"No, I don’t feel bored listening to your voice," Xavier asserted, offering Hera a charming smile akin to a mermaid luring a sailor with its beauty, a subtle act of defiance directed at Leo.


    The cameraman felt a flutter of anticipation as if pink bubbles were floating in the air. He discreetly stepped back a few feet, careful not to disturb the delicate bnce of the unfolding scene. Positioned in the shadows, he remained close enough to capture their conversation while ensuring he didn’t disrupt the intriguing dynamics of the emerging love triangle.


    [XavierismyHubby: Woah! Were those words really from Xavier?!]


    [XavierisLove: Why do I find Xavier’s action as if he waspeting for Hera’s attention?! Please correct me if I was wrong!!!! ( ? ? ? )]


    [XavierisLife: Umu! I smell a sweet and sour lemon in the air!!! Why does Xavier act like a white flower?!]


    [HeraismySister: I do feel like two women are fighting for the attention of the emperor, it’s just that, the one fighting was two men over sister Hera!!! Kya!!! I never expect to see a real-life drama!!!]


    [AuntieNextDoor: Nyahahaha!!! Little sister Hera’s charisma rock!]


    [PasserbyGod: I have a feeling that Hera’s love life would be very chaotic (.⌒?⌒).]


    [GoldenLight: When did Xavier learn to act coy? Where did he learn this?!


    (＃`Д′)?]


    [FatherOfCaduceus: Definitely not me... (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻]


    [EntertainmentKing: It’s definitely @Dave_Carson’s influence because he always teaches him so many bad things... (｀Д′)ゞ]


    [Dave_Carson: Why always me?


    (｀ε′)ノ彡┻━┻]


    As the others engaged in a lively conversation in the chatroom, Leo sensed his facade of indifference beginning to crack. Watching Xavier yfully vie for Hera’s attention stirred something within him. He realized that if he allowed Xavier to monopolize Hera’s attention that night, he might not be able to regain it easily.


    Xavier would undoubtedly have numerous opportunities for interactions with Hera due to their shared industry, and their paths were bound to cross eventually. While Leo could also engage with her as an investor, but he understood the importance of respecting boundaries. Crossing those lines might inadvertently create trouble for Hera, potentially tarnishing her reputation unjustly.


    Leo realized that rumors were like stains, challenging to erase, and he didn’t want Hera to endure any unjust consequences. At that moment, he changed his perspective, realizing that he couldn’t afford to be indifferent to who stood beside Hera or the rumors swirling around her. He couldn’t risk a repeat of the past mistakes, a realization that dawned on him only then.


    Perhaps Leo didn’t view Xavier or anyone else aspetition at the moment, but he couldn’t guarantee the same sentiment for the future. After all, it was Hera who would ultimately decide. Remembering his grandfather’s advice, Leo knew he needed to be proactive in his approach.


    With a gentle touch, Leo reached for Hera’s hand as if it were fragile, expressing his admiration for her voice. "I agree with Mr. Montague and your voice is truly beautiful and captivating," he began softly, "I found myself lost in our conversation, wishing it would never end." Leo’s eyes shimmered with affection, but sensing Hera’s potential difort, he moderated his tone. Smiling warmly at her, he continued, turning his attention to Xavier, who had been vying for Hera’s attention. "I realize I’ve monopolized your time, Hera. I apologize for that," he said sincerely. "I value our connection, but I understand if you’d like to spend some time with Mr. Montague. I apologize for any inconvenience, Hera."


    [PasserbyGod: Am I the only one feeling like the roles have been reversed?! Did Hera, Leo, and Xavier somehow swap scripts? Now Hera’s taking the male lead role, while Leo and Xavier are vying for attention like delicate flowers in front of the male lead, trying reverse psychology?]


    [AuntieNextDoor: Now that you mentioned it, I think you’re right?!]


    [HeraismySister: Hahaha! I’m cracking right now!!!]


    [Xoxo: This is something new to me but I’m finding it interesting!]


    Now that Leo has admitted his mistake like a magnanimous and understanding man, Xavier can’t continue to act like he was wronged. Doing so would only make Hera feel like she’s taking care of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. Xavier understood what Leo was doing. Although Leo was apologizing, he was also positioning himself as the one who took the short end of the stick. Xavier could see the potential for Leo to use this as ammunition against him, employing reverse psychology to appear more pitiful than Xavier if Hera were to choose Xavier’s side, leaving Leo to look abandoned.


    Xavier’s initial satisfaction could be short-lived, as Leo’s apparent concession might be a strategic retreat, setting the stage for ater advance and Hera would feel morepelled to give in to Leoter on because she would feel guilty because she was the one who invited Leo and was the one responsible for touring him around the vige, yet she abandoned him.