But this time, after Leo pressed a gentle, loving kiss on her cheek, Hera knew Leo was still Leo. No matter what, he would always dote on her.


    "Break a leg. I’ll be there to watch you walk the runway," he said, his voice warm and reassuring.


    He reached out, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear before his thumb brushed against her cheek in a slow, tender motion. His touch was slightly rough, but the way he looked at her—his eyes sparkling like stars, holding only her in their depths—made Hera’s heart thump violently. It pulled at her heartstrings, leaving her breathless in the warmth of his spring-like smile.


    "I will," Hera said with a sweet smile and a reassuring look.


    One by one, Luke, Dave, Zhane, and Rafael each ced a quick peck on her cheek, their gestures filled with warmth and support.


    "Sweetheart, fighting!" Dave grinned, raising a fist in an encouraging stance. His enthusiasm was infectious, making the others smile just as widely.


    "Little Minx, do your best and y the runway," Rafael added, ruffling her hair affectionately.


    Then came Luke. "Don’t be too nervous—just be yourself, okay?"


    His cold, murderous aura fromst night was gone, reced by his usual gentle, sunny demeanor. His clear, bright eyes held nothing but reassurance, and his ever-handsome face exuded aforting presence that eased any lingering nerves.


    Zhane also stepped forward, offering his words of support. "Hera, don’t stress too much or carry all the weight on your shoulders. If it ever gets too much for you to handle, remember that we’re right beside you. We’ll help you carry the burden, alright?"


    Though he was referring to the fashion show and the online buzz surrounding her—urging her to focus on what she needed to do and leave the rest to him and the others—his words resonated with Hera on a much deeper level. They struck her heart in ways she couldn’t quite count, filling her with warmth and gratitude.


    Touched by his sincerity, she gave a firm nod, feeling reassured once again.


    She also received a message from Xavier, who, despite his packed schedule, had made sure to arrange things tightly so he could return home as soon as possible.


    [Xavier: Strawberry, I may be away, but my thoughts and heart remain with you. Do your best, and I’ll be watching from where I am. I hope the fashion show is a sess—congratte your best friend for me on taking her first step toward greatness.]


    [Xavier: And don’t push yourself too hard, Strawberry.]


    [Hera: Thank you, Brother Xavie.]


    [Xavier: (?????)]


    Hera chuckled as she read his message, feeling warmth spread through her chest.


    The others apanied Hera to the parking garage, watching as she drove away before going their separate ways to handle their own affairs. As soon as they parted, the atmosphere around them shifted. Their casual, rxed demeanor faded, reced by a more serious,manding presence.


    Leo, in particr, underwent the most striking transformation—his affectionate, doting gaze darkened, reced by a cold intensity. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.


    "Prepare everything and make sure we stay ahead of the game." His voice was low and sharp, leaving no room for mistakes.


    "Sir, are you... alright?" Terry, Leo’s assistant, asked worriedly from the other end of the line.


    Leo had yet to rest, exhaustion weighing heavily on him, but despite that, the moment he got the chance, he went straight to see Hera. Just one look at her face had been enough to recharge him, filling him with a warmth that momentarily pushed away his fatigue.


    But now, with her no longer in his sight, the warmth faded, and the coldness in his eyes returned—sharp, calcting, and unreadable, just as it had always been.


    "I’m alright. Just make sure to follow the n," Leo said coldly, his toneced with irritation.


    His mood had been affected in more ways than one. Even with Hera right in front of him, all he could do was watch—unable to touch, unable to hold her the way he wanted.


    The frustration gnawed at him, sinking his mood to rock bottom. Annoyed at the circumstances keeping him at a distance, he decided to channel that irritation where it truly belonged.


    A devilish grin tugged at his lips as he imagined the suffering that awaited those who would suffer under his wrath. The mere thought lifted his spirits, and a satisfied smirk settled on his face as he made his way to his car.


    The sleek vehicle was parked right in front of the building, and his driver was already waiting at the side. At the sight of Leo, the man immediately opened the back door with a respectful bow, careful to avoid making eye contact.


    On Hera’s end, just as she reached the gates of Green Dragon Manor, her phone buzzed with an iing call from Athena.


    "Babe, where are you? Are you on your way? Please don’t tell me you’re still in bed with your six gardeners, plowing thend? Oh, wait—scratch that, only five since Xavier’s out of the country..." Athena’s voice wasced with worry, but Hera didn’t miss the teasing edge hidden beneath it.


    With a small smirk, she pulled out her earphones from her bag, slipping them into her ears as she waited for the Bluetooth to connect. Only then did she start driving, her tone light with amusement as she responded, "Seems like you need your own love life so you’d stop obsessing over mine. I’m awake, dressed, and already on my way to the fashion show location."


    She rolled her eyes yfully, but a fond smile tugged at her lips.