The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 174

Chapter 174: Chapter 174 Inviting Them All In
“Why, I wonder? Perhaps I should give you a demonstration, a little bout to prove these old bones haven’t lost their edge. Would that convince you of my enduring strength, hmm?” Victor’s voice dripped with playful sarcasm as he cast a domineering gaze upon Zen, who had just expressed doubt about his ability to assist with mundane tasks.

Zen fell silent the moment his grandfather spoke. He understood all too well that his grandfather’s words were never hollow threats; they always carried weight. Instinctively, he sought refuge beside Hera, knowing it was the safest place to be at that moment.

Hera sensed Zen’s restlessness and she tried to alleviate his discomfort. Despite Victor’s rough and unfiltered demeanor and words, she felt that Victor was actually a nice old man. “Grandpa Victor, Zen was simply teasing. You’re more than welcome to join us. We’re planning to gather at my place for a small meal with everyone. Would you be comfortable in a bit of company?” Her smile was gentle, and Victor’s stern expression softened slightly as his gaze eased.

“Of course, count me in!” Victor exclaimed joyfully, his laughter ringing out and startling Zen to the core. In response, Zen instinctively edged closer to Hera, seeking reassurance.

Hera brushed off Zen’s anxiety, perplexed by his fear of his grandfather. Stepping forward, she swiftly tapped her key card on the sensor and repeatedly pressed the close button, eager to seal the door shut. Her urgency stemmed from a concern that more people might enter, though she couldn’t fathom why this particular elevator was crowded when there were others available.

Unbeknownst to Hera, the other elevator was undergoing an hour-long maintenance session. The building manager had made the decision to keep only one elevator operational to avoid inconveniencing the occupants during routine maintenance.

Luke and the others seized the opportunity while waiting for Hera to emerge from the basement. Spotting her car passing by the entrance, they positioned themselves in front of the elevator, observing its indication to ensure it was going up before Luke pressed the button. Their intention was to create the illusion of an ‘accidental encounter’.

But Luke was a little perplexed because he did not expect to see his good brothers here and they were not there to see him but to see the same person he wanted to see. His thoughts shifted to Hera, he had a good impression of her from when she helped the staff of the building with her heroic act, it was his first time seeing a woman be so gallant but elegant. Hera embodied both strength and grace, yet beneath these traits, she exuded a gentle and kind nature. Luke couldn’t help but perceive her as the epitome of purity, not because she had remained untouched by the world, but because she had steadfastly shielded herself from its influences.

For Luke, purity typically connoted being untainted and morally upright. However, observing Hera, he realized her purity wasn’t of the saintly variety. Instead, it was a resilience that allowed her to remain composed amidst life’s chaos. This quality deeply resonated with him. He found himself drawn to her, perhaps because he was weary of encountering women who constantly schemed for attention and flattered men for what they could offer. Hera’s authenticity stood out amidst a sea of pretense, captivating Luke in a way he hadn’t experienced before.

Observing his friends, Luke couldn’t help but notice their attraction to Hera. Whether it was for the same qualities that had drawn him to her or others that he hadn’t yet recognized, their interest was unmistakable. From their engagement in the live stream chatroom to their current focus on her, it was clear they were all captivated by her presence. Luke was keenly aware of his good brother’s interest in Hera, as well as the surprising attention she had garnered from the reserve and stern Zhane, who was typically dedicated to his hospital duties. Zhane’s willingness to prioritize meeting Hera upon her return from shooting underscored the sincerity of his interest, indicating a disparity from his usual demeanor.

It was evident that all three of them had already solidified their intentions or reached some form of understanding. However, Luke couldn’t quite discern Dave’s motives for joining them. Perhaps he was simply curious to witness his friend’s sudden interest in the same woman. Alternatively, Dave might have felt the need to be the voice of reason, ready to intervene if their infatuation spiraled out of control to the point of potential conflict. His presence could serve as a safeguard against any extreme actions driven by overwhelming emotions.

Luke found himself caught up in speculation about the motivations of his friends, oblivious to what Dave might truly be thinking. Dave’s unpredictable nature made it difficult to gauge his intentions accurately. In reality, Dave had simply joined them out of sheer boredom, preferring to avoid returning to work where he would inevitably be subjected to his assistant’s nagging.

As the elevator doors opened onto the penthouse, Hera gracefully stepped onto the marbled floor, guiding everyone towards the main entrance. Despite her composed demeanor, her mind was in turmoil. She hadn’t anticipated hosting all the male leads in her own place, and the prospect left her feeling unprepared and anxious.

Unaware of the depth of her connections with each of them, Hera could only recall meeting them a handful of times and engaging in casual conversation. She hadn’t considered them close enough to invite into her home, except for Xavier. However, unbeknownst to her, during her time on the show, the male leads, including Leo, had been observing her closely. They were drawn to her authenticity and found themselves growing fond of her. Despite her belief that their interactions were superficial, her genuine nature had left a lasting impression on each of them.

Their curiosity and interest in Hera had grown exponentially, leading them to feel as though they had known her for much longer than they actually had. Unbeknownst to them, they were gradually drawn closer to her, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn more about her.

To expedite the process, Hera used her fingerprint to unlock the double doors of her home’s main entrance, ensuring a seamless entry without keeping everyone waiting.