The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 218

Chapter 218: Chapter 218 Her Prejudice
As Hera revealed that she had reciprocated Leo’s advances, Zhane and Dave felt a pang of sadness. They both understood that this situation had arisen solely because of the drugging incident. Without it, they might still be enjoying lunch together, sharing lighthearted moments. Even in their playful competition for Hera’s attention, neither Dave nor Leo would have crossed any boundaries or acted inappropriately.

This scheme was the most detested by the male leads for a reason—it had the potential to shatter everything. It only fueled their determination to assist Hera in uncovering the mastermind behind it and understanding why Leo had been targeted. If supporting Leo meant supporting Hera, they were prepared to do so wholeheartedly. They couldn’t ignore the fact that this situation had already affected Hera in the past, and now, history was repeating itself.

Initially, Dave entertained the idea that he might have been the intended target of the drugging incident and that Leo’s consumption was merely a mistake. However, upon discovering that this wasn’t the first occurrence, doubts began to form. Dave couldn’t help but speculate that Leo might not be who he claimed to be and could potentially hold significant influence in their country. The persistent attempts to drug him raised suspicions. Yet, they also considered that the orchestrator of this scheme might have been either foolish or failed to fully think through their plan. If Leo was the true target, the real mastermind wouldn’t reap any benefits and wouldn’t be able to engage with Leo as intended.

Or were they waiting for Leo to be taken to a room since he wasn’t feeling well, anticipating such an opportunity before making their move?

Another possibility is that they are actually targeting Hera. Their aim could have been to drug one of the men accompanying her, thereby tarnishing Hera’s reputation. If this is the case, the perpetrator must harbor deep-seated animosity towards Hera. However, since they lack any leads on the culprit, all their conjectures remain speculative without solid evidence.

As Dave’s mind raced with various speculations, Zhane remained focused on the matter at hand, eager to delve deeper into the situation. Dave nearly lost track of their conversation until Zhane prompted Hera once more. “And then what happened?” he inquired, drawing Dave’s attention back to the discussion.

Hera felt a lump form in her throat as she recalled the events that followed, finding them too intimate to discuss, particularly in the presence of two men. Her cheeks flushed crimson, betraying the nature of what had transpired, and both Zhane and Dave’s expressions shifted into contorted expressions that were hard to understand. Feeling overwhelmed, Hera glanced downwards, unable to meet their gaze, consumed by embarrassment.

Zhane’s countenance turned noticeably frigid, while Dave’s eyes bore a dangerous glint. However, their escalating anger was abruptly interrupted when Hera decided to continue speaking. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she kept her gaze fixed downward, shielding her expression from their scrutiny. “But, we only mainly kissed, and when we got to the couch, I managed to make him take the anaphrodisiac. Leo did his best not to be overwhelmed by the drug and resisted its effects. Nothing happened beyond that,” Hera stated, only partially revealing the truth to assuage her guilt. She disclosed nearly everything, adding, “Besides, Dave arrived when we reached the couch, and we both took the antidote by then, already regaining our composure.”

After Hera finished speaking, she lifted her gaze to meet Zhane’s inquisitive stare head-on. Zhane and Dave’s expressions visibly softened upon hearing Hera’s account, yet they couldn’t shake off the realization that if Hera’s version was accurate, then Leo demonstrated remarkable self-control or profound respect for Hera by resisting the effects of the drug for so long. Their intense animosity toward him waned slightly in light of this revelation. Dave recalled the image of Hera atop Leo, clutching the bottle of pills, while Leo clung to her, but by then, Leo appeared significantly improved, having regained some of his composure.

Initially, Dave feared the worst upon witnessing their disheveled state, but now, a wave of relief washed over him as Hera explained what transpired. As he reflected on the scene, he realized he hadn’t detected any signs or smell of male discharge near the couch, only a lingering sweet scent enveloping Leo and Hera when he drew closer. He dismissed it as Hera’s perfume, a detail that added to his reassurance.

Recalling these small details, Dave found himself fully believing Hera’s account. Apart from Leo appearing disheveled, Hera’s attire remained fully intact, save for the hickeys adorning her neck and collarbone. Otherwise, she seemed unharmed, which further solidified Dave’s trust in her version of events.

“I’m glad you’re okay. I know this has been traumatizing, but don’t worry. Once I get the lab results, I’ll send someone to track down who’s responsible for this. I’ll make sure justice is served,” Zhane assured Hera, gently laying her down on the bed and covering her with a blanket. “For now, just rest and leave everything to us.”

Hera nodded gratefully but couldn’t forget to ask about Leo. “What about Leo? Will you let me know how he’s doing?” she asked, biting her lower lip as she waited for Zhane’s answer. Seeing her anxiety, Zhane felt a pang of bitterness. Unlike Dave, who openly displayed his frustration and jealousy, Zhane maintained his composure. He gently rubbed Hera’s head, trying to comfort her as if she were a little girl about to get a shot.

Hera choked up in her own saliva, she didn’t want to be coaxed, she needed an answer, but she wanted to know about Leo’s well-being, if something happened to him, any long-lasting side effects, it would be her fault because he chose to make her feel good first before settling his own body’s needs.

That’s why she was extremely worried but at the same time, she genuinely cared about Leo. Zhane and Dave, however, did not fully understand her concern. Hera couldn’t explain to them why she needed to know about Leo’s well-being or what he meant to her. Their expressions silently demanded answers, even from the usually reserved Zhane. Leo and the male leads were different, and Hera’s connection to Leo was something she found hard to articulate.

She could feel that Leo’s feelings for her were genuine, but she wasn’t sure if the male leads’ attraction was due to their own interest or the influence of the storyline and the female lead’s halo, which she was trying to steal from Alice. She still harbored some prejudice against the male leads since they were partly responsible for her family’s downfall. Although they hadn’t directly killed her as portrayed in the novel, they had enabled Minerva, especially Rafael, who was the cause of all this.

So, in terms of feelings, although she currently had a good impression of the male leads, Leo still held a higher place in her heart. She admitted to herself that it might indeed be favoritism. But what could she do? She couldn’t erase her prejudice against them in a matter of seconds or even days.

Seeing Hera stubbornly awaiting his answer, Zhane gave in and nodded. “Alright, I’ll let you know about his condition and the necessary steps to help him recover.” He then placed his hand on her uninjured one, the one without the IV needle. Though his expression remained indifferent and stern, his voice and gaze softened as he continued, “But you have to promise me that you’ll follow my instructions while you’re in the hospital. Deal?”