After Hera finished speaking, she lifted her gaze to meet Zhane’s inquisitive stare head-on. Zhane and Dave’s expressions visibly softened upon hearing Hera’s ount, yet they couldn’t shake off the realization that if Hera’s version was urate, then Leo demonstrated remarkable self-control or profound respect for Hera by resisting the effects of the drug for so long. Their intense animosity toward him waned slightly in light of this revtion. Dave recalled the image of Hera atop Leo, clutching the bottle of pills, while Leo clung to her, but by then, Leo appeared significantly improved, having regained some of hisposure.
Initially, Dave feared the worst upon witnessing their disheveled state, but now, a wave of relief washed over him as Hera exined what transpired. As he reflected on the scene, he realized he hadn’t detected any signs or smell of male discharge near the couch, only a lingering sweet scent enveloping Leo and Hera when he drew closer. He dismissed it as Hera’s perfume, a detail that added to his reassurance.
Recalling these small details, Dave found himself fully believing Hera’s ount. Apart from Leo appearing disheveled, Hera’s attire remained fully intact, save for the hickeys adorning her neck and corbone. Otherwise, she seemed unharmed, which further solidified Dave’s trust in her version of events.
"I’m d you’re okay. I know this has been traumatizing, but don’t worry. Once I get theb results, I’ll send someone to track down who’s responsible for this. I’ll make sure justice is served," Zhane assured Hera, gentlyying her down on the bed and covering her with a nket. "For now, just rest and leave everything to us."
Hera nodded gratefully but couldn’t forget to ask about Leo. "What about Leo? Will you let me know how he’s doing?" she asked, biting her lower lip as she waited for Zhane’s answer. Seeing her anxiety, Zhane felt a pang of bitterness. Unlike Dave, who openly disyed his frustration and jealousy, Zhane maintained hisposure. He gently rubbed Hera’s head, trying tofort her as if she were a little girl about to get a shot.
Hera choked up in her own saliva, she didn’t want to be coaxed, she needed an answer, but she wanted to know about Leo’s well-being, if something happened to him, any longsting side effects, it would be her fault because he chose to make her feel good first before settling his own body’s needs.
That’s why she was extremely worried but at the same time, she genuinely cared about Leo. Zhane and Dave, however, did not fully understand her concern. Hera couldn’t exin to them why she needed to know about Leo’s well-being or what he meant to her. Their expressions silently demanded answers, even from the usually reserved Zhane. Leo and the male leads were different, and Hera’s connection to Leo was something she found hard to articte.
She could feel that Leo’s feelings for her were genuine, but she wasn’t sure if the male leads’ attraction was due to their own interest or the influence of the storyline and the female lead’s halo, which she was trying to steal from Alice. She still harbored some prejudice against the male leads since they were partly responsible for her family’s downfall. Although they hadn’t directly killed her as portrayed in the novel, they had enabled Minerva, especially Rafael, who was the cause of all this.
So, in terms of feelings, although she currently had a good impression of the male leads, Leo still held a higher ce in her heart. She admitted to herself that it might indeed be favoritism. But what could she do? She couldn’t erase her prejudice against them in a matter of seconds or even days.
Seeing Hera stubbornly awaiting his answer, Zhane gave in and nodded. "Alright, I’ll let you know about his condition and the necessary steps to help him recover." He then ced his hand on her uninjured one, the one without the IV needle. Though his expression remained indifferent and stern, his voice and gaze softened as he continued, "But you have to promise me that you’ll follow my instructions while you’re in the hospital. Deal?"