They quickly misinterpreted it as a sign of dissatisfaction with their service, and beads of sweat began to form on their foreheads as they anxiously awaited further instructions.


    Dave couldn’t say anything, as revealing the truth would blow their cover.


    <i>’Fake it ’til we make it,’</i> he thought, settling into the role.


    He moved alongside the others, confident that, as high-profile individuals like himself, they could easily disguise Leo in their group and convince everyone of their fabricated story.


    However, this was just Dave’s assumption.


    Leo, having caught the knowing look Dave shot his way, said nothing in return. Instead, he simply shook his head in quiet resignation.


    "Stupid," Leo muttered under his breath, but Dave still caught it.


    Fuming, he had no retort to offer. Luke and Xavier, however, didn’t pay him much mind, continuing on as the head staff led the way.


    It wasn’t until they passed that the other staff members exhaled in relief, their tension finally easing.


    Only then did they notice the person resting on Xavier’s arm, her face hidden beneath the hoodie, adding to the air of mystery surrounding her.


    Curiosity grew, especially after they learned she was, in fact, the elusive heiress of the Avery family.


    The question now loomed: If Hera was the real heiress, then who was the one studying at Princeton and openly posing as her, taking over her identity?


    A sense of drama hung in the air, sparking their innate curiosity.


    Their gossipy nature red up, and they began trailing behind Hera’s group, keeping their voices low as they pretended to be at the ready, should the VIPs need anything.


    Soon after, they arrived at the private lounge, which was spacious and exuded luxury.


    Massage chairs were neatly arranged around the room, along with soft, plush ck leather sofas centered around the long coffee table.


    Attentive staff stood by, ready to assist with any requests.


    Soft music yed in the background, and the lounge, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, felt like a world apart.


    Inside, the noise of announcements waspletely absent, leaving only an aura of calm and quiet.


    On one expansive wall stood arge aquarium, home to a stunning array of ornamental fish in every color and shape, its value easily surpassing $30,000 for each ornamental fish.


    The arrangement was nothing short of spectacr, sure to impress any collector of rare and beautiful fish.


    Behind them, rather than the view of nes taking off andnding, was a serene disy of lush Chinese bamboo and other ornamental nts, enhancing the tranquil ambiance of the room.


    The lounge itself was vast, divided into two distinct areas: one designed for rxation, and the other a dining space where guests could enjoy a meal while watching nes take off andnd from the runway.


    Even for frequent travelers like Luke, Xavier, and Dave, this was their first time experiencing such a lounge.


    The VIP lounge they typically used was located in a different area and was nothing like this in terms of luxury.


    Sure, their usual lounge was top-tier, but inparison to this one—especially with its exquisite food selection—this space felt more like a presidential suite, while the VIP lounge they were ustomed to seemed a step below.


    Nearby the dining area, there was a serene, small man-made pond with the soothing sound of a small waterfall, where koi fish gracefully swam.


    The scene exuded an oriental tranquility, making them feel as though they were there to experience more than just a meal.


    The ingredients were of the highest quality, with some flown in directly from their sources.


    Even the flowers adorning the space were airlifted from renowned flower districts, showcasing rare and exquisite blooms.


    "This is..." Dave began, but the words caught in his throat.


    He was at a loss, unable to find the right words to express his amazement.


    The airport itself boasted a five-star rating, offering top-tier facilities and services, but this lounge felt like a hidden gem on an ind brimming with treasures.


    "This is the private lounge reserved exclusively for the direct descendants of the Hendrix and Avery families, but not for the branch family" Leo exined, but as the words left his mouth, he realized his slip-up.


    He had already revealed that he was from a branch family, and with Hera’s identity still a secret, his exnation was not only confusing but wed. Leo pursed his lips, lowering his gaze in quiet frustration.


    But Dave misinterpreted Leo’s reaction, thinking it was a subtle worry that the staff would find out about him being from the branch family.


    With a sympathetic smile, Dave ced a hand on Leo’s shoulder, giving him an understanding pat, as if to say, <i>’I get it, no need to exin further.’</i> Leo, however, only saw Dave’s expression as annoyingly patronizing.


    Xavier and Luke heard Leo’s exnation but didn’t give it much thought.


    To them, as long as the goal was achieved, the details didn’t matter.


    The two of them settled onto the long sofa, with Xavier gently cradling Hera’s form against him, careful not to disturb her slumber as he adjusted his position.


    Luke, on the other hand, stretched Hera’s legs out onto hisp and began massaging them slowly, his touch light and soothing, though still mindful of herfort.


    As soon as Xavier and Luke settled onto the sofa, Danny and the rest of the National Race Team staff emerged from the other side of the lounge.


    They came to an abrupt halt when they saw Luke, Xavier, Dave, and Leo together, with a bundle resting on Xavier’s arm.


    Although they were ustomed to encountering important people, the sight of so many in one room was overwhelming—something they weren’t quite used to.


    Their enthusiasm quickly faded, and they froze, like startled quail, hesitant to disturb Hera’s peaceful sleep.