The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 183

Chapter 183: Chapter 183 The Guilty Grandson
Who would have guessed that Hera had orchestrated this scene so masterfully? With a hint of pride, she showcased her creation, yet subtly masked her true intentions. Her calculated demeanor was meant for the others to see and sure enough, this didn’t escape the notice of her guests, leaving her confident that someone would surely inquire about tasting the concoction themselves.

Victor’s execution was flawless, providing Hera with the perfect opportunity to disclose the drink’s potent alcohol content. This preemptive move ensured that any later instances of intoxication, such as Dave’s, would be perceived as an innocent oversight on Hera’s part. Consequently, she could sidestep the need for explanations and potential scrutiny from the male leads regarding any suspicions of ulterior motives.

It was a strategic move to confess first, ensuring Hera had the upper hand and portraying her as genuinely eager for them to taste her creation without foreseeing its effects. Furthermore, her demeanor behind the bar counter had already made it clear that she wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about liquor. This was evident in her genuine surprise upon discovering the staggering value of some bottles on her shelf—her reaction was authentic and revealed her true lack of expertise in the matter.

Moreover, it wasn’t as though Hera was fabricating her lack of expertise—she genuinely wasn’t very knowledgeable. Her exposure to bartending techniques came from observing others, and she simply mimicked what she had seen. As for the ‘Night of Passion’ cocktail she crafted, it stemmed from her personal preference, a concoction born out of her own desire to satisfy her taste buds.

She believed that by handling things this way, none of the male leads would be able to find fault with her.

“Alright, since you’ve spoken, I’ll listen to you,” Victor chuckled once more, nodding in agreement with Hera’s words. Zen observed his grandfather with raised eyebrows, surprised by the continuous laughter. It was a rare sight; Victor’s laughter today already exceeded the sum of smiles Zen had seen from him over the years, not just toward him but also toward their family. Zen had always perceived his grandfather as taciturn and strict, someone who adhered to military principles with unwavering dedication, even at home—a trait that had made Zen somewhat averse to him.

As a result, Zen’s apprehension and aversion towards his grandfather began to dissipate. He found himself contemplating whether he and his family had ever truly attempted to understand his grandfather, or if their efforts to connect with him had been superficial. It dawned on him that since childhood, his fear of his grandfather had stemmed not from a lack of love, but from the imposing aura his grandfather exuded. Consequently, Zen had always instinctively avoided him. As he grew older, his grandfather’s presence at home diminished, as he dedicated more time to work at the base. This further distanced their relationship, leaving Zen to ponder the missed opportunities for connection.

Zen felt a lump form in his throat as he came to the realization that he bore some responsibility for the strained relationship with his grandfather. With maturity came reflection, and Zen couldn’t shake the feeling that his grandfather had likely cared for them deeply, choosing to immerse himself in work to shield the children from his gruff demeanor and intimidating presence. As Zen matured, he became engrossed in his own pursuits and aspirations, neglecting the opportunity to foster a meaningful connection with his grandfather.

Now, a profound realization dawned upon Zen, and he stole a glance at his grandfather, consumed by guilt. If his newfound understanding held true, then he had unknowingly caused his grandfather sorrow for an extended period—not just him, but also his sister. Both of them had actively avoided their grandfather due to the same apprehensions.

Zen’s gaze then shifted to Hera, pondering, “If it weren’t for them visiting her place, would I have ever realized this crucial insight?” He couldn’t help but acknowledge the positive influence Hera had brought into his life since they first met on the show. Recalling his grandfather’s words about Hera, Zen’s gaze softened with a sense of gratitude. When Hera noticed his gaze, she returned a sweet smile, reminiscent of a younger sister seeking approval from her elder brother. Zen couldn’t resist offering his praise, his voice tender and admiring with a hint of dotingness, “You truly are amazing, Hera.”

Upon hearing Zen’s affectionate tone, Hera couldn’t help but giggle like a delighted child, her laughter bubbling forth unexpectedly in front of everyone, momentarily forgetting the presence of the male leads. Her giggle was as refreshing and light as a summer breeze, weaving its way into their hearts, captivating them all as they watched her with fondness.

Sensing that all eyes were now fixed on her, Hera’s giggle caught in her throat like a deer caught in headlights. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she took on an endearingly shy and adorable demeanor, captivating those around her. So mesmerized were some of them that they found themselves unconsciously holding their breath, enraptured by her presence.

Feeling awkward, Hera was relieved when Amy arrived with impeccable timing, just in the nick of time to rescue her from her uncomfortable situation.

“Young Miss, the food is ready,” Amy announced casually. Hera’s breath caught in her throat as she realized her oversight—she had forgotten to instruct Amy and Hannah not to address her as “young miss” in front of the visitors. Revealing her true identity prematurely could pose a problem, especially since she hadn’t yet established a close relationship with the male leads.

She was too busy planning for the future, Hera realized she had overlooked the present moment and berated herself for her oversight. If her identity were exposed prematurely, before her grandfather’s introduction, she’d become a vulnerable target for those with nefarious intentions towards the Avery family. Despite their vast wealth, she understood that power transcended mere money—she lacked the influence to wield their considerable resources effectively. In such a scenario, she’d be akin to a plump piece of meat dangled before a ravenous wolf, leaving their family vulnerable to exploitation and harm.

If the male leads were to discover Hera’s true identity before she had earned their trust, they might turn against her even quicker than they did in the novel. Their actions in siding with Alice against the Avery family weren’t solely driven by affection for her; as businessmen, they were adept at calculating risks and rewards. Aligning themselves with the Avery family wasn’t as lucrative as gaining control over them, which is why they didn’t hesitate to oppose a conglomerate family such as the Avery Consortium. Moreover, they possessed the ideal weapon—the lovestruck Hera —to wield against the Avery family at the opportune moment.

As quick-witted as Amy, who had served in the Avery mansion for over a decade, Hera’s reaction struck her as unusual. Sensing Hera’s discomfort, Amy decided to provide an explanation. “Young Miss Athena called to check up on you and wanted me to inform you that she’ll be back tomorrow.”

Upon hearing Amy’s additional words, Hera released a silent sigh of relief inside her head. Her heart felt lodged in her throat as she raced to formulate a plan to address the situation with everyone. However, she found herself spared the need to speak as Amy’s words subtly implied that, since Hera was living with Athena, it was appropriate to address her as “young miss” out of respect for Athena.