The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 185

Chapter 185: Chapter 185 Dining with the Male Leads
“Grandpa Victor, feel free to request any specific dishes you’d like. Hannah is skilled in almost all cuisines,” Hera offered, mindful of the possibility that some guests might not voice their preferences or allergies out of politeness.

Noticing Hera’s concerns, Hannah chimed in, “Absolutely, sir. Just let me know your preferences, and I’ll whip up whatever you desire. International cuisine happens to be my specialty.” With a reassuring pat on her chest, Hannah emphasized her confidence and passion for her craft.

Hera also made sure to extend the same courtesy to Bry and his father and uncle, noticing their hesitance and unfamiliarity with the dishes before them. She wanted to ensure that everyone felt comfortable and had their culinary preferences catered to.

However, when Bry enthusiastically dug into the Seafood Paella, his delight caught the attention of his father and uncle. This moment of enjoyment helped ease their discomfort with the unfamiliar food and dining etiquette displayed by the others. Suddenly, they no longer felt like outsiders amidst aristocrats, but rather, welcomed guests enjoying a shared culinary experience.

“Sister! This is absolutely delicious!” Bry exclaimed between bites, his enthusiasm evident. Amy, noticing his enjoyment, promptly served him additional dishes she thought he would enjoy. Witnessing Bry’s happiness, his father and uncle gradually let go of their initial discomfort. The warm hospitality displayed by Hera and the others, coupled with their consideration for their guests’ comfort, put them at ease. They didn’t want to appear overly fussy in such a welcoming atmosphere.

“I’m delighted that you’re enjoying it,” Hera remarked with a smile, gesturing towards Hannah. “Just look at her—your compliment has her beaming from ear to ear,” she teased playfully, taking a taste of the seafood stew herself.

“Young Miss, don’t tease me,” Hannah replied, cheeks flushing with embarrassment despite her evident happiness at the compliment. With a shy smile, she quietly excused herself to the kitchen to prepare desserts for the guests and Hera.

By now, the title “Young Miss” no longer fazed Hera, as she had already established the image she desired in front of the male leads. She savored her meal with delight, and as before, Xavier attended to her with great care, ensuring she had seconds of the seafood stew and fetching dishes he thought she would enjoy.

Luke also made sure to take care of Hera, passing her some food from his side of the table that was out of her reach. Meanwhile, Zen animated the table with his lively chatter, discussing a variety of topics. In the past, he had refrained from speaking during meals, especially in the presence of his disciplined grandfather, who had a military background and preferred a quiet dining environment. However, witnessing his grandfather’s relaxed demeanor at this gathering, Zen felt at ease sharing his experiences in extreme sports over the years. Hera’s genuine interest in his stories further encouraged him, and her attentive listening ensured that Zen’s narrative flowed uninterrupted.

Occasionally, some of the male leads would also share similar experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding among everyone present. This contributed to the lighthearted atmosphere that enveloped the gathering.

At this moment, Hera momentarily forgot that the male leads were supposed to be her enemies, alongside Minerva and Alice. However, even as such thoughts crossed her mind, she remained keenly aware of her boundaries. Nonetheless, she couldn’t help but feel genuinely content, knowing she had successfully cultivated a positive relationship with Zen and Bry’s family.

Previously, Hera devoted herself to balancing her part-time jobs while also cultivating a connection with Alexi’s family. She held a sincere belief that her efforts could reshape the trajectory of her future, particularly due to the distinct way Alexi treated her. Hera believed that through her genuine dedication, they would perceive her sincerity. However, she remained unaware that these sentiments were influenced by the storyline itself. It’s only now that she grasps the profound impact of the narrative influence. These emotions, once believed to be her own, were in fact shaped by the storyline’s direction. This realization prompts Hera to reflect on the potent effect of the storyline, a revelation that had previously eluded her, as she never delved deeply into these underlying feelings and thoughts.

In parallel to the Hera depicted in the novel, she encountered criticism from Alexi’s family due to her impoverished and orphaned background. Despite her efforts, they harbored disdain towards her, often accusing her of holding Alexi back. However, during those moments, Hera found solace in Alexi’s unwavering support. His defense of her bolstered her spirits, leading her to believe that with time, she could overcome these challenges. She envisioned a future where, if she distanced herself from the main characters and their love story, she could carve out a comfortable existence, free from the hardships imposed by the storyline.

Hence, she kept her true identity hidden from Alexi until she was certain that the timing was right. Her intention was to ensure that when she eventually revealed the truth, she could embrace life to the fullest alongside her grandfather, fulfilling her duties as the heiress of the Avery family without causing them any harm.

As Hera witnessed Alexi with Minerva, she realized the inescapable grip of the storyline’s influence. At that moment, it felt as though the weight of the world was crushing her spirit. Her dedication and hope seemed futile, shattered by the realization that she was merely a cannon fodder in a narrative not of her own making.

So, she resolved that if the world desired her and her loved ones to perish like flies, she would defy it alongside its favored child, Alice. All she sought was a life liberated from the world’s constraints, with the power to shape her own destiny. Yet, she couldn’t grasp why the storyline insisted on dragging her and her family down to hell just to ensure the comfort and happiness of the female lead and her male leads.

That’s why she resolved to target the male leads. After all, who could contend with the female lead other than the chosen male counterparts destined for her? If the female lead possessed a halo to shield and elevate her position, it stood to reason that the male leads had their own protective halos, elevating them to higher status so they could stand by the female lead, shielding and supporting her from whatever comes her way.

As Hera pondered her grievances, she maintained a composed and gentle smile on her face. She recognized that her current demeanor was more akin to that of a story’s villainess rather than a mere cannon fodder. However, feeling trapped by the world’s influence, she resolved to embrace this role. Refusing to surrender without a fight, she vowed to wield the very sword the world had forged against itself and its chosen child, prepared to lead them to their downfall.

Hera made a conscious effort to halt her overthinking, recognizing its impact on her mood and ability to be present in the moment. She immersed herself in the enjoyment of the meal alongside everyone else. Afterward, they took a brief rest before Bry’s father and the other guests returned to the parking lot to help transport the gifts Hera had received from the villagers, including the live chickens and ducks.