The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 327

Chapter 327: Chapter 327 Outsmarted
Exactly 15 minutes later, not a second more, a figure emerged from the other side of the hallway. He looked disheveled, with his necktie loosened and his suit jacket draped over his arm. His black shirt was damp with sweat, clinging to his chiseled abs and bulging muscles. His long, sturdy legs moved in powerful strides, almost like a sprint. The sight was a spectacle for everyone present, who stared with wide eyes and open mouths.

Some of them had seen Rafael Briley in magazines featuring young successful businessmen, while others had caught glimpses of him in interviews. Although they had admired his looks and considered him more handsome than many actors, those instances were few and far in between since he was rarely seen. Now, seeing him in person, they felt as though their lungs were failing them, overwhelmed by his presence and unable to breathe.

Rafael embodied the classic bad boy or domineering CEO archetype often seen in romance novels. As he approached, the girls watching felt their hearts skip a beat or two, captivated by his presence.

As Rafael stood before Hera, panting, everyone watching held their breath in anticipation, their hearts racing. Even Gerald found himself holding his breath, quietly ending his call and watching with unblinking eyes, wondering if this would mark the beginning of his Young Miss’s journey to tame six men.

Rafael stood there for a moment, staring at Hera as he struggled to figure out how to explain himself. He didn’t know where to start. He had never needed to justify his actions before; whether he acted with or without consequences, he never had to explain himself to anyone, not even to his parents.

But now, he needed to explain himself if he wanted to have a chance with the woman he liked. Yet, he was tongue-tied, unable to do anything but stare at Hera. His mind was racing with everything he wanted to say, but he struggled to find the right words.

Hera observed as Rafael panted to catch his breath. His usually sleek, combed-back hair was tousled by the wind, falling messily around his face and enhancing his ruggedly handsome appearance. His shirt, slightly open, revealed a hint of his strong chest and well-defined muscles, creating a strikingly sexy and inviting image that could easily ignite a woman’s imagination.

Although Rafael didn’t know where to start, he knew he needed to say something. He took a deep breath, stopped overthinking, and let his words flow as he gazed intently into her eyes.

“Hera, I realize we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot and had misunderstandings. I admit that part of what happened was my fault for avoiding conflict and failing to discipline my sister properly after only a few attempts. That led to the situation we’re in now. However, despite my mistakes, I’m also grateful for how things turned out, because it allowed me to get to know you.”

“My aversion to being caught up in drama and conflict among women is part of why things ended up like this. It’s also why I can honestly say I’ve never been involved with any woman, especially not with my own artists. I didn’t want to be like other bosses who use their positions for personal indulgence. I always believed there were more important things for me to focus on than getting entangled in catfights and personal drama. It felt beyond my capabilities and interests. Or maybe it’s simply that no one has captured my attention before, and I’ve always thought I was better off without the complications, preferring a peaceful mind and lacking the patience to deal with a crying or jealous woman.”

“Others might already know this, but I have a short temper and can easily go into a rage. I’ve always seen women’s drama as petty and a waste of time. But now, even though I’ve probably given you some hints, I want to be completely honest and tell you that I’ve been smitten with you. I didn’t realize when it started, but it feels like all my beliefs have been turned upside down. Maybe being involved with a woman and her drama isn’t so bad after all, especially if it means proving how capable I am of protecting someone I care about.”

At the end of his speech, Rafael’s face flushed deeply, turning red from his cheeks to his ears, neck, and even reaching the upper part of his chest.

Rafael looked so innocent and vulnerable at that moment that Hera felt a sudden urge to pull him into a secluded room where no one could see him. He appeared like a teenage boy confessing to his first love, and his expression was so adorably inviting that it was impossible to ignore.

To be honest, Hera wasn’t a fan of Rafael. His egotistical arrogance and often rude demeanor, combined with his sister’s actions, had firmly placed him on her ‘Do Not Like’ list. Yet now, she found herself oddly attracted to him.

Even though Athena couldn’t recall the exact words of Rafael’s confession to Alice in the novel, Hera sensed that what he was saying now closely mirrored the description from the book. His appearance and demeanor were strikingly similar to how the novel portrayed the scene.

She wasn’t sure if the feelings she was experiencing were her own or influenced by the storyline, but she didn’t resist them. Instead, she gazed directly at Rafael, seeing a new side of him for the first time.

When Rafael didn’t hear Hera’s reply, he nervously ran his fingers through his hair, unsure of where to place his hands as he fidgeted. Despite his anxiety, his gaze remained steady, as if he desperately wanted Hera to understand and believe him. His actions and confession had even those watching, both live and online, holding their breath in anticipation, their hearts racing as if they were watching a dramatic television scene.

[PasserbyGod: Oh?! Is this why he’s so successful? He didn’t get distracted by women or pleasure and was fully dedicated to his work. Given his success, it makes sense that he comes across as arrogant and egotistical; it’s because he’s aware that his achievements justify his demeanor.]

[JustReading: @PasserbyGod, don’t forget that there are people who constantly flatter him. He’s so accustomed to compliments and sycophancy that he often comes across as rude. This could be his way of displaying confidence, or it might be something entirely different.]

[AuntieNextDoor: I’m still rooting for our president, but Mr. Briley’s heartfelt confession just made my heart flutter. I’m sure my little sister Hera is feeling the same way. My god!!! There really is something irresistibly charming about an innocent man!]

[Dave_Carson: The Motherfucker actually went ahead and cut the line!!! ( ಠ_ಠ)]

[GoldenLight: I guess he’s not too preoccupied with his artist’s and sister’s scandals to find time to woo Hera.]

[NorthernDuke: The nerve of this guy!!! Is he seriously playing coy with that face and body?! (¬_¬)]

[FatherOfCaduceus: I agree, it’s jarring to see him acting bashful when he looks like a mafia boss. It just doesn’t sit right.]

[SilverEmperor: Why do I get the feeling that @EntertainmentKing is following someone’s lead?!]

[Dave_Carson: DAMN!!! This jerk!!! Don’t tell me I’m about to fall to the bottom of the rankings! Tell me this isn’t his scheme! Did he create all this drama with his artist just to have a chance to confess?!!! I’m so freaking pissed!!!]

[GoldenLight: What can we do? We’ve been outsmarted by someone we least expected. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻]