepared to make amensurate investment.
The man making the offer grew annoyed at Bry’s father’sck of excitement and happiness. To him, the sum he was offering wasn’t insignificant. Despite Bry’s father’s current winnings, there was no guarantee that his champion’s reign would continue in the following years.
Sensing the tension mounting around Bry’s father, Hera smoothly intervened. "Uncle, what’s the dy? Everyone’s waiting to celebrate." She acted as if she hadn’t noticed the tension and gently guided Bry’s father away, aiming to diffuse the situation. This move was partly to save face for Bry’s father, who seemed on the brink of exploding at any moment as well as the other man so he wouldn’t need to be embarrassed.
Although Bry’s father is good-natured man, he is without temper and he can be annoying and scary when someone manages to flip his switches the wrong way. And even though Hera was not aware of this, she still did not want Bry’s father’s mood to be dampened by some random person when it was supposed to be a good asion.
"Hey! You, you’re the one riding that Friesian horse, right? I’ll give you an offer higher than they did. Be my rider instead," he said, shing Hera a knowing smile. His words suggested a double-meaning word not only a proposition for her to be a horse rider but also hinted at a more intimate rtionship, implying that she could "ride" him too.
Hera, who had tried to be courteous and provide him an exit earlier, was now also irritated. Not only did the man fail to appreciate her intervention, preventing him from embarrassing himself, but he also went ahead and provoked her. Hera’s brows furrowed as she struggled to rein in her anger.
However, it appeared that someone had lost control of their anger before she did. "Drag him away and bar him from ever setting foot near the Equestrian Competition again!" boomed amanding voice from the depths of the crowd.
"Leo? Didn’t you just leave?" Hera spun around in surprise upon hearing the familiar voice once more, a distinct smile dancing on her lips.
Leo, contemting possible exnations, maintained silence as he approached Hera. Upon reaching her, he gently pulled her to his side, his gaze locking with the man who had sessfully provoked him. Ensuring Hera was secure in his embrace, he spoke softly, "I’ve learned that the investigation into the actions of the other participant who made a move earlier is underway. Considering his family’s influence, I returned to ensure your safety."
Hera was moved by Leo’s concern, appreciating his kindness even though they were essentially strangers. If Leo’s assistant knew her thoughts, he might burst intoughter. "Leo, kind? That’s a good one," he might say, considering Leo more like an Asura in the eyes of others.
"Are you alright?" Leo asked, blowing the situation out of proportion, and making Hera feel a bit embarrassed. He seemed to be acting like an overly concerned wife. To her surprise, Xavier also stepped forward, wearing a worried expression. Theirbined reaction was so exaggerated that Hera found herself forgetting her initial anger sparked by the man’s shameless words. Now, she was left feeling confused and didn’t even know what she was feeling anymore.
"I’m alright," Hera assured Leo, gently tapping his hand that supported her waist as if she couldn’t stand on her own. The man who initiated the fiasco was swiftly dragged away before he could even protest. Hera found herself speechless as the man was hauled off unceremoniously, resembling a sack of potatoes being carried away from the scene.
She found the situation both concerning and amusing, but she kept herposure intact. "Thank you, Leo, but there’s no need for you toe back. I understand you’re busy with work. It’s the thought that counts, and that means a lot to me," Hera said softly, attempting to dismiss Leo because she knew his time was valuable, and keeping herpany might not be in his best interest. She didn’t want him to risk getting reprimanded by his boss for cking off.
Leo shook his head, a gentle smile ying on his lips. "I’m not busy at all. I don’t hold a significant position in thepany, so even if I disappeared for the whole day, no one would even notice."
The assistant’s head snapped to the side, eyes widening at his boss’s words. <i>’Not important? Not holding a significant position? Who does he think he’s fooling?’</i> He opened his mouth, then closed it again, repeating the action several times. He struggled to find words, torn between speaking out and risking his boss’s wrath, knowing he would face severe consequences if he said something foolish. Besides, his boss was known for never cking off, so if he wanted to take a day off, they could simply consider it his first one.
<i>’Let’s just let it go.’</i>
Leo’s assistant sent a message to the secretarial department informing them that they could go home early today because Leo didn’t look like he was about to go back anytime soon in thepany.
So, he just then decided to help his boss win the beauty. "Manager, since they’re about to celebrate, why don’t we join them? Didn’t you mention wanting to buy a horse as a gift for your father? Why don’t you talk with mister over here?" Leo’s assistant impulsively suggested, seizing the moment and not wanting to let the opportunity slip away.
Upon hearing his assistant’s suggestion, Leo felt a surge of appreciation towards him, finding him more agreeable than ever before. He nodded in satisfaction and turned to face Hera, his eyes filled with anticipation, and his typically imposing expression softened into something endearing. This unexpected change tugged at Hera’s heartstrings, leaving her deeply moved.