However, he didn’t dare resent his mother, whom he viewed as a strict female ogre; instead, his frustration was directed toward Rafael and Xavier for their carefree antics.
Upon hearing Dave openly discuss their less-than-ster school experiences, Rafael instantly became defensive, like a porcupine ready to strike. "What are you talking about?! Don’t just tarnish my reputation in front of Hera because you’re feeling jealous!"
Before Dave could respond, Xavier jumped in to support Rafael. "My manager and Hera’s manager have already discussed this. Today, we’re going out to shoot for our ambassadorial campaign for the Love Potion perfume that Rafael gifted to Hera."
"She’ll be my partner for the endorsement. We’ll need to head to the store together for the productunch and then participate in a proper photoshoot. They’ve kept the ambassador’s position under wraps and will only reveal itter."
"But everyone already knows you’d be one of the ambassadors," Zhane teased, his expression remainingposed and stern.
"Nothing I can do about that—it’s their fault for not keeping a tighter lid on things," Rafael said firmly, making sure no one misunderstood his stance.
Confidentiality was a key part of the contract, and he had upheld his end of the deal.
If there was a leak, it had to havee from thepany, and he wasn’t about to let them pin the me on him.
And it certainly wasn’t on Hera’s side either, as her appearance hadn’t been revealed or leaked yet.
Only Xavier was known, but thepany behind this ambassadorial offer had yet to make any announcements.
Rafael suspected it was part of their marketing strategy to hype it up, carefully keeping Hera under wraps.
As soon as Hera and Betty received the contract for the ambassadorship, Betty arranged for Hera to take a leave of absence from school, so, there’s nothing for them to worry about Hera’s school.
After learning about this from Rafael, the others followed suit and took their seats in the helicopter.
They opted to return to the city by helicopter since it was the fastest option.
Driving back from Dave’s chateau would take over two hours, consuming valuable time, especially since most of them had morning meetings scheduled for that day.
With seven of them needing to board the helicopter, space quickly became an issue.
If they all wanted to return via chopper, they would need two. However, no one was willing to give up their seat and everyone insisted on riding with Hera.
In the end, Leo, who knew how to pilot, took the task of flying the chopper, with Luke assisting as co-pilot, while the other four surrounded Hera in the back.
Afternding on the rooftop of Everett Hospital, the closest location to Xavier and Hera’s destination, they stepped out to find their respective assistants waiting downstairs with their cars ready.
Zhane sent them off first, before heading off to begin his morning rounds in the hospital while awaiting the investigators that Dave had dispatched to his territory.
Xavier insisted that Hera ride with him in his nanny van alongside his manager.
Since Hera would be traveling with Xavier, Rafael saw no reason to take a separate car. However, the urgent calls from his assistant made it clear that he needed to leave, prompting Hera to send Rafael away.
He looked like a forlorn puppy left on the roadside. With a chuckle, Hera leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, as if bidding her husband farewell for the day.
This gesture brought a smile to Rafael’s face. Seeing this, the others eagerly awaited their turn, hoping for a kiss from Hera before heading off to work.
Instead of picking up Hera, Daisy, her assistant, had been instructed to head directly to the venue.
She was tasked with preparing everything Hera might need and coordinating with the staff to ensure a smooth setup.
Daisy, her assistant, had been instructed to head straight to the venue instead of picking up Hera.
Her task was to prepare everything andmunicate with the staff to ensure that all of Hera’s needs were met, just in case.
Xavier was reluctant to leave her side, having been away from the country for a few days that felt like an eternity.
During his absence, so much had happened, and he felt he had missed out on important moments.
His resentment toward the person who had sent him away grew, and he longed to vent his frustrations. Unable to do so, he clung to Hera like gum, unwilling to let her go.
He never imagined he would find himself acting like a lovesick fool, yet here he was.
Hera couldn’t help butugh as she gently stroked Xavier’s soft hair while sitting beside him.
His manager, usually vignt, chose to remain silent, pretending not to notice their affection.
Typically, managers of his caliber would advise their artists against falling in love, fearing it could jeopardize their careers.
Initially, he worried about this, but after witnessing the growing fanbase of the HAVIER love team shippers, he began to rx.
Their poprity surged, quickly surpassing other couples in the market, even those who had starred in major box-office hits.
He realized that expanding Xavier’s acting repertoire was also beneficial.
Until now, he had primarily been associated with action, sci-fi, and fantasy films thatcked any hint of romance—just non-stop action and thrills.
Recognizing the potential for growth, he decided to stop resisting this new direction.
Moreover, he could no longer think of Hera as merely riding Xavier’s coattails.
Her fanbase was rapidly expanding, evolving from its infancy into a robustmunity, thanks to the capable leadership of the fan club’s president.
He believed both Hera and Xavier would benefit from this partnership; neither was a liability.
In the brief moments he had interacted with Hera, he had already noticed her humility, kindness, and overall likability.