His frustration only grew as he felt more and more helpless. He stabbed at his food, poking it with exaggerated force, as if it had be his personal enemy, and sulked in silence.


    Hera couldn’t help but feel amused as she watched Dave’s antics. While she didn’t fully understand what was going on in his mind, it was clear that he was bottling something up.


    Though Dave could be childish at times and a bit of a handful, he was also sincere and just as helpful as the others.


    His quirks were part of what made him unique, and Hera found that endearing. She appreciated the sincerity he brought to their group, even if it sometimes came wrapped in frustration. It made him, in his own way, irreceable.


    "Dave, I bet you’ll love this seafood risotto made by Hannah. It’s one of her best dishes," Hera said, her voice light and teasing.


    Dave’s head slowly lifted from his te at the sound of her words. The moment he heard her, his gloomy expression transformed, and a wide grin spread across his face.


    His eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, clearly excited for being noticed. The mood shift was instant, his previous sulking forgotten in an instant as he focused on the meal ahead.


    "Then I’ll serve myself more of this risotto!" Dave grinned widely, eagerly scooping scoop after scoop onto his te. He looked like an excited puppy getting a treat, his enthusiasm so contagious that Hera couldn’t help but chuckle.


    But truth be told, Hera found it increasingly difficult to maintain the bnce of fairness. She tried to give everyone equal attention and love, but it wasn’t always easy.


    She had to consider their moods, their feelings, and what was going on in their minds—all while keeping everything together.


    Still, she reminded herself that nothing came without its challenges. Even though it was tough managing everything, she knew it wasn’t any easier for them, having to share her attention with each other.


    In fact, it was even harder for the men to keep their emotions in check. Jealousy and possessiveness would bubble up easily, especially when Hera showed concern for someone else.


    If they didn’t constantly remind themselves to stay grounded, it wouldn’t be long before they were at each other’s throats over petty jealousy.


    That’s why it was so important for them to work together and maintain bnce, despite the tension beneath the surface.


    This made their dinner feel warm and harmonious. Afterward, Zhane rested in Hera’s room, catching up on much-needed sleep, while Hera went to her study to focus on her coursework and the jewelry designs assigned by Liz for thepetition.


    Meanwhile, Luke headed down to his unit to grab hisptop so he could work nearby, keeping herpany.


    Leo had to leave to handle business matters he had put on hold to apany Hera, and Dave also had to catch up on his own responsibilities after being away for days. Their workloads had piled up and now demanded proper attention.


    As for Xavier, after finishing his meal and taking a shower, his manager called him out for a business trip abroad for an endorsement deal.


    Beside Zhane, Rafael also began dozing off, drowsy from his medication. In the end, only Luke and Hera remained awake, sitting side by side as they worked in quietpanionship.


    <strong>Ring...</strong>


    Hera’s concentration was abruptly broken by the sudden ringing of her phone. Her brows furrowed as she reached out to pick it up.


    "Who could be calling thiste at night?" she muttered to herself.


    Meanwhile, Luke remained focused on his work, engrossed in checking stocks and firing off emails, barely acknowledging the interruption.


    Taking a deep breath, Hera answered the call. "Hello? This is Hera speaking."


    "Hi, Hera. Sorry for thete-night call. I just got word that you’ve returned to the country, and I also noticed how packed your schedule has beentely."


    "Actually, I’m calling because, after reviewing your electives, I realized that even though you’re only in your second year, you’ve put in an incredible amount of effort in your studies and attended extra sses. As a result, you’re now eligible to start your internship early."


    "It just so happens that I have a list ofpanies avable, and given your achievements and outstanding grades, I’ve decided to ce you at The Rising Dawn Corporation."


    Hera tilted her head to the side. The name of thepany sounded familiar—it was on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t quite recall where she had heard it before.


    Noticing her silence, the professor continued, "I know you’re incredibly busy, especially now that you’ve entered the entertainment industry and are representing the country in the international race."


    "But I thought you might want to hear this, especially since thepany specifically requested you. They mentioned having a great impression and high expectations of you."


    "I also believe that, given your capabilities, your future shouldn’t be confined to the entertainment industry alone. This internship is a great opportunity for you to broaden your horizons. Plus, you have a close connection with the CEO of thispany, so I’m confident they won’t take advantage of you or treat you unfairly. It’s truly a chance worth considering."


    Although the professor’s words carried a nagging tone, Hera could sense the genuine concern of a mentor in his voice. However, one particr phrase caught her off guard.


    <i>"Close to their CEO?"</i> she murmured, her confusion deepening.