The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 153

Chapter 153: Chapter 153 A Chance Meeting
Hera found herself swept up in Leo’s overt charm, but she wasn’t alone; the other spectators seemed equally captivated, with many swooning even harder than her, especially those watching the livestream.

The way Leo uttered her name was undeniably alluring, sending shivers down Hera’s spine. Unconsciously, she found herself holding her breath, her cheeks tinged with a subtle blush. Meeting Leo’s gaze, she saw a mix of innocence and seriousness in his eyes, as if he were unaware of the effect his words had or the implications behind them.

Hera began to doubt her own reactions, questioning whether Leo had intended anything by his words. Perhaps, she thought, the issue lay with her own response, as she felt herself reacting overly sensitively in the public eye like a horny bish.

Fortunately, Hera maintained her composed demeanor in Leo’s presence. With a gentle smile, she gracefully ascended the stage where Xavier and Zen stood, each holding their own trophy and medals for their respective ranks on the podium.

Xavier’s gaze remained fixed on Hera, particularly after he heard Leo’s overtly suggestive tone. He was keen to observe Hera’s reaction—whether she would be swayed by his love rival’s advances or demonstrate her resilience against them.

Despite her composed facade, the slight blush coloring her cheeks, extending to the tips of her ears, betrayed Hera’s emotions. Xavier and Leo both noticed it, eliciting contrasting reactions—pride and happiness from one, and disappointment and sourness from the other.

Unaware of Xavier and Leo’s inner reactions, Hera focused inward, clearing her thoughts. She rationalized that her limited acquaintance with Leo—he was practically a stranger, having only met him twice—made it unlikely for him to behave in such a way. After all, she remembered him as a gentleman, even when under the influence of a potent aphrodisiac.

She admired Leo’s strength of character and determination, recognizing him as a decent person who didn’t let base instincts rule his actions. Unlike any other man that thinks with their lower half.

She had momentarily forgotten that his restraint was partly due to her ultimatum. Leo understood that if he pushed further, she might have followed through with her threat. Additionally, he desired their first intimate moment to be in a setting that was comfortable, romantic, and memorable. He envisioned it as a cherished memory they could share for years to come, built upon their mutual willingness and affection.

Leo stepped forward just as Hera approached the ranking podium where Xavier and Zen stood. With a gesture of gentlemanly grace, he extended his hand, offering support for her ascent to the top of the ranking ladder, which stood slightly higher than knee height.

Leo’s gesture seemed calculated, perhaps to preempt any chance of Xavier leaving his podium to support Hera. Hera, having cleared her mind, didn’t resist Leo’s offered assistance. Placing her hand atop his extended one, they walked together gracefully, their movements conveying a sense of familiarity and ease as if they were a couple who had spent years in each other’s company.

Their synergy wasn’t just superficial; there was a palpable harmony between them, an unspoken connection that resonated like a well-tuned melody. Each step they took together seemed to paint a picture of an ideal couple, perfectly in sync and complementing each other’s presence.

[AuntieNextDoor: Oh my!!! Don’t they look good together walking hand in hand like that?!]

[HeraismySister: So true! Now, I’m having a hard time choosing between Xavier and this gentleman who’s good for my sister Hera. ♪(♡0♡)]

[JustPassingBy: I guess I’ve been living under a rock. It’s surprising to see there are other guys out there who can rival Xavier’s charm and good looks.]

[PasserbyGod: They looked like a seasoned couple to me.]

[GoldenLight: Oh please, @PasserbyGod, it is clear that Leo guy is openly seducing Hera.]

[FatherOfCaduceus: He really does.]

[EntertainmentKing: He’s too obvious.]

[Dave_Carson: Why do I smell sour lemons from miles away?! （￢з￢）]

[EntertainmentKing: Shut the fuck up @Dave_Carson, weren’t you attending the inauguration of the new president of Country Y? What are you even doing in the live stream chatroom and watching the live stream?!]

[Dave_Carson: ♪～(￣,￣ )]

“Congratulations on your victory,” Leo whispered to Hera, his eyes softening as he looked down at her face while escorting her. There was a glimmer of pride in his eyes, not just for her success, but for the culmination of her hard work. It was as though her triumph in the championship carried a personal significance for him, akin to his own accomplishment.

“I didn’t expect to see you presenting the award for our race,” Hera whispered with a discreet giggle, meant only for Leo’s ears and eyes.

Leo’s tone was less cold and dominant as he spoke. His eyes show distinct affection and gentleness. “What can I do? I was sent here to represent the Hendrix as the sponsor of the event. Showing respect to the participants and organizers was necessary.” He paused for a bit before continuing. “Meeting you here, well, that was an unexpected bonus.” His words conveyed a sense of authority, suggesting that his presence was more than just coincidence. Beneath the surface of his words, there was a clear implication that he was not directly associated with the higher-ups of Hendrix Consortium and their decision-making, a message was delivered without needing to be explicitly stated.

If Leo’s assistant could hear his words, he would surely roll his eyes at Leo’s attempt to distance himself from the decision he made. Leo was trying to present their meeting as a mere twist of fate, conveniently ignoring his deliberate actions to orchestrate it. Such manipulation came as a surprise, even to those close to him.

In a surprising twist, the typically domineering and cold Leo found himself playing the role of matchmaker for himself. If his grandfather were to catch wind of this, he’d surely be amused. Leo smoothly guided Hera towards the ranking podium, his actions betraying a rare tenderness. With a firm grip on her small waist, he effortlessly lifted her up, sparing her the effort of climbing—a gesture not extended to the other champions.

After helping her up, Leo reluctantly let go of her soft waist and then went back to his position where the host gave him the award to be presented to Hera. Leo walked forward in front of Hera, Hera slightly bent her body forward to make it easier for Leo to place the medal on her neck.

After ceremoniously draping the medal around her neck, the host passed the trophy to Leo, who then tenderly presented it to Hera, his gaze locked solely on her. “Congratulations!” he exclaimed, a genuine smile gracing his features. Hera returned the gesture with a sweet smile of her own. This fleeting moment was captured in a photograph, capturing their exchange. Finally, they all gathered together with the winners for one last snapshot, destined for the front page of the equestrian competition.

Xavier silently observed the exchange from the sidelines, resisting the urge to intervene and pull Hera to his side. He found solace in the thought that Leo’s time with Hera would be limited, unlike his own potential opportunities to deepen their relationship later or tomorrow. Besides, he reminded himself, he still had two wishes left.

He reminded himself not to rush things, realizing that impatience could jeopardize the progress they’ve made in their relationship, which was currently on good terms. Moreover, he reasoned, there would be ample opportunities not just tomorrow, given their shared professional path. With Hera as his junior in the same industry, he could fulfill the role of a supportive and guiding senior without putting her in any difficult positions.

After quelling the storm within him, Xavier’s mood lifted, and he paid little mind to Leo’s proximity to Hera. Leo’s lack of introduction regarding his position within the Hendrix Consortium led Xavier, along with nearly everyone else, to assume that he was likely from the branch family of the Hendrix, perhaps holding a managerial or even directorial role if he proved competent. With this speculation in mind, Xavier no longer viewed Leo as direct competition.

Unbeknownst to Leo, his love rivals were contemplating similar thoughts, no longer viewing him as a significant threat. Nonetheless, he continued to happily pose for pictures beside Hera, subtly inching closer with each shot until their faces were mere inches apart. Even if he were aware of his rivals’ thoughts, Leo wouldn’t have cared. Hera’s opinion was paramount to him, and he would likely just sneer at his rivals, knowing they held no sway over her feelings.