Gently, he cupped Hera’s face and looked into her eyes. "Strawberry, I’m so happy right now. Thank you..."


    Hera had just lifted her head from his chest, still trying to understand what Xavier was so grateful and emotional about. But before she could ask, he leaned in and kissed her—right in front of Alexandre and Antoine.


    Alexandre’s expression immediately darkened, his intense gaze fixed on Hera, while Antoine’s face turned visibly pale.


    Xavier began with a soft peck on Hera’s lips, a fleeting brush of affection. Then, with a gentle bite, he nibbled her lower lip, teasing her. His right hand slid to the back of her head, anchoring her firmly in ce, not letting her escape.


    "Strawberry, open your mouth," he whispered against her lips, his voice low and coaxing as he nted feather-light kisses between each word.


    When Hera finally parted her lips, Xavier’s kiss deepened instantly, turning fervent and hungry. His tongue slid into her mouth with urgency, like a starving wolf finally tasting something he had long craved. He had been overseas for a while, away from her warmth and her touch, and now that she was in his arms again, he wanted to savor every second. He searched for her tongue, tangled with it, tasted her sweetness, and then suckled on it gently, as if trying to imprint her essence into his very soul.


    To Antoine and Alexandre, watching from the side, it was overwhelming. It was just a kiss—yet the sensual tension in the air was too overwhelming, intoxicating. Antoine turned away, unable to bear the sight, his chest tightening with the sharp ache of heartbreak. Alexandre, however, continued to watch silently. He didn’t look away.


    If he couldn’t endure this—if he couldn’t face the raw intimacy Hera shared with the others—how could he ever stand beside her as one of her seven men? Did he expect her to love only him? Of course not. So he needed to grow stronger, to ept that Hera’s love was vast, not exclusive. From this moment on, he would start preparing himself to embrace herpletely, even if it meant sharing her heart.


    Hera, overwhelmed by Xavier’s longing and intense desire, felt her heart pounding violently, as if it were about to leap out of her chest. Her fingers clutched at the fabric of his shirt, needing something to hold onto as Xavier deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with such hunger that soft, involuntary moans escaped her lips. Every stroke of his tongue, every heated breath shared between them, sent shivers down her spine.


    But amidst the passion, Hera became acutely aware of the searing gazes on them. It wasn’t just Antoine and Alexandre watching—there were still candidates waiting to take the stage, as well as staff and organizers nearby, all of whom had nothing to do with the scandal but now bore witness to this intensely personal moment.


    Her face burned hotter by the second. The flush of embarrassment crept down from her cheeks to her neck and ears until her skin blushed a deep shade of red, almost as red as a ripe tomato. And when Xavier finally pulled back, slightly breathless himself and a silver string stretched from his lips to hers, he caught sight of her expression.


    "Strawberry, are you okay?" he asked gently, a flicker of worry in his eyes. He hadn’t meant to get so carried away, but he’d been overwhelmed by relief, by happiness, by how much he missed her. He feared he’d pushed too far and left her breathless not just with passion, but fromck of air.


    "Hmm," Hera hummed softly, her voice muffled as she buried her face in Xavier’s chest, too embarrassed to look up. Her cheeks were still burning, and she couldn’t bring herself to meet anyone’s gaze.


    Without warning, Xavier scooped her up into his arms.


    "Ah—!" Hera yelped in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck for bnce. But as her eyes darted around, she noticed several people staring at them— candidates, and staff alike.


    Realizing they were all watching, her eyes widened, and she quickly let go of Xavier, covering her face with both hands in mortification.


    Xavier, however, onlyughed—his deep, melodic chuckle vibrating through his chest and against her cheek. The sound made Hera’s face grow even hotter. She wanted nothing more than to disappear into thin air.


    Hera peeked through her fingers and shot a re at Xavier, but to him, it only made her look even cuter. He chuckled again, clearly enjoying her flustered state, and without slowing down, carried her toward the backstage area where the other contestants were waiting.


    As Xavier crossed the threshold, every head turned toward them. When they saw Hera in his arms, no one said a word.


    They had just witnessed how brilliantly she had stood up for herself—how she had calmly and courageously defended her rights and proved her ownership of the design in front of an enormous audience. More than surprise or judgment, what filled the room now was quiet respect and admiration.