She could already tell that Zhane—and perhaps the others—were beginning to suspect who she really was. But they hadn’t pressed her, choosing instead to wait until she was ready to reveal the truth. Since they respected her silence, why should she hold back her resources?
Rather than keep things secret, it was better to give Zhane a heads-up. That way, he wouldn’t be blindsided when someone unexpected showed up at his hospital, examining Leo’s vitals and adjusting his medication.
More importantly, if the top two figures in the medical world could work together, then maybe—just maybe—Leo would have a real chance. Only then would Hera be able to breathe easier.
Besides, she hadn’t even known that her people had developed a new drug—it was just a fortunate coincidence that it could help Leo. The medication might boost his chances of waking up within the one-month window Zhane had mentioned.
And two minds were always better than one. With both of them working together, she could leave for France with a little more peace of mind, knowing Zhane wouldn’t have to shoulder everything alone.
She’d already seen how exhausted he was. If he kept pushing himself like this, he might end up being the next one admitted to the hospital—and that was something Hera absolutely didn’t want to happen.
She knew that by saying Zhane was there to help save Leo, she had unintentionally ced a heavy burden on his shoulders. The guilt weighed on her, and she silently vowed to support him however she could.
Turning her attention back to Leo, Hera slowly leaned down and gently rested her head against his chest. ’<i>Thud... Thud...’</i> His heartbeat was faint but steady. She drew in a shaky breath and whispered softly, "Leo, be good and get well soon. I’ll be back—and I promise, I’ll make them pay for what they did to you."
After a few quiet moments by his side, Hera finally stood. Zhane walked her to the hospital entrance. Just before she stepped into her car, he pulled her into a tight, wordless hug, holding her as if to lend her some strength of his own.
"Be careful out there, okay? I won’t be there to protect you, so don’t even think about straying from your bodyguards—or I swear, I’ll punish you when you get home." Zhane’s words carried a teasing note, but his serious expression betrayed his genuine concern.
He was clearly worried—especially knowing that none of them could apany Hera to France due to their own responsibilities. It was unfortunate, but unavoidable.
After hugging her tightly, Zhane pressed a lingering kiss to her lips, then to her forehead. With a gentle touch, he guided her toward the back seat, cing his hand over the car’s roof to shield her head as she got in.
Only after Zhane watched Hera’s convoy merge into the traffic did he finally turn around and head back to his office. Once there, he informed the others that Hera had departed for her flight to France.
Though they couldn’t apany her, they made sure to send her reminders and encouraging text messages. They truly wanted to be by her side—but for now, their responsibilities kept them firmly grounded.
Hera understood the situation well, so instead of reaching out to the others directly, she messaged Cindy and Gerald.
<strong>[Hera: @Gerald</strong> Gather more intel on the movements of the Northern, Western, and Southern mafia factions. Once you have enough, leak it to Luke—subtly. Don’t let it trace back to us.]
<strong>[Hera: @Cindy</strong> Assist the government in clearing out members of those three factions using our private army. I doubt the government will object. Just give Dave a heads-up beforehand so he can arrange clearance for the army’s movements.]
<strong>[Hera: @Cindy</strong> Also, wait for Terry to wake up. Once he does, let him spill everything. Tell him we’ll help them get revenge, and if they’re willing, give them full support. It’ll be more satisfying if they take their revenge personally. Lastly, keep an eye on Leo while I’m gone. There’s a real chance they’ll try to assassinate him or force him into a vegetative state.]
<strong>[Gerald: </strong>Understood, Young Miss. I’ll take care of it immediately.]
<strong>[Cindy: </strong>Consider it done, Young Miss. I’ll handle everything.]
Once she had given her instructions, Hera slumped back in her seat, her gaze drifting out the window as the scenery blurred by. Fatigue weighed heavily on her, but beneath it was a deep sense of worry.
She didn’t want to leave the country while so much was unfolding. It felt as though she were standing in the eye of a storm, watching it rage on outside while those she cared about were left to weather it from the sidelines.