When Alexandre was just a step away, he softly handed her the bouquet of gardenias, then the trophy. Leaning in, he pressed a delicate kiss to her cheeks. In French culture, such a gesture was a customary greeting, but the way Alexandre did it carried a deeper intimacy—sparks seemed to ignite between them.


    The audience watching the stage and the broadcast screens caught on instantly. With his handsome features and her radiant beauty, they smiled as they admired the chemistry between the two striking figures.


    "Congrattions, Hera..." Alexandre whispered softly into her ear, his warm breath sending a tingling sensation that traveled from her ear all the way down to her toes. Then, gently pulling away, he took the microphone from the host and offered his official congrattions aloud, carefully pretending it was their first time meeting, so no one would suspect that Hera’s victory had anything to do with him or his influence.


    Xavier stood in the backstage lounge, gritting his teeth as he nced to the side. He hadn’t even noticed when Alexandre slipped away from beside him and made his way onto the stage.


    The fact that Alexandre got there first to congratte Hera, stealing Xavier’s moment, irritated him deeply. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to rein in the frustration. After all, he didn’t want to let his anger affect Hera’s mood. Still, his re burned into Alexandre’s image on the screen. ’<i>That guy really knows how to y the game,’</i> Xavier thought.


    Just then, his phone buzzed with iing messages. Without looking, he was certain it was Dave ranting wildly in their group chat—probably going off about Alexandre trying to steal their woman again. Xavier didn’t need the reminder and let the phone be, focusing instead on waiting for the staff who had gone out to buy the bouquet for him.


    Not long after, a female staff member came running back from outside, holding a bouquet sorge and stunning it almost hid her entire face. Xavier’s smile grew wider—and more mischievous—making him look even more handsome. Unfortunately, the staff couldn’t see his grin clearly because of the enormous bouquet she carried.


    When she reached Xavier, she handed him the enormous bouquet and said, "Sir, you gave me quite a bit of money, and since this is for your girlfriend’s big milestone, I thought it should look extra romantic. So, I went for the biggest and best flowers in the store. It cost a little extra, but I think it was totally worth it." The female staff member beamed from ear to ear as she watched Xavier cradle the massive bouquet, clearly proud of her choice.


    Xavier smiled and said, "Absolutely! This is way better than I expected—women really do know women."


    The woman reached to give him the remaining stack of money, but Xavier shook his head. "Consider this your tip for helping me out."


    With that, Xavier took off towards the stage, feeling a surge of confidence. After all, Alexandre’s bouquet of gardenias was tinypared to the stunning arrangement in his arms—hundreds of times better. Feeling smug, he didn’t wait for Hera toe down; instead, he strode right onto the stage to make his presence known.


    As soon as Xavier stepped onto the stage, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, and reporters immediately caught the scent of juicy gossip. Xavier made his way toward Hera, but at first, she couldn’t recognize him—the massive bouquet practically hid his entire face. Then, catching sight of his familiar clothes, she realized it was Xavier. Unsure whether tough or cry, Hera just stood there, caught between emotions.


    Meanwhile, Athena was snapping pictures after pictures of the unfolding love triangle, utterly delighted by the sparks flying onstage. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Xavier approach Alexandre and then proudly reveal his muchrger bouquet to Hera. Xavier looked downright childish, but Athena found the whole scene both hrious and heartwarming as she enjoyed the show from the sidelines.