The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 152

Chapter 152: Chapter 152 Rival
After the event organizers settled the commotion, reassuring everyone that all was well and the event was back on track, the award ceremony commenced to honor those who had emerged victorious in their respective categories.

Hera, Xavier, and Zen were ushered to the front of the line, standing alongside the other winners just below the small stage where the ranking ladder was prominently displayed.

The host began by expressing gratitude to all attendees, extending words of courtesy primarily towards the sponsors and influential figures who supported the competition’s development. He also acknowledged the dedication of all participants, commending the breeders and horse trainers for their exemplary work in breeding and raising exceptional steeds.

Finally, the host applauded the riders for their hard work and dedication, which led to their victories in their respective categories. He also took a moment to express appreciation for those who didn’t make it to the rankings, acknowledging their commendable efforts and perseverance.

As the host finished acknowledging and presenting trophies to the winners in the categories preceding Hera’s, he stepped down from the platform. Hera couldn’t help but tilt her head in confusion, realizing they hadn’t received their trophy yet, and they were the only ones left to be awarded.

Murmurs began to escalate as confusion spread among the crowd, with many assuming it was simply an honest mistake and the awarding of the trophy to the equestrian race category had been overlooked. However, their suspicions were confirmed when Leo stepped forward. The host promptly escorted him to the platform, handing him the microphone to address both the winners and the audience.

The whispers abruptly ceased, replaced by a collective gasp as everyone took in Leo’s otherworldly presence. Bathed in sunlight, he seemed to glow, a halo forming above his head as his piercing blue eyes swept across the participants’ faces until they settled on Hera’s. A subtle smile graced his lips as he began to speak.

“I am deeply honored to be invited to address you all today,” he began, his voice carrying across the crowd. “First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. Allow me to express my sincere congratulations to all the winners here today, on behalf of the Hendrix Consortium.”

Leo’s words were succinct, yet they resonated like lightning striking the crowd as they realized he was a representative of one of the largest corporations, both domestically and internationally—the Hendrix Consortium. Much like the Avery Consortium, Hendrix was a colossal entity with interests spanning various industries and enjoyed a close relationship with the Avery.

To avoid potential conflicts between Hendrix and Avery within the industry, Hendrix prioritized its international expansion efforts. Leo played a pivotal role in this strategy, often traveling abroad to oversee and bolster their international presence.

During the years Leo spent abroad, numerous changes occurred, and his family’s wealth and heritage remained formidable, rivaling Hera’s family. However, unlike the Avery family’s approach of raising their children in a manner akin to any other common household, the Hendrix children were brought up with strict discipline. From a young age, they were groomed to excel and were accustomed to receiving only the finest education and resources.

The Hendrix family was shielded from the harsh realities of poverty, fostering a demeanor devoid of humility but steeped in dominance and aloofness ingrained deep within their essence. In contrast to the Avery family’s humble beginnings as farmers who rose to become the monarch’s advisors, the Hendrix lineage traced back to the noble bloodline of the monarchs themselves.

Hence, every child of the Hendrix family was groomed to rule and command like emperors, destined to lead their people to unparalleled success. Had it not been for the concerted efforts of numerous families, who sought to suppress the Hendrixes since Leo’s great-great-grandfather’s era, the Hendrix family would have undoubtedly reigned as the foremost powerhouse in their country. Their prosperity became the very reason for their targeting, leading to their eventual decline.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the Avery family during their times of need, the Hendrix family weathered the storms of adversity. This alliance forged a renewed bond between the two families, reminiscent of the close ties their ancestors shared during their reign as monarchs and advisors, guiding their country toward brighter days.

Had their successive generations not predominantly produced sons, a marriage alliance between the two families might have been established much earlier. However, it was only in Hera’s generation that the Avery family welcomed a daughter. Seizing this opportunity, both families used it as a means to solidify their bond and truly become one unified family at last.

However, no one anticipated that a pest would dare to encroach upon their beloved Hera, inadvertently breaking Leo’s heart. Yet, now that Hera had rid herself of this individual, Leo returned immediately, determined to fight for the person he had yearned for. He vowed to actively engineer opportunities for them to meet and spend more time together if fate did not provide such chances on its own.

His grandfather, finding himself with ample free time as Leo took over the family business, grew bored. Meanwhile, Hera’s grandfather was preoccupied with work. To remedy his boredom, Leo’s grandfather decided to join Hera’s grandfather, his best friend, seeking to alleviate his restlessness by teasing and pestering him no matter where he went.

Leo couldn’t help but facepalm at the memory of his grandfather, whose penchant for more childish behavior seemed to increase with age. Growing up in the Hendrix family meant enduring immense pressure to excel from as early as five years old, with strict guidance on life goals. This upbringing often left them emotionally distant and cold. However, his grandfather’s passing the baton to him relieves his grandfather of the burdens and responsibilities that had defined his life. Finally freed from the weight of familial obligations, he could now pursue what had eluded him throughout his youth and that is being free and experiencing many things.

While the Avery family, with their wealth of life experiences, aged into wise individuals akin to hermits seeking tranquility in retirement, the Hendrix family followed a vastly different path. The two families, each embodying contrasting dynamics, found themselves drawn to one another due to the intriguing interplay between their differing philosophies and lifestyles.

As Leo took the stage, Hera’s realization dawned: he was a member of the esteemed Hendrix Consortium, a household name widely known much like her own family. Her eyes widened in surprise as she locked gazes with Leo, who met her stare with a playful twinkle in his eyes. Meanwhile, Xavier, observing from the sidelines, misinterpreted Hera’s reaction as a sign of infatuation towards Leo. Sourness crept into his expression as he watched her intently, lips pursed in discomfort.

Meeting Leo triggered alarm bells in Xavier’s mind, prompting him to finally recognize and understand his growing attraction to Hera. Initially, he dismissed his feelings as mere convenience, attributing them to their partnership to make it more convenient for both of them while on the Variety Show. However, as time passed and he grew closer to Hera, he found himself unknowingly changing his behavior and feelings towards her.

The discovery of a love rival hit Xavier like a tidal wave, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the situation. Deep inside, he grappled with a sense of unease, recognizing Leo’s unmistakable interest in Hera. Moreover, Xavier couldn’t shake the feeling that Leo’s appearance was far from coincidental, adding to his growing apprehension.

Xavier clung to a glimmer of hope, noting that Hera didn’t seem particularly close to Leo. This realization bolstered his belief in his chances, even though he remained clueless about how Leo and Hera had crossed paths. However, Xavier knew he could uncover that detail later. What mattered most at the moment was how he could win Hera’s affections. Glancing at Leo, a thought crossed Xavier’s mind: “He seems like a male vixen.” The very notion left Xavier frowning in dissatisfaction.

Once Leo concluded his speech, the host proceeded to announce the winners of the equestrian race, starting from the third runner-up, Zen, followed by Xavier. However, when it came time to announce Hera’s placement, the host paused, exchanging a significant glance with Leo.

Leo called Hera’s name, his voice dripping with honeyed tones and a hint of seduction. As his words reached Hera’s ears, her eyes fluttered involuntarily, feeling a sensation akin to butterflies in her stomach, followed by a tingling sensation that seemed to ripple through her entire being.