The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 154

Chapter 154: Chapter 154 Selling Diamond?
Leo didn’t linger for long. After presenting the awards to the winners, he exchanged a few brief words with Hera and promptly exited the venue. It appeared as though he was simply fulfilling his duty as a representative of the Hendrixes, the event sponsor. However, the truth was more complex. Despite his reluctance, Leo knew he had to leave in order to maintain his facade. If he lingered too long, Hera might become suspicious, or worse, annoyed with him.

As Hera, Xavier, and Zen descended from the podium to the stage, Bry and the villagers rushed to them in excitement. Bry’s father and uncle, having processed the turn of events, now joined in the jubilation with tears welling in their eyes, surprised by the unexpected outcome.

The emotional surge intensified as they reflected on the fate of the bald man. Bry’s father found renewed hope, wondering if authorities had apprehended him for underhanded tactics or uncovered his actions from a year ago. Regardless of the specifics, the realization that even someone affluent couldn’t evade justice brought immense satisfaction.

His jubilant mood soared, a radiant smile stretching from ear to ear as he joined in congratulating the trio who had secured the championship. Amidst the festivities, several individuals approached Bry’s father, expressing keen interest in purchasing the three horses, with Diamond capturing particular attention.

“Are you the owner of this season’s champion horse?” A middle-aged man, sporting golden glasses, approached Bry’s father. “I’m keen on purchasing your Friesian horse for $60,000.” With a confident gesture, he presented Bry’s father with a sleek black calling card, adorned with silver fonts.

Bry’s father maintained his composure, offering a polite smile as he briefly examined the card handed to him. “I’m pleased that Diamond has drawn your interest,” he remarked, his tone courteous yet assertive. “However, we have no intentions of parting with our champion.” Emphasizing Diamond’s esteemed status in the competition, he subtly conveyed his disapproval of the man’s presumptuous demeanor and also as if he was doing Bry and his family charity by offering $60,000.

While Friesian Horses may not command the highest prices in the market, a finely trained one can easily fetch around $40,000. Stallions boasting top-tier breeding lines can even exceed $100,000 in value.

Among seasoned breeders of purebreds, the price of $60,000 for a horse like Diamond already pushes the boundaries. Diamond isn’t just a purebred; as a three-time national champion and record-breaker, surpassing previous limits, Diamond embodies excellence, boasting both a distinguished lineage and a champion status.

Hence, an offer of $100,000 would barely tempt Bry’s father to consider parting with Diamond, what more a $60,000 offer? Moreover, Diamond, being still young and brimming with potential, stands poised to continue dominating the championships in the upcoming years. Furthermore, their recent championship victory alone raked in a hefty sum of $100,000, not to mention the additional earnings from securing second and third places, which was another $50,000 and $25,000 respectively totaling another $75,000.

Even after deducting taxes and fees from their winnings, they would still pocket a clean $150,000. However, despite his annoyance, Bry’s father remained composed, masking his frustration. He was accustomed to encountering opportunistic individuals eager to profit without being prepared to make a commensurate investment.

The man making the offer grew annoyed at Bry’s father’s lack of excitement and happiness. To him, the sum he was offering wasn’t insignificant. Despite Bry’s father’s current winnings, there was no guarantee that his champion’s reign would continue in the following years.

Sensing the tension mounting around Bry’s father, Hera smoothly intervened. “Uncle, what’s the delay? Everyone’s waiting to celebrate.” She acted as if she hadn’t noticed the tension and gently guided Bry’s father away, aiming to diffuse the situation. This move was partly to save face for Bry’s father, who seemed on the brink of exploding at any moment as well as the other man so he wouldn’t need to be embarrassed.

Although Bry’s father is good-natured man, he is without temper and he can be annoying and scary when someone manages to flip his switches the wrong way. And even though Hera was not aware of this, she still did not want Bry’s father’s mood to be dampened by some random person when it was supposed to be a good occasion.

“Hey! You, you’re the one riding that Friesian horse, right? I’ll give you an offer higher than they did. Be my rider instead,” he said, flashing Hera a knowing smile. His words suggested a double-meaning word not only a proposition for her to be a horse rider but also hinted at a more intimate relationship, implying that she could “ride” him too.

Hera, who had tried to be courteous and provide him an exit earlier, was now also irritated. Not only did the man fail to appreciate her intervention, preventing him from embarrassing himself, but he also went ahead and provoked her. Hera’s brows furrowed as she struggled to rein in her anger.

However, it appeared that someone had lost control of their anger before she did. “Drag him away and bar him from ever setting foot near the Equestrian Competition again!” boomed a commanding voice from the depths of the crowd.

“Leo? Didn’t you just leave?” Hera spun around in surprise upon hearing the familiar voice once more, a distinct smile dancing on her lips.

Leo, contemplating possible explanations, maintained silence as he approached Hera. Upon reaching her, he gently pulled her to his side, his gaze locking with the man who had successfully provoked him. Ensuring Hera was secure in his embrace, he spoke softly, “I’ve learned that the investigation into the actions of the other participant who made a move earlier is underway. Considering his family’s influence, I returned to ensure your safety.”

Hera was moved by Leo’s concern, appreciating his kindness even though they were essentially strangers. If Leo’s assistant knew her thoughts, he might burst into laughter. “Leo, kind? That’s a good one,” he might say, considering Leo more like an Asura in the eyes of others.

“Are you alright?” Leo asked, blowing the situation out of proportion, and making Hera feel a bit embarrassed. He seemed to be acting like an overly concerned wife. To her surprise, Xavier also stepped forward, wearing a worried expression. Their combined reaction was so exaggerated that Hera found herself forgetting her initial anger sparked by the man’s shameless words. Now, she was left feeling confused and didn’t even know what she was feeling anymore.

“I’m alright,” Hera assured Leo, gently tapping his hand that supported her waist as if she couldn’t stand on her own. The man who initiated the fiasco was swiftly dragged away before he could even protest. Hera found herself speechless as the man was hauled off unceremoniously, resembling a sack of potatoes being carried away from the scene.

She found the situation both concerning and amusing, but she kept her composure intact. “Thank you, Leo, but there’s no need for you to come back. I understand you’re busy with work. It’s the thought that counts, and that means a lot to me,” Hera said softly, attempting to dismiss Leo because she knew his time was valuable, and keeping her company might not be in his best interest. She didn’t want him to risk getting reprimanded by his boss for slacking off.

Leo shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “I’m not busy at all. I don’t hold a significant position in the company, so even if I disappeared for the whole day, no one would even notice.”

The assistant’s head snapped to the side, eyes widening at his boss’s words. ‘Not important? Not holding a significant position? Who does he think he’s fooling?’ He opened his mouth, then closed it again, repeating the action several times. He struggled to find words, torn between speaking out and risking his boss’s wrath, knowing he would face severe consequences if he said something foolish. Besides, his boss was known for never slacking off, so if he wanted to take a day off, they could simply consider it his first one.

‘Let’s just let it go.’

Leo’s assistant sent a message to the secretarial department informing them that they could go home early today because Leo didn’t look like he was about to go back anytime soon in the company.

So, he just then decided to help his boss win the beauty. “Manager, since they’re about to celebrate, why don’t we join them? Didn’t you mention wanting to buy a horse as a gift for your father? Why don’t you talk with mister over here?” Leo’s assistant impulsively suggested, seizing the moment and not wanting to let the opportunity slip away.

Upon hearing his assistant’s suggestion, Leo felt a surge of appreciation towards him, finding him more agreeable than ever before. He nodded in satisfaction and turned to face Hera, his eyes filled with anticipation, and his typically imposing expression softened into something endearing. This unexpected change tugged at Hera’s heartstrings, leaving her deeply moved.