The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 202

Chapter 202: Chapter 202 Where to Eat?
“Dave, behave yourself.” Hera issued a warning to Dave before redirecting her attention to the head of the line. Onlookers, sensing the tension, discreetly turned their heads, feigning ignorance. They were careful not to offend anyone in Hera’s group, most of whom had witnessed the entirety of the Variety Show and were well-acquainted with its participants. They recognized the country’s young minister and knew of Athena as the sole heiress of the Lowery and Jackson estates, thanks to Hera’s earlier revelations at the end of the show. Leo Hendrix’s identity was also widely known among them because of the Equestrian Race.

As tensions simmered, the majority of people in the line and the gossiping bystanders discreetly averted their attention, reluctant to entangle themselves in potential trouble with this influential individual. Offending Hera was out of the question as well, given her ever-expanding fan base, which seemed to be growing even as they spoke.

They were left speechless to witness Hera giving Dave a warning, and even more surprised when Dave showed no signs of anger in response. It was a revelation to them that their country’s young minister could be so approachable, especially considering the wariness other leaders exhibited around him. They couldn’t determine whether Hera’s action stemmed from ignorance or boldness. Meanwhile, Leo smiled indulgently at Hera, still holding her hand as he guided her to the line, now second in line. Dave, unwilling to lose ground to Leo, tightened his grip on Hera’s hand and even gave her a quick peck before affectionately rubbing it. Catching Leo’s glare, Dave’s smile widened, enjoying the silent rivalry.

Dave’s satisfaction at getting under Leo’s skin only reinforced Hera’s belief that men were just grown-up kids who enjoyed playful banter. She shook her head, choosing to ignore them. Yet, Dave’s constant reminders of his presence beside her made it difficult for Hera to fully disregard him. Leo, on the other hand, silently trailed beside Hera, deliberately ignoring Dave to spare Hera any discomfort. He didn’t want to escalate tensions with Dave any further.

Dave seemed determined to persist as long as Leo remained present. “My dear, where shall we dine? Shall I book a table at the Golden Dragon Pavilion, or would you prefer the Dragon Palace Hotel?” His eagerness was palpable as he retrieved his phone, poised to make a reservation based on Hera’s choice.

Hera’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily at the mention of the choices, Leo was actually watching her with mirth in his eyes. He understood Hera’s need to conceal her identity as she continued her heiress training before being officially introduced and taking over. Leo couldn’t help but find her reaction endearing and chuckled softly to himself.

“Alternatively, we could try the renowned Hendrix restaurant by Sunset Peak Mountain for a change of scenery,” Leo suggested, subtly offering Hera an alternative option.

“But Dave doesn’t want to be sidelined,” he said. “Don’t you just want to promote your family’s restaurant? Why should we go there when we can grab lunch in the city center? The Avery is just as well known as the Hendrix, and those two establishments I mentioned are the best options there are.” Dave attempted to throw off Leo, expecting him to feel offended because he had just criticized Leo’s family’s establishment. However, much to his surprise, Leo only displayed a satisfied smile. He could see Hera’s lips twitching as she tried her best not to break into a smile after hearing a compliment for her grandfather’s hard work. She felt as though those compliments also extended to her.

Leo understood why Hera was pleased, so he chose not to argue with Dave’s remarks and simply chuckled. Dave, on the other hand, felt as if he had attacked a harmless cotton ball, inflicting no real damage on Leo. He was the only one feeling frustrated, almost to the point of wanting to spit blood over his self-inflicted wounds.

“Next!” Dave, who wanted to continue speaking, was cut off by the voice calling for the next person in line—Hera. As she approached, she found herself sandwiched between the two men, their grip on her hands refusing to release. Unable to reach her belongings in her bag, she shot them a side eye, hoping they would take the hint. Leo promptly let go, allowing Hera to tend to her affairs, while Dave, wearing a triumphant smile, stubbornly held onto her hand, relishing the moment of being the last one standing.

Only to hear Leo mutter, “Childish…” Dave’s core felt grated upon, prompting him to immediately release Hera’s hand. Hera responded with a sweet smile towards Leo, grateful for his intervention in removing Dave’s overly clingy and mischievous hands.

The onlookers, attempting to maintain discretion, found themselves amused by the scene unfolding before them. Some of them even contemplated taking another picture, but hesitated, mindful of the young minister’s presence and unwilling to intrude upon his privacy, which could lead to complications. As Hera finished her registration and prepared to depart with the big shots, the onlookers collectively breathed a sigh of relief, glad to see the tension dissipate with the departure of the men accompanying Hera.

Athena silently followed behind them, seamlessly blending into the background as she savored the spectacle created by her best friend. Despite only one male lead and an unknown man being present, the tension was palpable, already reaching its peak. Athena couldn’t help but anticipate what would occur if all the male leads were present—how much more intense would it become? Unbeknownst to Athena, Hera had forgotten to mention that all the male leads had visited her penthouse the previous night due to her busy schedule. If Athena had known, she would have been rolling on the ground with happiness, wishing she had been there to witness it firsthand.

When they reached outside of the finance building, Hera contemplated putting an end to the ordeal. However, Dave interrupted her thoughts by asking, “Which car are we taking?” He then gestured towards himself, subtly suggesting that Hera should take his car, with him behind the wheel.

“I drove here,” Hera cut his daydreaming short.

“Ah?!” Dave’s mouth hung agape in astonishment. Without another word, he simply followed Hera and the others to the parking lot. To his surprise, Hera headed straight for a flaming red Lamborghini Veneno Roadster and slid into the driver’s seat. Before Dave could react, Leo had already positioned himself in the passenger seat as swiftly as a ghost, shooting Dave a smug look.