The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Dinner at Golden Dragon Pavilion 2
Rafael patiently observed Hera as she busied herself with her phone, silently intrigued by the scheme she seemed to be concocting with her friend. Although he remained unaware of her exact intentions, it was evident to him that whoever she was targeting was in for a rough time.

The transformation Hera underwent since the earlier interview was striking. The vulnerable woman he had seen on screen is now gone, replaced by a woman exuding a captivating confidence and charm that even he found intriguing.

Once Hera and Athena finished their little fun, Hera cleared her throat and spoke, “Thank you so much for your patience, sir. We are also grateful for your assistance when we encountered trouble earlier.”

Rafael’s gaze remained fixed on Hera, his thoughts veiled behind his expression. Hera, however, maintained her composure, meeting his gaze with confidence, as if they were in the midst of a business negotiation. Meanwhile, Athena felt a shiver run down her spine.

After a brief pause, Rafael spoke, his smile restrained. “I should be the one thanking you.”

Hera tilted her head slightly, puzzled by his words. “I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone else, sir. I can’t fathom why you’d thank me.”

Rafael chuckled softly before explaining, “I’m thanking you for not implicating my sister during your earlier interview, despite having the opportunity to do so.”

It was only at that moment that Hera’s mental gears started to turn, connecting the dots. “And you are?” she inquired, though she already knew the answer.

“Apologies for the delayed introduction. I am Rafael, Rafael Briley. Minerva’s older brother,” he stated, neither rising nor offering any gesture of respect, but emanating an aura of arrogance befitting one in a position of power.

However, Hera remained unruffled, having anticipated this encounter. She understood that sooner or later, Rafael would confront her on behalf of his cherished sister.

She understood that while the general public might not grasp the significance of her actions during the interview, those with discerning eyes would see through the petty and immature schemes she played. ‘But what of it?’

Even if they were aware, they would be powerless to halt her course of action.

“So, why have you sought me out? Are you intending to negotiate on behalf of your beloved sister?” Hera quipped sarcastically, undaunted by his imposing demeanor.

Rafael’s lips curled into a sinister grin. “Hmm, I must admit, you’re not as foolish as you appear. After all, you managed to sway the masses with your little performance.”

By now, Athena had already understood what was happening and she felt her palms sweating in nervousness. This is the second male lead they are talking about, notorious for his fiery temper, and only the female lead had the ability to calm him and bend him to her will.

Nevertheless, he was known for his merciless demeanor, especially towards those who dared to fight with his sister. Athena could only place her trust in her best friend, hoping that Hera had a strategy to navigate this precarious situation.

“Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Briley.” Hera smiled, not showing any signs of fear.

Athena couldn’t help but elbow her friend and shoot her a warning glance. ‘What on earth was Hera thinking? Was she trying to get us killed faster?!’ But despite Athena’s persistent nudges, Hera seemed unfazed, as if she couldn’t feel a thing. Internally, Athena was screaming, ‘I’m going to die! I just got back to my luxurious lifestyle, and now I have to say goodbye already?! Hera, please stop!’

She desperately wanted to pull Hera away and apologize to Rafael, but Hera remained as unmoving as a mountain.

While Hera was indeed the heiress to Avery’s wealth and held considerable power, in the eyes of many, she was still regarded as a novice, especially considering her aging grandfather. This made her appear vulnerable. In contrast, Rafael had spent years navigating the intricacies of the upper circle, mastering various underhanded tactics along the way. Athena feared that Hera would easily succumb to Rafael’s cunning strategies if they really did fight.

However, Athena had underestimated her best friend, a fact Hera was keenly aware of. This was precisely why Hera had refrained from fully revealing her hand during the interview. She had meticulously stored away information about the male leads, the female lead, and even the secondary characters, knowing that every detail could be crucial.

Rafael’s eyebrows lifted in slight surprise. It was a familiar scenario; typically, when he initiated intimidation tactics, his adversaries would falter, granting him the upper hand in negotiations. After all, his reputation preceded him. “I suppose ignorance truly is bliss,” he mused to himself.

Hera settled comfortably into her chair, her hands resting serenely on the table. Sensing Rafael would not speak first, she decided to break the silence. “Since you’ve sought me out, I assume you’re already acquainted with the details of the situation, correct?”

Without waiting for Rafael’s response, Hera pressed on. “However, I trust you’ll also consider my perspective. I’m not one to seek trouble, as you can see, I held back my punches against your sister but I’m also hoping that she stopped coming after me.” She paused to take a sip of the tea served upon their arrival.

Once her throat was sufficiently wet, she continued, her tone thoughtful. “After all, she was the one who came between me and my ex. I’ve stepped back and relinquished him to her, but I can’t help but wonder what she hopes to achieve by obstructing my life now?”

She locked eyes with Rafael, her gaze mirroring his, transparent and emotionless. Neither of them could discern the thoughts swirling in the other’s mind.

“So, what is it that you want me to do?” Rafael’s voice carried a tinge of irritation. ‘Is she really dictating how I should manage my sister or handle these affairs?’

The notion didn’t sit well with Rafael, stirring a mixture of anger and impatience within him.

Hera chuckled softly. “How could I ever presume to advise one of the most accomplished young men in our country? I trust that you are well-versed in handling such matters, given your success, talent, and undeniable charm. Your wealth of experience in your esteemed position is undeniable, and I have complete faith in your abilities. I merely hoped that you might lend an ear to someone as insignificant as myself. They do say that magnanimous individuals like yourself will reap good karma and lead lives filled with happiness, don’t they?”

Hera resorted to a barrage of flattery as she noticed Rafael’s dwindling patience, recognizing that compliments and positive affirmations could help diffuse tension in such situations.

Athena was taken aback by her best friend’s sudden stream of praise, especially knowing Rafael’s temperament. ‘Is everything okay with her? Is she sleep-talking?’ she wondered incredulously.

Rafael couldn’t help but smirk upon hearing Hera’s compliment. “So, she’s not as ignorant as she seems,” he thought to himself.

Having grown up in an affluent family, Rafael had become accustomed to receiving all kinds of flattery. He had grown weary of the empty praise from people seeking to benefit from their association with him. However, Hera’s words resonated with him in a way that felt genuine and different from the usual sycophantic remarks.

“Perhaps it’s because her eyes are as clear as a deer’s, devoid of malice or greed,” Rafael mused to himself, trying to understand why Hera’s words felt genuine.

However, unbeknownst to him, Hera had simply uttered whatever came to mind without any ulterior motive or desire to get to know him. Therefore, there was no way for her to genuinely feel the sentiments Rafael was attributing to her.

Observing Rafael’s softened demeanor, Athena shot her best friend an admiring side glance. ‘Did it really work?!’

“So, what exactly do you expect from me?” Rafael asked in a lighthearted tone.

“How could I possibly have any expectations of you, Mr. Briley?”

“Weren’t we here to negotiate?”

“I’m not sure if Minerva would heed your advice. After all, you’re her doting brother who indulges her every whim. It might just backfire instead,” Hera stated matter-of-factly, each word pronounced with clarity.

“How is it possible that I don’t recall engaging in any behavior that would warrant such concern?” Rafael quipped, his tone seemingly light-hearted but his arrogance still evident, making it difficult to discern if he was truly joking.

Hera chuckled once more, her tone innocent as she inquired, “But didn’t you authorize the use of your company’s PR team to manipulate public perception, implying that I was harassing Alexi?”

Rafael’s reaction was imperceptible to the others, a subtle twitch revealing his surprise. However, he maintained a composed demeanor, betraying no hint of his inner turmoil.

“How about we set aside that issue and focus on the future? I’ll ensure my sister behaves herself. In return, I trust you won’t release any further evidence. How does that sound?” Rafael fixed his gaze on Hera, awaiting her response. Both his hands intertwined under his chin as he leaned on the table.

“You appear quite amiable, Mr. Briley, so I’ll be direct. As long as Minerva sticks to her own affairs and refrains from actions that directly impact me, I have no intention of causing harm to your sister. I’m not one to seek trouble, but I won’t hesitate to defend myself if provoked.” Hera smiled at Rafael, her words sincere and devoid of intimidation, yet carrying a significant weight.

Athena’s head snapped to look at Hera. ‘Amiable?! In what sense, girl?! Can’t you feel the tension radiating from him since earlier?! He wants blood!!!’

Meanwhile, Rafael found Hera’s words refreshing. It was the first time someone had mentioned finding him easy to get along with, not even his sister said so. So, he generously smiled at Hera.