"My aversion to being caught up in drama and conflict among women is part of why things ended up like this. It’s also why I can honestly say I’ve never been involved with any woman, especially not with my own artists. I didn’t want to be like other bosses who use their positions for personal indulgence. I always believed there were more important things for me to focus on than getting entangled in catfights and personal drama. It felt beyond my capabilities and interests. Or maybe it’s simply that no one has captured my attention before, and I’ve always thought I was better off without theplications, preferring a peaceful mind andcking the patience to deal with a crying or jealous woman."


    "Others might already know this, but I have a short temper and can easily go into a rage. I’ve always seen women’s drama as petty and a waste of time. But now, even though I’ve probably given you some hints, I want to bepletely honest and tell you that I’ve been smitten with you. I didn’t realize when it started, but it feels like all my beliefs have been turned upside down. Maybe being involved with a woman and her drama isn’t so bad after all, especially if it means proving how capable I am of protecting someone I care about."


    At the end of his speech, Rafael’s face flushed deeply, turning red from his cheeks to his ears, neck, and even reaching the upper part of his chest.


    Rafael looked so innocent and vulnerable at that moment that Hera felt a sudden urge to pull him into a secluded room where no one could see him. He appeared like a teenage boy confessing to his first love, and his expression was so adorably inviting that it was impossible to ignore.


    To be honest, Hera wasn’t a fan of Rafael. His egotistical arrogance and often rude demeanor,bined with his sister’s actions, had firmly ced him on her <i>’Do Not Like’</i> list. Yet now, she found herself oddly attracted to him.


    Even though Athena couldn’t recall the exact words of Rafael’s confession to Alice in the novel, Hera sensed that what he was saying now closely mirrored the description from the book. His appearance and demeanor were strikingly simr to how the novel portrayed the scene.


    She wasn’t sure if the feelings she was experiencing were her own or influenced by the storyline, but she didn’t resist them. Instead, she gazed directly at Rafael, seeing a new side of him for the first time.


    When Rafael didn’t hear Hera’s reply, he nervously ran his fingers through his hair, unsure of where to ce his hands as he fidgeted. Despite his anxiety, his gaze remained steady, as if he desperately wanted Hera to understand and believe him. His actions and confession had even those watching, both live and online, holding their breath in anticipation, their hearts racing as if they were watching a dramatic television scene.


    [PasserbyGod: Oh?! Is this why he’s so sessful? He didn’t get distracted by women or pleasure and was fully dedicated to his work. Given his sess, it makes sense that hees across as arrogant and egotistical; it’s because he’s aware that his achievements justify his demeanor.]


    [JustReading: @PasserbyGod, don’t forget that there are people who constantly tter him. He’s so ustomed topliments and sycophancy that he oftenes across as rude. This could be his way of disying confidence, or it might be something entirely different.]


    [AuntieNextDoor: I’m still rooting for our president, but Mr. Briley’s heartfelt confession just made my heart flutter. I’m sure my little sister Hera is feeling the same way. My god!!! There really is something irresistibly charming about an innocent man!]


    [Dave_Carson: The Motherfucker actually went ahead and cut the line!!! ( ?_?)]


    [GoldenLight: I guess he’s not too preupied with his artist’s and sister’s scandals to find time to woo Hera.]


    [NorthernDuke: The nerve of this guy!!! Is he seriously ying coy with that face and body?! (?_?)]


    [FatherOfCaduceus: I agree, it’s jarring to see him acting bashful when he looks like a mafia boss. It just doesn’t sit right.]


    [SilverEmperor: Why do I get the feeling that @EntertainmentKing is following someone’s lead?!]


    [Dave_Carson: DAMN!!! This jerk!!! Don’t tell me I’m about to fall to the bottom of the rankings! Tell me this isn’t his scheme! Did he create all this drama with his artist just to have a chance to confess?!!! I’m so freaking pissed!!!]


    [GoldenLight: What can we do? We’ve been outsmarted by someone we least expected. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻]