"Then promise to have lunch and dinner with me," Dave said, pushing his luck to the next level. He was determined not to leave empty-handed. Growing up in an affluent family, he was ustomed to receiving all sorts of courtship from women and getting his way. He had never been turned down before—women usually went wild at his invitations. The only time he experienced a harsh rejection wasst night, with Hera. Now, he was determined to get her to agree and simultaneously crush Leo’s hope.


    But who was Leo? Having experienced defeat once, he had no intention of epting another. "Sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Carson, but Hera has already agreed to go out with me," he lied effortlessly, showing no fear as he stood up to the young minister of the country. Leo’s eyes remained steady, unwavering in his resolve.


    Athena, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle and even considered stoking the fire. However, when she caught Hera’s warning look, recognizing her intentions from a mere smile, she abandoned the idea and simply continued to relish the scene.


    Dave looked at Hera with a wounded expression, hoping she would confirm that Leo was lying. But Hera looked away, unwilling to call Leo out and embarrass him in front of everyone, even though she knew he was lying. Seeing Hera’s reaction, Leo felt a surge of relief and happiness. He then turned to Dave with a smug look, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    Even Athena could see Hera’s favoritism towards Leo. She was certain that Hera had a good impression of Leo and wasn’t keeping him at arm’s length. Although Hera wasn’t openly fighting for Leo, she was more lenient towards him and even supported him. Athena gave Hera a knowing look and then smiled teasingly. Hera, feeling cornered, looked away again, unsure of where to direct her gaze. She couldn’t possibly turn her back on everyone, could she?


    When Leo thought Dave would leave with his tail between his legs, Dave disyed his thick skin once again. "Then I’lle with you both! I’ll dly be the third wheel if necessary!" he said through gritted teeth. He had already swallowed his pride and was determined not to let Leo have thestugh.


    He couldn’t ept defeat from Leo or bear to see his smug, victorious look. He felt hisst threads of reason snapping for some inexplicable reason.


    Both Hera and Leo were stumped, unsure of what to say. They realized that no matter what they said, Dave wouldn’t give up easily and might even show up uninvited. Seeing their silence as eptance, Dave calmed down a bit and shot Leo a taunting smirk before turning his seductive smile back to Hera.


    "My Dear, don’t worry, I’ll serve you well." The way he delivered his words was easily misunderstood by everyone else and they all looked at Hera with an envious look while Hera was having a headache. Even Leo felt like Dave was an eyesore and acting like a male vixen, trying to steal someone else’s woman right under his nose.