No one targeted her, unaware that she was the one keeping the ying field bnced, all while protecting Luke, Dave, Rafael, Zhane, Leo, and Xavier. After all, if anyone discovered she was the mastermind, safeguarding their targets and orchestrating their enemies’ downfall, she would be a prime target.


    And once that happened, she knew her aides wouldn’t hesitate—they would mobilize every resource and move their forces to protect her. But then, what would happen to her lovers? What about their safety?


    It was truly a blessing in disguise that no one knew her true identity yet. This allowed her to operate as the mastermind in the shadows, undetected and free from suspicion.


    She didn’t need her aides to be overly protective of her, giving her the freedom to move around as needed, for now. All she could do was hope her ns would unfold as intended and that her people would ensure her lovers made it through this ordeal unscathed. The thought of another one getting hurt, like Leo, was something she couldn’t even bear to imagine.


    While Hera was once again lost in her thoughts, overthinking everything, the car had already arrived at the airport. She was promptly escorted to her private lounge.


    "Sister Hera!" called out a familiar female voice.


    Hera paused, recognizing the voice but unable to see who it was because her towering bodyguards were blocking the view.


    Noticing her craning her neck to look, the bodyguards quickly stepped aside. That’s when Hera finally saw the girl, waving excitedly, her face lit up with joy as she hurried toward Hera, dragging a mint pink suitcase behind her.


    "Minerva?!" Hera eximed in surprise.


    Minerva was no longer in a wheelchair—her wounds had long since healed and scabbed over. She only needed to continue applying medication and keep the area dry and clean to avoid infection or scarring.


    But what shocked Hera was seeing Minerva there at all, especially with a suitcase in hand and standing in the private lounge area designated exclusively for the Avery family. No one else was supposed to be allowed near this zone.


    "Sister!" Minerva chirped happily as she ran up and hugged Hera.


    The bodyguards instinctively stepped forward to block her, but Hera gave them a slight shake of her head, signaling them to stand down and let Minerva approach.


    "What are you doing here? Where are you going?" Hera asked, clearly bewildered.


    "Hehe, Sister Hera, you didn’t expect to see me, did you?" Minerva giggled, clearly pleased with herself. "Well, my brother was really worried about you going to France alone for thepetition, so he called me the other night and asked me to go with you. He even paid for all my travel expenses, gave me an allowance, and everything! So now I get to go to France and have fun with you!"


    Minerva had really changed. Unlike before—when she used to explode like a powder keg every time she saw Hera, always looking for a fight—now she was acting sweet and bubbly, almost like a younger sister. In truth, they were the same age, but the difference in demeanor made it feel otherwise.


    "Heh! Who said she’s traveling alone? I’ming with her too!" another voice called out confidently.


    "And me as well!" chimed in a second voice.


    Hera and Minerva turned their heads and saw Athena and Liz approaching, both dragging their suitcases behind them. Behind them was Zen, walking with his usual polished and stylish demeanor.


    Even with a mask and sunsses on, his good looks couldn’t be hidden. Fortunately, they were already in the restricted area leading to the Avery’s private lounge—closed off to the public—so there were no curious onlookers, only staff.


    "You guys are here too?!" Hera eximed with a bright smile, stepping forward to pull Athena and Liz into a warm bear hug.


    "Well, I’m only here to send you guys off," Zen said with a sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I still have some promotions and ad shoots to finish, and my schedule ispletely packed—unfortunately."


    He looked at Hera like a dejected puppy, clearly feeling left out. The thought of Hera and the others flying off to France and having fun while he was stuck working made him jealous. Still, a small part of him was relieved. After all, he’d be the only guy traveling with a group of girls, and that wouldn’t exactly look great for his image.


    And so, Zen followed them into the lounge. Normally, he wouldn’t be allowed in since he wasn’t flying with them, but because they entered through the VIP gate, he was permitted to see them off and even watch their ne depart before heading back.


    The five of them made their way to the private lounge, and as soon as they stepped inside, all four of them were visibly stunned by its grand scale. The space looked more like a luxurious private spa than an airport lounge.


    Even Athena was seeing it for the first time, so she and Liz excitedly explored every corner. They soon discovered a private chef stationed inside, ready to prepare freshly cooked meals on request. Not one to hold back, they ordered some snacks to enjoy while they waited to board their flight.


    "Young Miss, do your friends have any luggage they’d like to check in?" one of Hera’s bodyguards asked politely.