Even if Hera chose to overlook it, Gerald wouldn’t tolerate someone with a questionable character being in a rtionship with his Young Miss, just as Alexi did before. Previously, they were kept in the dark about Hera’s actions and whereabouts to protect her, but now that they know more, Gerald is determined to ensure she isn’t betrayed or harmed again.


    "Gerald, be reasonable. It’s not as if you have any other solutions to offer. As you said yourself, you’ve been hitting a wall with the underworld and haven’t found a way through. This indicates there’s a powerful force behind those every move against your actions. The death of your subordinate is a clear warning to stop probing where you don’t belong. Since we have no leads and can’t prate their defenses, we should use someone who already has connections." Hera said, giving Gerald a stern look. He backed down, bowing his head in resignation, though he shot a disdainful nce at Rafael, who was so absorbed in feeling protected by Hera that he failed to notice anything amiss.


    He was so absorbed in his own sense of relief that he paid no attention to anything else. In that moment, he felt like Hera was supporting him and helping him find a solution. Her intervention in deflecting Gerald’s verbal attacks made him feel even more reassured and appreciative.


    "I’ll call Luke now to see if he’s avable," Rafael said with determination. He pulled out his phone from his suit’s breast pocket, dialed Luke’s number, and put it on speaker as soon as it began to ring.


    After three long rings, Luke finally answered the phone with azy yet amiable tone. "Yes?" There was a noticeable difference in his voicepared to when he spoke with Hera—while still friendly, it carried a hint of authority and detachment.


    "Hey, Luke. I need a favor. I recall you mentioned in our group chat that you have some connections in the underworld. I can’t go into details over the phone—can we meet up so I can show you something?" Rafael said. Although his tone remainedmanding and proud, there was a clear note of vulnerability and distress that even Luke could detect.


    "I’ll help you with whatever you need, but I’m swamped right now and can’t meet up. Have your assistant send over any critical information that can’t be emailed, and I’ll review it as soon as possible and get back to you," Luke said with a slight sigh. His usual warm tone sounded a bit cold and distant, clearly reflecting his fatigue and the pressure of his busy schedule.


    "Alright, I’ll have my assistant send the files directly. Hera and I will have lunch and wait for your response in the next few hours," Rafael said, feeling a bit relieved. Although he wasn’t sure if Luke could help, the prospect of having someone who might be able to assist gave him a glimmer of hope.


    On the other end of the phone, Luke immediately perked up when he heard that Hera was with Rafael. Noting that they were having lunch when something urgent came up, Luke’s tone shifted. "Wait, you just reminded me—it’s lunchtime, and I haven’t eaten yet. I’lle to you. Just send me your location." His voice was now eager and amodating. He shot a re at his assistant, who stood frozen, still holding the takeout boxes Luke had ordered his assistant to order for his lunch.


    Luke didn’t wait for his assistant to process his sudden decision and left immediately, leaving his assistant dumbfounded in the office amidst a mountain of revised contracts and financial reports. Despite being swamped with other aspects of his business, Luke feltpelled to act. Hearing that his friends were aggressively pursuing Hera’s attention and spending more time with her, he worried that his usual steady and gentlemanly approach might not make the same impact whenpared to their more shameless tactics.