Hera understood Gerald’s words most deeply, as she was the granddaughter he mentioned. She felt a profound sense of longing and warmth from her grandfather’s love and dedication over the years. The Old Master Avery, unaware that Hera had known her true status for a long time, had been tirelessly working to protect her and safeguard her interests while fighting at the forefront against their adversaries.


    Hera felt an even stronger resolve to protect those who loved and cared for her. Once her emotions settled and her determination solidified, she, Gerald, and Rafael all took their seats at the round table positioned in the center of the pavilion. Rafael settled on her right side, while Gerald gave them space and took a seat across from them.


    As Rafael poured hot tea for Hera, Gerald retrieved a folder from somewhere and handed it to a servant stationed at the corner. The servant then passed the folder to Rafael before exiting the room and closing the door behind him, ensuringplete privacy for their discussion.


    "What’s this?" Rafael asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. He hesitated to open the folder, feeling a sense of unease.


    "Open it, and you’ll find out," Gerald replied, a teasing hint in his voice.


    To ease the tension, Hera interjected, "Actually, Mr. Troy was the one investigating the drugging incident at Dragon Pce Hotel since it falls under their jurisdiction. He needed to look into everyone present at the restaurant that day to identify who might be involved or behind the incident."


    "While Mr. Troy has already identified the mastermind behind the incident, he discovered that one of the visitors that day had connections to some questionable forces," Hera exined gently. She struggled with how to tell Rafael that his sister was linked to a criminal group that had been under police investigation for some time.


    "It’s more than just questionable," Gerald said. "I initially sought out Miss Ainsley because she’s close to you and might help facilitate a serious discussion about this. My goal is to hand over all the evidence to the police and resolve this matter swiftly. However, since I owe Miss Ainsley for being a victim of an incident on my turf, I wanted to respect her wishes before taking further action. It just so happens that you’re her friend." His tone carried a hint of taunting and smugness.


    "What’s all this about? How am I involved? I don’t recall being at that restaurant or hotel on that day," Rafael asked, his voice tinged with nervousness. He sensed where this might be heading but found himself in denial, struggling to ept the implications.


    "I understand, but you should review the contents of the folder to grasp the situation fully. I’ll answer any questions you may have afterward. Consider Miss Ainsley as the bridge facilitating this discussion. I’ve already had her sign a non-disclosure agreement." Gerald spoke with such a blend of truth and deceit that Hera didn’t need to offer her own excuses or worry about Rafael questioning her. She could simply observe his reaction and see how he processed the information.


    With a trembling hand, Rafael reached for the folder and opened it. The first page gave him an unsettling feeling, though it contained no immediate relevance. As he continued flipping through the pages, his unease grew. The folder revealed a series of disturbing photographs, each more horrifying than thest. Each image depicted various heinous crimes, causing Rafael’s stomach to churn and a sense of nausea to rise in his throat. The graphic content left him feeling increasingly disturbed.