The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 158

Chapter 158: Chapter 158 Xavier Competing for Attention
Hera and Leo strolled through the village, warmly greeting villagers and introducing Leo to their community. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, brimming with happiness and seemingly endless topics. They appeared completely engrossed in each other’s company as if they could talk for hours without ever running out of things to say.

Leo was, essentially, an exceptional listener. He allowed Hera to express herself freely, indulging in topics she found most enjoyable. Occasionally, he interjected with insightful comments, signaling to Hera that he truly comprehended her perspective and shared her sentiments. Yet, Leo genuinely relished absorbing Hera’s experiences, perspectives, and the unfolding narratives she shared.

Unbeknownst to them, nearly two hours had passed as Hera and Leo wandered through the village, engrossed in conversation. Suddenly, Hera felt a firm yet gentle tug at the hem of her shirt from behind. It was as though someone sought her attention, eager to divert her focus.

Hera suddenly recalled Xavier’s presence, realizing she had inadvertently shifted most of her attention to Leo. While Xavier had always enjoyed listening to Hera’s stories, he now felt overshadowed and overlooked because of Leo, the newcomer. His aggrieved expression was very visible, evident in the slight pout of his lips and the droop of his eyelashes as he openly displayed his feelings to Hera.

Observing Xavier’s dejected demeanor, Hera couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Reflecting on the situation, she realized she had inadvertently neglected Xavier in her engrossing conversation with Leo. Before she could express her apologies, however, Leo spoke up. “Mr. Montague, are you feeling bored and ready to head back already?”

With Leo’s words, it was clear that he wanted to send Xavier away so he could have alone time with Hera, yet his expression also did not betray genuine concern for Xavier’s feelings. Hera couldn’t shake the feeling that Xavier might indeed be feeling bored, especially since he had been silently trailing behind without much interaction. While Hera understood Xavier’s reserved nature and penchant for wit, she also sensed his potential dissatisfaction with the situation.

So she thought that Xavier was just enjoying listening or was super bored but now that she heard what Leo said, she also thought that it was possible, only if she did not see what Xavier looked like, so she was having a hard time telling which is which.

“Brother Xavier, are you getting tired?” Hera decided to address Xavier directly, hoping to clarify the situation.

Xavier pursed his lips, seemingly struggling to express himself, but Hera patiently awaited his response. However, Leo appeared unwilling to give Xavier the opportunity to speak. Sensing Leo’s imminent interjection, Xavier spoke up, determined not to be sidelined.

“No, I don’t feel bored listening to your voice,” Xavier asserted, offering Hera a charming smile akin to a mermaid luring a sailor with its beauty, a subtle act of defiance directed at Leo.

The cameraman felt a flutter of anticipation as if pink bubbles were floating in the air. He discreetly stepped back a few feet, careful not to disturb the delicate balance of the unfolding scene. Positioned in the shadows, he remained close enough to capture their conversation while ensuring he didn’t disrupt the intriguing dynamics of the emerging love triangle.

[XavierismyHubby: Woah! Were those words really from Xavier?!]

[XavierisLove: Why do I find Xavier’s action as if he was competing for Hera’s attention?! Please correct me if I was wrong!!!! ( ⓛ ﻌ ⓛ )]

[XavierisLife: Umu! I smell a sweet and sour lemon in the air!!! Why does Xavier act like a white flower?!]

[HeraismySister: I do feel like two women are fighting for the attention of the emperor, it’s just that, the one fighting was two men over sister Hera!!! Kya!!! I never expect to see a real-life drama!!!]

[AuntieNextDoor: Nyahahaha!!! Little sister Hera’s charisma rock!]

[PasserbyGod: I have a feeling that Hera’s love life would be very chaotic (.⌒∇⌒).]

[GoldenLight: When did Xavier learn to act coy? Where did he learn this?!

(＃`Д´)ﾉ]

[FatherOfCaduceus: Definitely not me… (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻]

[EntertainmentKing: It’s definitely @Dave_Carson’s influence because he always teaches him so many bad things… (｀Д´)ゞ]

[Dave_Carson: Why always me?

(｀ε´)ノ彡┻━┻]

As the others engaged in a lively conversation in the chatroom, Leo sensed his facade of indifference beginning to crack. Watching Xavier playfully vie for Hera’s attention stirred something within him. He realized that if he allowed Xavier to monopolize Hera’s attention that night, he might not be able to regain it easily.

Xavier would undoubtedly have numerous opportunities for interactions with Hera due to their shared industry, and their paths were bound to cross eventually. While Leo could also engage with her as an investor, but he understood the importance of respecting boundaries. Crossing those lines might inadvertently create trouble for Hera, potentially tarnishing her reputation unjustly.

Leo realized that rumors were like stains, challenging to erase, and he didn’t want Hera to endure any unjust consequences. At that moment, he changed his perspective, realizing that he couldn’t afford to be indifferent to who stood beside Hera or the rumors swirling around her. He couldn’t risk a repeat of the past mistakes, a realization that dawned on him only then.

Perhaps Leo didn’t view Xavier or anyone else as competition at the moment, but he couldn’t guarantee the same sentiment for the future. After all, it was Hera who would ultimately decide. Remembering his grandfather’s advice, Leo knew he needed to be proactive in his approach.

With a gentle touch, Leo reached for Hera’s hand as if it were fragile, expressing his admiration for her voice. “I agree with Mr. Montague and your voice is truly beautiful and captivating,” he began softly, “I found myself lost in our conversation, wishing it would never end.” Leo’s eyes shimmered with affection, but sensing Hera’s potential discomfort, he moderated his tone. Smiling warmly at her, he continued, turning his attention to Xavier, who had been vying for Hera’s attention. “I realize I’ve monopolized your time, Hera. I apologize for that,” he said sincerely. “I value our connection, but I understand if you’d like to spend some time with Mr. Montague. I apologize for any inconvenience, Hera.”

[PasserbyGod: Am I the only one feeling like the roles have been reversed?! Did Hera, Leo, and Xavier somehow swap scripts? Now Hera’s taking the male lead role, while Leo and Xavier are vying for attention like delicate flowers in front of the male lead, trying reverse psychology?]

[AuntieNextDoor: Now that you mentioned it, I think you’re right?!]

[HeraismySister: Hahaha! I’m cracking right now!!!]

[Xoxo: This is something new to me but I’m finding it interesting!]

Now that Leo has admitted his mistake like a magnanimous and understanding man, Xavier can’t continue to act like he was wronged. Doing so would only make Hera feel like she’s taking care of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. Xavier understood what Leo was doing. Although Leo was apologizing, he was also positioning himself as the one who took the short end of the stick. Xavier could see the potential for Leo to use this as ammunition against him, employing reverse psychology to appear more pitiful than Xavier if Hera were to choose Xavier’s side, leaving Leo to look abandoned.

Xavier’s initial satisfaction could be short-lived, as Leo’s apparent concession might be a strategic retreat, setting the stage for a later advance and Hera would feel more compelled to give in to Leo later on because she would feel guilty because she was the one who invited Leo and was the one responsible for touring him around the village, yet she abandoned him.