Zhane had uncovered Hera’s schedule after Bry let it slip during their chat the previous night. Ever since their hospital visit to prepare Bry’s uncle for surgery, Zhane had kept in close contact with Bry. It was during this time that he learned Bry and Hera maintained regr contact, meeting up whenever Hera’s schedule allowed.


    Zhane subtly turned Bry into his informant to keep tabs on Hera’s schedule. When he learned she’d be meeting Bry and his father at the racecourse, he seized the opportunity to orchestrate a "chance" encounter. Feeling like he was falling behind the others, Zhane knew he had to act quickly—he hadn’t spent time with Herately and worried she might forget about him if he didn’t make his move.


    Zhane couldn’t figure out how Dave had managed to get wind of the meeting, especially since he’d been so careful to keep it discreet. He didn’t believe for a second that Dave’s appearance was a coincidence—Dave had imed he was going golfing, yet there he was, stepping out of his car in the racecourse parking lot at the exact same time.


    While Zhane waited for Hera and the others to arrive, it became obvious that Dave was also lingering nearby, pretending to be upied with his horse. Zhane couldn’t shake the suspicion that Dave had been keeping tabs on their group, possibly even spying on their other friends to get details on Hera’s schedule so he could crash their ns. Honestly, Dave always seemed like the third wheel at these meetups, but he didn’t seem to care in the slightest.


    Back to the main topic, neither Zhane nor Dave showed any concern for the feelings or reputations of the two women who came to stir trouble. Even Zhane, typically reserved and professional due to his medical background, had no intention of holding back. When it truly mattered, his words could be as sharp as a de, cutting through even the thickest of egos.


    Zhane instinctively extended his arm, gently pulling Hera closer to his side so she could feel his warmth and the security of his embrace. It wasn’t just a protective gesture—it was his way of ensuring that, should any of the womensh out or try to get physical, he’d be ready to shield Hera with his body at a moment’s notice. His instinct to protect her kicked in naturally, especially since he knew how emotional situations could escte.


    Sensing Zhane’s protective gesture, Dave stood up, reading the situation perfectly. While Zhane and Hera remained seated, Dave took a step behind Hera, effectively shielding her from view. His protective stance ensured that the two women couldn’t see Hera’s figure or even think about harming her out of spite. It was a silent but clear message: they wouldn’t let anything happen to her.


    Sianna and the other woman felt deeply insulted by how Zhane and Dave were so protective of Hera, as if they were reckless enough to harm someone in broad daylight. Yet, beneath their offended exteriors, they were seething with jealousy, secretly wishing they could pull Hera from her chair by her hair and drag her away. Their possessiveness over Zhane and Dave made them feel territorial, and Hera’s presence only fueled their frustration.


    "Young Minister Dave, isn’t this the woman you imed was your girlfriend?" the Korean dignitary sneered as he approached, his mocking toneced with disdain. "But why does she seem so cozy with other men? Or perhaps you have a particr kink—enjoying the idea of sharing your woman with others?" He stood beside Sianna and the other woman, clearly taking pleasure in ridiculing Dave’s choice of partner, Dave has been avoiding him and his granddaughter for some time now.


    Dave sneered back at the Korean dignitary, showing not the slightest respect despite the man’s seniority by three decades. "Hmph! Haven’t you heard? True treasures are rare, and when they appear, people flock to them like flies. It just means my girlfriend is so precious that many outstanding men are drawn to her," he shot back, his tone sharp. "Maybe instead ofining to me, you should wonder why your granddaughter wasn’t as fortunate in finding a husband." His words wereced with the same biting sarcasm, cutting just as deep as the dignitary’s mockery.