By focusing the spotlight on the Lennons, they ensured the mafia faction remained oblivious to their true intentions.


    Meanwhile, Luke took charge of interrogating their captives, methodically uncovering critical information to identify their enemies and map out the full extent of the threat.


    This multifaceted approach not only created a strategic diversion but also provided them with the intel they needed to stay one step ahead.


    "How’s Rafael’s condition?" Hera asked, keeping pace with Zhane as they walked down the hallway. She still held the sk in her hands, her concern evident in her tone and posture.


    "That man is tough," Zhane replied, his voice steady but carrying a subtle undercurrent of relief.


    "We called at least two code bluesst night after the operation, but somehow, he managed to slip past the grim reaper."


    Though his words were like he was just talking about one of his patients, the hint of joy in his tone was unmistakable—a testament to his genuine satisfaction that Rafael had pulled through the critical stage.


    "That bastard won’t die easily, sweetheart, so don’t worry too much about him," Dave said with a shrug, his tone light as he tried to downy the situation.


    "After all, they say bad people don’t die easily. Though, he’s not exactly evil, just... not good either." Dave said, as he shrugged his shoulder, trying to bad mouth Rafael while he was out so he could go back to being the least favorite in the group but Xavier beside him spoke up.


    "Then, you’re thest to die among us." Xavier retorted, shooting Dave a side-eye, a mocking glint shing in his eyes.


    Dave nearly choked on his saliva, ring at Xavier, who only smirked in response.


    Their yful back-and-forth had everyone—Hera, Luke, and even Zhaneughing, easing the heavy tension that had lingered just moments before.


    In the midst of their light banter, they didn’t realize they had already reached the area near Rafael’s private room.


    However, just before his room, Hera noticed another door slightly ajar. She heard Minerva’s voice from the other side, unmistakably filled with sorrow.


    Curiosity piqued, Hera gently knocked on the door.


    "C-Come in!"


    Hera gently pushed the door open and stepped inside, but froze mid-step when she looked up. Alice was sitting beside the hospital bed, peeling an apple, her back to the door.


    Her fiery red hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, adding a vibrant contrast to the otherwise quiet room.


    Hearing the door creak open, Alice turned, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Hera standing in the doorway.


    Alice quickly stood up, setting the apple down on the bedside table. Her eyes widened as she faced Hera, an edge of surprise in her voice.


    "Hera, what are you doing here?" She nced briefly behind Hera, as if expecting someone else, before her gaze snapped back to her with sudden intensity.


    The color drained from her face, and her eyes darkened with a sh of anger. "Are you here tough at Minerva for what happened to her?!"


    Hera raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Alice’s sudden shift in demeanor. However, Alice wasn’t even looking at her.


    She had already lowered her head, her posture slumping as if she were burdened with some unseen weight, a silent expression of being wronged hanging over her.


    <i>’What is she trying to pull this time?’</i> Hera thought, her patience thinning.


    Ignoring Alice’s theatrics, she stepped forward toward Minerva, but Alice was quicker. She moved in front of Minerva, shielding her as if Hera intended to harm her.


    It was as though Alice was trying to paint Hera as a threat. The irony wasn’t lost on Hera—she was the one who had saved both Minerva and Rafael from the forest.


    Had she not arrived when she did, they might still be out there, with no one knowing what dangers they’d face.


    Alice was consumed by bitterness and jealousy.


    Everyone was talking about Hera, flooding the trending topics, while she watched in frustration as her own viewers dwindled, leaving her with no choice but to pay for the yacht and limousine rentals out of her own pocket.


    Fueled by anger, she returned home, turned off her phone, and shut herself off from anything rted to Hera.


    It wasn’t untilter, when she saw news reports about Minerva, that Alice learned of the incident.


    But in her haste, she didn’t read the part where it was Hera who had saved both Minerva and her brother.


    Determined to be there for Minerva, Alice finally managed to get her to open up.


    But Minerva hadn’t yet reached the part where Hera had swooped in to save her and Rafael from the forest. So, for now, Alice remainedpletely unaware of the full extent of Hera’s involvement.


    All this time, Alice had been trying to get closer to Rafael, just like in her previous life, but nothing was going ording to n.


    Now, with everything that had happened, she saw this as her opportunity to prove her care and sincerity.


    With Minerva’s parents out of the country and her brother still in the hospital, Alice thought it would seem only natural for her to step in and take care of them.


    Minerva, still vulnerable and in need of support, would surely ept her presence if she positioned herself as their caregiver.


    This could be her golden opportunity to finally gain the position she desired.


    Seeing Hera here again set rm bells ringing in Alice’s mind, and she hated it.


    However, her attention was quickly diverted when she noticed Xavier standing not far behind, along with the other men.


    She could already tell who Dave was, having seen his interviews on television regarding his diplomatic work.


    Realizing that the rest of the men were likely part of Rafael’s friend group, Alice couldn’t help but feel that fate was offering her a chance to get closer to them.


    The only problem, however, was the ring eyesore in her n—Hera.