The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Chapter 32 Going Home At Last!
“I apologize for the inconvenience and for making a spectacle of myself in front of everyone,” Gerald declared in the lobby, addressing the other guests. “As compensation, tonight’s dinner is on the house for all of you!”

Everyone went on to do their own thing, satisfied with Gerald’s apology gift and intrigued by the news of the opening spot for the gold membership. Anticipation filled the air as everyone considered their chances and contacted friends who were eager to secure a spot.

His gaze lingered on Hera for a few seconds longer than the others as he scanned the room. Then, he spoke, “Miss, I do apologize for involving you in this matter. Please allow me to escort you out.” His words were met with no objections, and the others didn’t dwell on the interaction, leaving Gerald to attend to his own affairs.

Usually, when they encountered Gerald, they would buzz around him, eager to make acquaintance. However, tonight was not the appropriate time for such pleasantries. They recognized his somber mood and refrained from approaching, opting not to be tactless.

Hera felt that Gerald had something to say to her, so she simply nodded politely and followed him outside, with Athena trailing behind.

“Young miss, I was worried that something had happened to you. Are you all right?” Cindy rushed to Hera’s side as soon as she stepped outside.

Hera smiled warmly and reassured Cindy, “Don’t worry, Cindy, I’m perfectly fine.”

Cindy nodded, concern etched on her face. “I heard there was some commotion inside?”

“Yes, but it’s all sorted out now,” Hera replied calmly.

After confirming Cindy’s presence alongside Hera, and witnessing her respectful treatment of Hera, Gerald’s belief that Hera was indeed the Avery heiress was reinforced. With humility, he offered a deep bow to Hera, expressing his sincere apology for the unfortunate events involving Claire and her friends in the lobby.

“Young miss,” Gerald straightened his posture, addressing Hera with the formality akin to addressing a commander. “My name is Gerald Troy. I am the one responsible for the Golden Dragon Pavilion and The Dragon Palace. Please allow me the honor of serving you.” Though he felt his words were somewhat awkward and cringy, but Gerald had long desired to express these words.

Cindy’s lips twitched violently with a cringe, prompting her to take a step back, gently pulling Hera along and ignored Gerald. “Young miss, everything has been arranged. Let’s return,” she said, her smile appearing somewhat forced. “The Old Master has been eagerly awaiting your return home.”

Gerald’s smile broadened as he look at their heiress standing before him. In that moment, he felt a profound sense of fulfillment, as if all the hard work and dedication he had poured into his role over the years had finally borne fruit. This, he realized, was the purpose that had been guiding their lives all along. ‘Maybe this is how uncle Alfonse felt while serving the Old Master all these years? Only now did I understand that there really is joy in serving a deserving master.’

To serve this very person, to ascend to greater heights, and to achieve excellence. Upon recognizing her true identity, he replayed the events in the lobby and found even greater joy in realizing that their heiress remained composed and dignified throughout. Her demeanor was befitting of her position and earned their utmost respect. She neither flinched in the face of adversity nor flaunted her status arrogantly, unlike the woman earlier. ‘She embodies the traits of her predecessor: humble and kind, yet possessing unwavering determination in the face of challenges.’

Just contemplating it fueled his admiration for her, spurring him to excel further in his duties. Hera, oblivious to his thoughts, simply wished not to be Claire’s meatshield for no apparent reason.

Facing Gerald, who wore a somewhat foolish smile, she inquired, “Is there something you wish to discuss with me?”

Gerald was jolted from his reverie and alertly answered Hera. “No ma’am! I was just here to show my respect to the sole heiress of the Avery and nothing more!”

Hera’s eyebrows lifted as she chuckled, finding Gerald’s demeanor amusing. Unlike Cindy, who was reserved and tended to keep to herself, Gerald was outgoing and straightforward. While he usually went with the flow, he was serious when it came to work, always mindful of avoiding any trouble for the Avery family or causing them any disadvantages.

“Alright then, I am glad to meet you, General Manager Troy,” Hera said warmly as she extended her hand for a handshake.

Gerald’s demeanor was akin to meeting his idol in real life for the first time. He eagerly shook Hera’s hand without reservation. “Young miss, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment for a long time. Your other aides share the same excitement as me. It was a pleasant surprise to find you here; we didn’t even know you had returned. I’m looking forward to seeing the smug face of your stand-in wash over with surprise,” Gerald chirped enthusiastically, resembling an excited squirrel discovering a nut after a long drought.

Cindy couldn’t hold back any longer and stepped in between them. “Gerald, please mind your actions and words. Young miss has just returned and is still adjusting to everything, so please try to be more considerate,” she said gently, casting a protective glance at Hera.

“Oh! Right! I’m sorry young miss for my inappropriate actions.” His demeanor changed like to a wilting plant.

Hera chuckled once more, pleasantly surprised by their eagerness to meet her and their perception of her. She felt a sense of belonging and warmth in his reception. Her demeanor softened further, and she smiled as she replied, “Thank you, Gerald. I’m grateful for your warm welcome. We’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future to get to know each other better and work effectively.”

Hearing her response, Gerald nodded eagerly, his smile widening like a child receiving a treat.

“Would it be alright, young miss, if I add you to our group chat? It’ll give others a chance to know you’re back,” Gerald asked eagerly.

Hera nodded with a smile before Cindy guided her towards the waiting van.

‘Wait, did she just… use my first name?’ Gerald realized with a surge of happiness and excitement, feeling as if he’d won a prize.

Once Hera and the others were seated inside the van, Athena began to piece things together. “So, Golden Dragon Pavilion is also one of your properties?” she asked incredulously, looking at Hera, who just smiled in response without confirming or denying.

“You knew, didn’t you?!” Athena exclaimed, realizing Hera’s knowledge of the situation.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Athena continued, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have held back. I would’ve made sure to put Claire in her place.”

“You’ll have plenty of chances in the future,” Hera reassured Athena, sensing her frustration over the earlier events. “How about we go shopping tomorrow?”

“Ooooh! Is the heiress learning how to indulge in luxury now? Shopping extravagantly?” Athena teased Hera.

Hera chuckled. “Why not? After all, don’t I owe you for turning down almost all your invitations to hang out together?”

Athena sneered playfully. “Hmp! I’m glad you’re not feigning innocence and forgetting that you owe me a date or two.” Then she remembered something and added, “Why don’t you come with me to pick up my new baby tomorrow?” She grinned mischievously.

“Alright then.” Like typical girls their age, they engaged in conversations about almost everything, not stopping until they reached the Avery mansion. Cindy sat in the passenger seat, silently listening and chuckling when they said something funny. Athena decided to stay and sleep in the mansion, making it easier for them to go shopping the next day.