Despite recognizing the trap, Hera willingly stepped into it to uncover Dave’s true intentions. Meanwhile, the people trailing behind Dave and Zhane had moved closer, their expressions amiable as they tried to join the conversation and observe what was unfolding.


    "What are you all up to?" the Korean Dignitary inquired, his secretary and otherpanions drawing closer as they awaited Hera, Zhane, and Dave’s response. Meanwhile, Dave pretended not to hear, feigning deep contemtion as he waited for Hera to respond to his proposal.


    Hera nodded in agreement. In less than a month, she had already been involved in several bets with the male leads, umting both wins and losses. She still owed Xavier two wishes, and even if she lost to Dave, she wondered what he could possibly ask for from their bet.


    Little did Hera know, Dave was already plotting to use the bet as a way to gain exclusive time with her. If he won, he nned to leverage the wishes to ensure she would spend more time with him while barring the others.


    The moment Hera nodded, Dave’s smile widened even further. "How about we do it like you and Xavier did at the race track during the Variety Show? The winner gets three wishes, and the loser has to fulfill them?"


    Hera realized Dave’s game n immediately, but rather than backing down, she felt a surge of defiance. Dave’s overconfidence, as if he was already counting his victory before the race had even started, grated on her pride. It felt like he was underestimating her, and although she wasn’t sure of the extent of Dave’s horsemanship skills, she wasn’t about to let that intimidate her.


    In reality, Dave’s motivation wasn’t just about winning the bet; he also wanted to impress Hera and show off his skills, hoping to change her perception of him just as Rafael had managed to do. However, what Dave didn’t realize was that, instead of improving his standing, he was only digging himself into a deeper hole.


    Zhane, observing from the sidelines, could only shake his head in disbelief. He felt a pang of pity for Dave’s impatience and thoughtlessness. It made him question where Dave’s usually sharp mind had gone whenever Hera was involved. Zhane began to doubt Dave’spetence, wondering if perhaps his brain had been left behind or if it had been devoured by stray dogs.


    In the end, Zhane took on the role of officiator, standing by as Hera and Dave raced across the track. Dave, ever the smug and impatient who has never learned his lesson, was so eager to win that he bolted the moment Zhane gave the signal. His hasty start allowed him to surge ahead, leaving Hera in the dust.


    As Dave surged ahead, Hera was still adjusting to her horse, trying to gauge its speed and stamina. Once she felt morefortable, she urged her horse to increase its speed and set off in pursuit of Dave.


    "Giddyup!"


    With only onep to determine the oue of the bet, Hera knew she had to push her horse to its limits as Dave reached the halfway point. However, catching up was challenging, as Dave seemed to have a deep familiarity with his horse. Hera deduced that it was either his favorite mount or one he had owned and ridden for a long time.


    His deep understanding of his horse allowed him to maintain his pace through more than half of the track. However, Hera was no stranger topetition; her victory in the national equestrian championships with Diamond wasn’t due to luck. Determined not to give Dave any more opportunities, she leaned closer to her horse, urging it to take long, powerful strides. Its hooves pounded the track with a spring-like energy, propelling them forward with increasing speed.


    Before long, Hera overtook Dave and reached the finish line, where Zhane stood with a warm, gentle smile. His expression resembled a loving partner eagerly awaiting their spouse’s return—adorably cute and heartwarming.