The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 204

Chapter 204: Chapter 204 Three Person Date
“Alright, I feel less nervous now. I’ll update you in a bit,” Athena said before hanging up. Hera stared at her phone for a moment, then turned to Leo.

“Sorry for promising your help without asking you first,” she said, smiling apologetically.

But instead of getting angry, Leo beamed from ear to ear. “I would gladly help, even if you don’t say it, I would still do it if it were for you.” It was then that Hera realized Leo’s mouth was like a pot of honey, always spouting sweet words that any woman would love to hear. Little did she know that Leo had scoured the internet for the top-liked pickup lines, diligently learning how to please a woman just as his grandfather had advised. He could sense that Hera’s walls were slowly crumbling around him, which made him happy. He was determined not to mess things up, knowing that a single misstep could undo all his hard work.

Hera, feeling like her heart had been tickled by a feather, smiled but said nothing as she drove out of the parking lot. Behind her, Dave, in his sleek dark gray McLaren 720S, followed closely, clearly displeased but unwilling to let Hera out of his sight. He couldn’t help but smile again as he compared Hera to her eye-catching car, admiring her uniqueness. However, his mood soured when his phone started vibrating nonstop with calls from his friends. Despite his efforts to keep his pursuit of Hera under wraps, they had somehow found out and were now bombarding him with warnings to stay away from her. Each message felt like a copy-paste statement, all urging him not to get involved with Hera.

Annoyed by the incessant calls, Dave turned off his phone, but not before instructing his assistant to conceal his and Hera’s whereabouts. He was determined to enjoy a quiet, three-person date. The ongoing standoff with Leo was already challenging enough—Leo seemed to be winning effortlessly—and dealing with his friends’ warnings was too much on top of that. Dave knew his friends had emergencies and busy schedules, just like him, so he wanted to take advantage of this time to woo Hera and get a head start against everyone else. He knew that aside from Xavier’s closeness with Hera on the variety show, no one else had made a move yet.

Leo, having gleaned insights from online advice on how to make a woman happy, conversed with Hera as if they were old friends, seamlessly navigating their dialogue. Intuitively guiding the conversation towards topics that ignited Hera’s enthusiasm, Leo skillfully maintained an air of genuine curiosity, despite his foreknowledge of her preferences. He adeptly feigned fresh interest in her stories, responding with heartfelt engagement and shunning technicalities to foster a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Leo’s generous compliments flowed effortlessly, ensuring their interaction remained authentic and free from any tension or formality.

Without Hera realizing it, she found herself effortlessly divulging her thoughts to Leo, feeling completely at ease in his company, with their conversation flowing seamlessly. She couldn’t help but admire Leo’s attentive listening skills; he seemed to possess an innate ability to sense her mood before crafting his responses, always striking the right chord. Hera couldn’t shake the suspicion that Leo must be well-versed in the intricacies of female company, perhaps even a seasoned charmer, a playboy, in short. The notion crossed her mind that if Leo could read her thoughts, he might be uncertain whether to laugh or cry at his own adeptness, which had now, in her mind, elevated him to the status of nothing but a womanizer.

In a matter of moments, they arrived at the illustrious Dragon Palace Hotel. As they approached the entrance, a valet awaited, promptly opening Hera’s door and offering his assistance as she gracefully emerged from the car. Hera greeted the valet with a radiant smile before courteously handing him the car keys. Despite the valet’s attentive service, Leo strode over to Hera’s side, extending his arm to escort her into the hotel, with Dave following closely behind. Upon noticing Leo taking Hera’s hand, Dave hurriedly entrusted his keys to the valet and hastened to join them, gently clasping Hera’s other hand.

His actions were so swift that Hera barely had time to react. With her bag situated on Dave’s side, he delicately retrieved it from her shoulder and draped it over his own before tenderly clasping Hera’s hands in his own, guiding her inside. As they reached the lobby, Hera couldn’t help but ponder how she would access her reservation information on her phone with both her hands occupied by the men. Yet, just as her concern began to rise, her eyes caught sight of someone waiting at the entrance, instantly brightening her expression the moment she spotted Hera. Without the need to present her reservation, the woman led Hera and the others to the elevator, alleviating her worries.

Leo’s nonchalance in response to the courteous gestures didn’t escape Dave’s notice and he thought that it was just Leo’s facade to mask his bruised ego. Dave assumed it was a reflection of his own status as the young minister of the country, Dave’s self-assurance swelled, leading to a smug glance in Leo’s direction before he confidently took the lead, guiding Hera towards the elevator.

In the periphery of her vision, Hera caught sight of a familiar silhouette, but before she could confirm, she was whisked away to the elevator, and the figure had vanished. The individual tasked with welcoming Hera exhibited exceptional professionalism, adeptly avoiding any mention of Hera’s true identity, especially in the presence of unfamiliar companions. Hera was impressed by Cindy and Gerald’s meticulous attention to detail, even ensuring that their subordinates adhered to this discretion. She felt fortunate to have such capable individuals working for her family. Before long, they arrived at the top floor of the hotel.

As Hera and the others stepped out of the elevator, they were greeted by the luxurious ambiance of a high-end restaurant. The entire floor boasted sleek, dark marble flooring, polished to a mirror-like shine. The tables, crafted from substantial pieces of African blackwood, exuded a natural elegance with their deep black hue and glossy finish, perfectly complemented by the sophisticated white chairs adorned with golden accents and plush cushions. This combination of elements achieved a seamless blend of class and refinement, striking a balance that felt neither excessive nor understated.

The lighting fixtures cast a soft, inviting glow, creating a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Lively indoor plants dotted the space, infusing it with a subtle vibrancy, while also enhancing the sense of privacy for each guest. Discreet partitions separated the tables, ensuring that diners could enjoy their meals with ample space between them, contributing to an overall feeling of exclusivity and comfort.