His words were like adding fuel to the fire, making it clear that Dave had not only set himself up for failure but had also handed Leo the knife to carve him up and the stick to roast him over an open me—all without realizing it.


    In short, Dave had yed himself.


    Even Hera, who had been worried earlier, couldn’t hold back herughter, joining in with the others. Leo’s eyes sparkled with amusement, the corners of his lips lifting into a smirk. Unlike the rest, who openlyughed, Leo remained somewhat restrained, but the challenge in his gaze was undeniable.


    Dave pretended not to hear them and pushed open the door, which hadn’t even been locked. Without a word, he ushered Hera inside, deliberately ignoring the rest. His cold shoulder only made Rafaelugh even harder, clutching his stomach as he doubled over in amusement.


    Truth be told, things just weren’t as fun without Dave in their group. None of the others were as willing to throw themselves into the fire the way he did, and without him, their dynamic would be far too serious—dull, even.


    Meanwhile, Dave, who had turned his back to them, hid the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His eyes softened as he guided Hera inside, his earlier frustration melting away.


    Once all six of them were inside, Leo made himselffortable in the living room while Hera went to the kitchen to drop off the basket with Hannah. With that done, she and the others—Dave, Luke, Zhane, and Rafael—headed upstairs to shower and change, ready to tackle the day’s responsibilities.


    Since Hera had a fashion show to attendter, she took a thorough shower, exfoliating her scalp and body to remove dead skin cells. She then followed up with an extended skincare routine to ensure her skin was in top condition.


    Once she was done, she chose a simple white shirt dress—easy to slip off when it was time for makeup—paired with a red leather mini skirt and knee-length high-heeled boots. She kept essories to a minimum, knowing that the stylists had already prepared pieces for her.


    Hera also left her hair untouched and skipped any makeup. She remained barefaced so the makeup artists and hairstylists wouldn’t have to waste time removing any existing products. This way, they could work on her from a clean te without any extra hassle.


    Satisfied with her look, Hera grabbed a random bag from her closet and quickly stuffed it with her phone, cards, and other essentials. With everything she needed, she stepped out of her walk-in closet and headed downstairs.


    In the living room, the others were already seated, dressed in sharp suits and ties. Leo sat among them, casually reading a financial magazine and the morning newspaper. As soon as they saw Hera descending the stairs, they all smiled at her dotingly before rising to their feet.


    Luke stepped forward and extended his hand. When she reached them, she took his hand, allowing them to escort her to the dining table. There, a simple yet cozy breakfast prepared by Hannah was already set, while Amy finished setting the table. Upon seeing them approach, a bright smile spread across Amy’s lips as she cheerfully called them over to sit down.


    "Everyone, please take your seats and enjoy your breakfast," Amy said warmly.


    As they settled in, Dave turned to Hera with a reassuring smile. "Sweetheart, I need to take care of some work before heading to your fashion show, but I promise I’ll be there on time. So don’t worry about anything—just do your best, okay?" he said before taking his seat.


    "Same here," Zhane added as hedled some chicken congee into a small bowl and handed it to Hera. "I have a few patients to check on and some paperwork to go through at the hospital, but I’ll wrap everything up before the show. You can count on me being there."


    "Hmm, we’ll all be there to support you, little minx," Rafael chimed in, ruffling Hera’s hair yfully as he passed behind her before settling into the seat beside Dave.


    Luke and Leo remained silent, letting the others voice their support, but their actions spoke louder than words. They continued serving Hera, smiling at her with quiet devotion.


    Hearing that they would all be attending her fashion show filled Hera’s heart with warmth. It wasn’t her event, yet their presence made her feel cherished and supported. Though her grandfather had always doted on her and encouraged her pursuits, he was the pir holding the Avery family together, constantly fending off enemies from all sides. His responsibilities often kept him too busy to be by her side.


    Aside from Athena, who had always stood with her through thick and thin, Hera had rarely experienced this kind of unwavering support. Now, surrounded by them, she felt something she hadn’t realized she was missing—truepanionship.


    She always told herself it didn’t matter. She convinced herself she wouldn’t feel lonely and didn’t need such things. What mattered most was that her grandfather was alive, that their family’s legacy remained intact. Those were the things she focused on, the things she believed were enough.


    But now, with people who willingly gathered around her—ready to pamper her, dote on her, and never miss a milestone in her life—she realized how much she had been missing. They supported her without question, always aware of what she was doing, always standing by her side.


    She hadn’t known she could feel this happy, this warm, this full.


    There was indeed a difference.