She had meticulously crafted a strategy, with the reporter helping her steer the conversation toward a self-promotional narrative: a "strong, independent womanpeting head-to-head with men in a male-dominated sport."


    But now, with Hera stealing the show, her ns had beenpletely thwarted.


    Enraged, she harbored a deep resentment toward Hera, wanting nothing more than to ce her in a difficult position and regain control of the narrative.


    Only for the female racer to find herself in an ufortable position. The female reporter, who had been so eager to target Hera, now found herself at a loss for words.


    The other reporters, sensing a far more enticing story, eagerly pressed Hera with questions after she revealed how her identity as Phantom had been exposed.


    This revtion was like a goldmine for the media, and they eagerly anticipated the scoop.


    But Hera had nned this all along. She knew exactly what the female reporter was trying to do—create a scandal and tarnish her reputation.


    In response, Hera had cleverly turned the tables, knowing the reporter’s agenda and using the opportunity to make herself the center of attention.


    Meanwhile, the female racer, still fuming, only fueled the fire, further ensuring that Hera’s moment in the spotlight would eclipse anything the racer had hoped for.


    But as everyone knew, Hera could be quite petty when the situation called for it, and she wasn’t the type to walk into a trap—especially when someone was digging a hole for her.


    Instead, she made sure they were the ones who fell into it. As she continued speaking, her gaze shifted toward the female reporter and the female racer.


    Her eyes curled into crescent-shaped slits, and a mischievous smile tugged at her lips.


    Long-time fans of hers recognized that smile immediately—it was the sign that she was up to something, and they knew exactly what wasing next.


    Her fans could barely contain theirughter as they watched her subtle but deliberate move unfold live.


    ...


    [AuntieNextDoor: Nyahahah, they have no idea what’sing! Still so blissfully oblivious, it’s almost too easy.]


    [PasserbyGod: I know Hera can be a bit mischievous, but honestly, she’s been so calm about this. She wasn’t the one throwing shade, and let’s be real—she didn’t even call them out for implying she was some kind of... you know. She’s showing restraint, people.]


    [Athena_Lowery: @PasserbyGod Honestly, if it were me, I’d have pped that smug face right off the bat!]


    [LoudMouth: Those two women really need to get a grip. Who told them to pick a fight with Hera? Kekeke. They’re just digging their own graves.]


    ...


    Hera smoothly diverted the interview back to herself, shifting the focus away from Leo, Luke, Dave, and Xavier without a hint of effort.


    The reporters, all too eager to stay in her good graces, quickly forgot about the men and treated them as mere eye candy—nothing more than handsome bodyguards in the background.


    Hera, as always, was the center of attention. Once she stepped aside, her bodyguards seamlessly took control of the situation, leaving the female racer and female reporter fuming in the background.


    The female reporter, already aware that the deal had soured, knew that the racer would demand a refund for failing to meet her end of the bargain.


    Hera, with a smug smile, left them to sort out their mess, joining her team to celebrate the victory.


    Danny had initially hoped for a more casual dining experience, maybe a BBQ-style pic, thinking it would be more budget-friendly given therge group.


    But Hera and the others weren’t on the same page. Without missing a beat, Leo stepped in and casually suggested, "How about we reserve a table at Disfrutar Restaurant?"


    He made it sound effortless, as though booking a reservation at one of the finest dining establishments in the city was just another normal day.


    However, the truth was, Disfrutar’s menu was known for being exceptionally pricey, especially when you considered the dozen or so people in their group, including mechanics and staff.


    The bill was bound to be steep, but Leo seemed unfazed, as if money were no object.


    Danny and the rest of the team hesitated, but as the manager responsible for the team’s finances, Danny knew exactly how far their budget could stretch.


    However, he couldn’t help but recall the extravagant meals he’d had in the private lounge at the airport and on the airne—luxuries that had seemed like a distant dream just a few days ago. His lips curled with anticipation.


    <i>’God, I’m loving this. I want to be adopted by these rich people’</i> Danny thought, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.


    Although he had dined with sponsors during meetings and enjoyed a taste of luxury as the manager of the National Race Team, being surrounded by Hera and her people was a whole new level of opulence.


    Every moment with them felt like a glimpse into a world of wealth and privilege that he could never quite get enough of.


    After agreeing to Leo’s suggestion, they all climbed back into their cars, with a truck trailing behind, carrying Hera’s racing car.


    The rest of the crew settled into the expensive cars, following the convoy, while Hera, Leo, Luke, Dave, and Xavier rode in the extended Rolls Royce Phantom.


    Inside, Leo made a phone call.


    "Yes, I’d like to reserve the entire ce."


    "We’re already on our way."


    "It doesn’t matter; we’ll handle it. As long as the entire venue is reserved, the price is irrelevant."


    Though Leo’s conversation was one-sided, with his phone not on speaker, the others could clearly hear his responses.


    Luke, Dave, and Xavier exchanged amused nces, their eyebrows arching in surprise at the casual confidence Leo exuded.


    As Leo ended the call with a satisfied smile, Luke nced over and asked, "All set?"


    "Yep," Leo responded with a nod before wrapping his arm around Hera’s waist, offering her a gentle smile. "I know you’re going to love the ce."