"Ehem!" A throat cleared behind the bodyguards, prompting them to step aside for an older man. He stood tall, his hair greying with age, and his sharp eyes conveyed a shrewd and calcting demeanor. He scanned Hera’s group before his gaze settled on the annoyed Dave. With repeated nods, he regarded Dave before letting out a satisfied chuckle. "Mr. Carson, I didn’t expect to see you here!"


    Hera blinked, sensing the insincerity in the man’s words, clearly intended to corner Dave. Uncertain of the situation and why this man was targeting Dave, she could only watch silently from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Dave clenched his teeth in frustration, veins throbbing on his forehead as he struggled to contain his anger.


    Observing Dave’s restrained reaction, Hera spected that the man before them might be a politician or someone not from their country, judging by his slight ent and demeanor that didn’t quite match the locals.


    "It’s quite a surprise to see you for the sixth time today!" Dave quipped, his voice tinged with sarcasm. His demeanor almost made Hera burst outughing; Dave’s mischievous nature was evident, prompting her to wonder why he chose politics given his nonchnt and yful attitude. She had always imagined politicians as serious figures exuding an air ofmand and respect, yet Dave was quite the opposite.


    The old man appeared unfazed by Dave’s obvious annoyance, responding with a hearty chuckle. "Indeed, why don’t we have dinner together to discuss the joint tourism project for our countries’ heritage sites? Coincidentally, my granddaughter is also here with me; she starts studying at University B this week. It would be wonderful if you could give her a tour, as this is her first time away from home. Afterward, I’ll need to return to my country once our tourism project is finalized."


    With a sudden realization, Hera understood the man’s intentions. She looked at Dave with a raised eyebrow and a faint smile, but Dave misinterpreted her expression, thinking she believed he might want to end things with her because someone else was showing interest in him.


    "Sir, please choose your words carefully," he began, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Otherwise, my girlfriend might misunderstand and think I’m pursuing someone else while in a rtionship." He spoke without consulting Hera, consumed with irritation from being pursued all day without having eaten lunch or dinner, feeling increasingly agitated and fearing he might do something irreparable.


    Most importantly, he didn’t want Hera to misunderstand him, so he nned to exin the matter to herter after the shrewd man left. For now, all he could do was hope that Hera would y along with him.


    Hera and Rafael exchanged incredulous nces at Dave as if he had suddenly grown another head. Meanwhile, the old man’s gaze swept across the others at the table, focusing on two women seated there. His eyes locked on the youngest one, who possessed a striking beauty and an ethereal aura. She appeared serene andposed, yet her eyes conveyed a wisdom far beyond her years. It was evident she had been assessing him from the moment he entered, maintaining her calm demeanor amidst the surroundings without a trace of nervousness.


    Hera met the old man’s gaze squarely, maintaining herposure without batting an eye. Sensing his appraisal, she offered a warm smile. "Hello, sir. Thank you for looking after Dave and for your patience. I’m also a student at University B. Why don’t I show your granddaughter around and help her settle in?" Hera’s generous offer omitted any explicit mention of her rtionship with Dave, leaving their connection open to interpretation.


    Rafael understood that Hera was trying to assist Dave, so he refrained from mentioning their rtionship. Meanwhile, Sandra and Logan appeared visibly perplexed, particrly Logan, who had not anticipated finding himself seated at the same table as the Young Minister of their country.


    Seeing Hera not ostracizing him for using her as a shield, Dave’s lips bloomed into a smile and he shot Hera a grateful look before turning to the old man with confidence. "Old man, as you can see, my girlfriend is so considerate that she wants to tour your granddaughter around."