That’s why Xavier wanted to attend the productunch with Hera—not only to protect her but also to send a clear message: anyone who dared to touch Hera would be crossing him.


    Even though Xavier didn’t voice his thoughts, Hera could sense his intentions.


    Betty had already warned her about the risks of being associated with Leo, Luke, Xavier, Rafael, Dave, and Zhane, as many women coveted their attention.


    Being seen with them ced her in danger, and she could anticipate one mishap after another.


    That’s why she never strayed beyond the protection of her bodyguards.


    However, Betty also gave her the green light to let these men actively protect her, especially Xavier.


    While many sought to eliminate her in hopes of iming a spot beside these men, they were equally wary of Xavier’s strength and the influence he wielded, just as they were weary of offending the other five.


    Many already believed that Xavier had a mysterious background and was not solely dependent on Rafael, making them hesitant to offend him.


    While they feared offending Rafael and facing potential cklisting in the industry, there were still some unpredictable individuals out there.


    As a result, Hera couldn’t be certain that no one would attempt to harm her.


    As Xavier’s nanny van glided along the skyway toward the venue, five sleek ck sedans trailed closely behind. Both Xavier and his manager noticed the unusual convoy.


    "Xavier, we’re being followed," his manager said, his brow furrowing as he scrutinized the rearview mirror.


    He contemted various strategies to shake off their pursuers.


    Xavier frowned at the manager’s words, ncing back briefly. Hera, however, remained unfazed.


    Understanding the concern, she decided to rify the situation, knowing her assurance would ease their minds, especially if the manager’s efforts to shake the tail would likely be in vain.


    "No need to worry, those are my bodyguards," she exined, her voice calm and soothing.


    Both Xavier and his manager were taken aback by Hera’s words.


    Five sleek sedans trailed them, each more expensive than the car Xavier’s manager was driving.


    He suspected that the vehicles behind them were bulletproof, from the metal frame to the ss windows. Widening his eyes, Xavier turned to Hera, silently urging her to rify.


    Hera didn’t hesitate to borate. "Haven’t I just be the center of a tabloid scandal? Because of that, it’s likely that some of my anti-fans and your most zealous supporters will target me. There are also unpredictable factors at y. So, Betty, my manager, decided to hire a full security detail to protect me 24/7, especially when I’m out in public."


    Xavier’s manager whistled in astonishment as he nced at Xavier in the rearview mirror.


    He had always focused on managing his other artists, allowing Xavier to operate independently with his road manager.


    Now, he had decided to step in and assist, viewing this as a chance to unwind since managing Xavier was rtively straightforward.


    But he felt thating here was a good decision, as if he were in the midst of a drama where he was the sole spectator.


    "Don’t you think your manager is going a bit overboard?" he joked, his words holding a kernel of truth.


    Five cars, each filled with trained bodyguards—many likely retired military officers or special forces—was excessive for any celebrity.


    Typically, two bodyguards would suffice, yet here she was, being treated like a politician on an overseas trip, with five vehicles tailing her every move.


    "Well, I suppose it’s only fair. After all, I’m my manager’s new cash cow," Hera joked.


    Yet deep down, she recognized the overkill of the situation.


    Turning down this level of security wasn’t an option; while it was Betty who made the request, the real decision came from the CEO of UE.


    Upon reflection, she suspected these bodyguards were likely dispatched by her grandfather and came from their own family’s security detail.


    The reason for the five cars was that half of them were the bodyguards Hera had requested from Cindy as soon as the scandal erupted, while the other half had been dispatched by UE due to Betty’s insistence.


    Indeed, all of these bodyguards are retired special forces, with ranks no lower than captain.


    They hail from various branches of the military, including the Marines, Air Force, and primarily, the Navy SEALs.


    Their ranks mirror those of the U.S. military, as both countries often engage in joint operations, leading to simr designations within their armed forces.


    After hearing Hera’s exnation, both Xavier and his manager were still baffled by the necessity of so many bodyguards for her.


    Hera felt the same way, especially since Betty had also consented to her being protected by Xavier and the other male leads.


    With all this security, she felt more like a fortified bunker equipped with multiple locks, making her seem like an exceptionally important person.


    However, there was little she could do about it. Several attacks had indeed urred, likely reaching her grandfather’s ears amid the scandal.


    Concerned for her safety, he urged the CEO of UE to bolster Hera’s security detail, despite her attempts to decline the extra protection, as she already had a security team in ce.


    To reassure her grandfather, she agreed with this set up, however, her security detail had indeed expanded over the past few days.


    That’s why she often instructed her security detail to maintain their distance.


    Whenever possible, she requested that they forgo their suits and ties in favor of casual clothing.


    This way, they could blend into the crowd more easily, looking less conspicuous while still providing her with protection without drawing too much attention.


    Upon realizing that the five cars were part of Hera’s security detail, the van eased off its hurried pace along the skyway instead of attempting to flee.


    In response, the security vehicles closed in, with one car moving to the front and two nking the nanny van on either side.


    The remaining two trailed closely behind, maintaining a careful distance while ensuring that Hera was thoroughly protected.


    With this setup in ce, Xavier decided to let it go, recognizing it was for Hera’s safety.


    He settled backfortably in his seat, cuddling with her as they both relished the peaceful silence inside the van.


    They took this moment to recharge, ensuring they would have the energy needed for the productunch ahead.


    Soon, their nanny van arrived at the back door of the mall’s underground parking where the ’Love Potion’ perfumeunch was set to take ce.


    Bodyguards were already waiting to escort Xavier inside, and they were taken aback to see him emerging from the same van as Hera.


    Their primary task was to protect Xavier and ensure he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by fanster, so the unexpected pairing caught them off guard.


    The bodyguards assigned to Xavier ignored Hera, gesturing for him to follow them.


    Xavier’s expression darkened as he noticed how they treated her as if she were invisible. He opened his mouth to say something, but Hera gently squeezed his hand to hold him back.


    "Don’t worry; have you forgotten that I have my own security detail?" Hera whispered.