The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Chapter 47 Visit to Star Ocean Entertainment 2
As the elevator doors closed, Hera finally found herself able to breathe calmly. She had anticipated the possibility of encountering Alexi in the company, given his affiliation, but she hadn’t anticipated him clinging to the hope that any lingering feelings remained between them, despite his actions.

Indeed, it had only been a few days since their official breakup, but for Hera, those days felt like a whirlwind of emotions akin to riding a roller coaster. Throughout this challenging period, she couldn’t help but notice the glaring absence of any apology from him for the pain he had inflicted or for the collateral damage caused by his new relationship. Had she been any other woman, such callous disregard might have wrought serious harm upon her.

It was widely acknowledged that extreme fans could pose a significant threat to those they perceived as enemies of their idols. What Minerva had done effectively painted a large target on Hera’s back, leaving her vulnerable to potential attacks at any time or place without warning. In a world filled with individuals capable of irrational and violent behavior, the mere opportunity presented by Minerva’s actions could attract the attention of those with malicious intent, regardless of any legitimate reason.

Without the unwavering support of Athena and her Grandpa in these tumultuous days, Hera might have succumbed to the fate of countless other women who lost their voices in the quest for justice. Gratitude welled within her for the privilege of being born into a well-off family and for the presence of a fiercely supportive and protective best friend. Her Grandpa’s boundless love served as an additional pillar of strength. Without the reassuring presence of these individuals, she might have found herself clinging desperately to Alexi, grasping for even a semblance of affection.

Humans are inherently social beings, seeking emotional support and connection as an essential part of life. This fundamental need likely played a significant role in Hera’s profound love for Alexi depicted in the novel. She believed she had found that crucial support in him, with no one to challenge her perception. However, in her current reality, Hera has discovered a close friend with a wealth of life experience. This friend serves as a valuable sounding board, offering insights into human behavior and helping Hera gain clarity on various situations.

While Athena may not be an expert in this area, her insights still hold value for Hera. Over time, Hera has become more discerning and astute than the character depicted in the novel, learning to weigh perspectives and make informed decisions.

Life and fate often take unexpected twists and turns, leading people to take risks despite the likelihood of getting hurt. There are moments when individuals gamble, believing that by giving their best effort or changing their actions, they might achieve a different outcome. Hera found herself entangled in this mindset, hoping for a different conclusion with Alexi. Despite facing hardships, she remained committed to their relationship, determined to demonstrate her sincerity and steadfastness. She chose to stand by Alexi through challenges, intending to prove her unwavering loyalty and dedication to their bond, come what may.

Alexi played his role in the relationship, treating Hera with kindness. However, from an outsider’s perspective, it seemed unfair that all the rent and utility bills were burdened onto Hera while he saved for their future. Despite this, they shared aspirations of buying a spacious home with a beautiful backyard to cultivate vibrant flowers together. Unfortunately, Alexi’s decision to prioritize his career over honesty and commitment proved to be the downfall of their once-promising relationship. His greediness ultimately tarnished the beauty of what they had built together.

Fortunately for Hera, she veered away from the original storyline after learning from Athena about its foreseen trajectory. She chose not to adhere to the plot, refraining from revealing her identity to Alexi upon reaching 18 years old, nor did she entertain the notion of transferring her wealth to him. It wasn’t a matter of being calculating, but rather a prudent measure to ensure clarity and weigh the consequences before making any drastic decisions.

It was acceptable for Hera to demonstrate her feelings for Alexi through her hard work and dedication, as evidenced by her actions thus far. She consistently prioritized his emotions, never once neglecting them, along with other essential aspects of their relationship. However, she refrained from taking their intimacy to the next level, choosing to preserve that boundary for the time being.

She maintained this reservation as a precautionary measure, ensuring that if unforeseen challenges arose, she would be better equipped to navigate them and avoid any potential regrets down the line.

Lost in her thoughts, Hera barely noticed as Rafael’s assistant guided her to a towering set of double doors, adorned with a plaque bearing the title ‘CEO’s Office.’ With a sharp rap, the assistant announced Hera’s arrival to Rafael with a knock.

Moments after the knock, a deep voice echoed from within, commanding, “Come in.”

The assistant, with a respectful demeanor, opened the door with both hands and motioned for Hera to enter. Rafael remained engrossed in the documents scattered across his desk, diligently flipping through the pages. Hera offered a nod of gratitude to the assistant before stepping into the room. Its design was minimalist and modern, with a central sofa for guests upholstered in sleek black leather adorned with black and gray cushions.

The coffee table boasted metal frames and glass covers, adorned with an ashtray and an essential oil reed diffuser. The diffuser resembled an elegant glass bottle with sticks protruding from it, adding a touch of sophistication to the room. The scent of sandalwood permeated the air, enveloping the space in a refreshing and calming ambiance. Its fragrance was neither overpowering nor subtle, striking a perfect balance that enhanced the atmosphere of the room.

Hera approached the sofa with measured steps, refraining from sitting until invited to do so by the host, adhering to basic etiquette. She patiently waited for him to conclude his reading of the folder before gently reminding him of her presence.

As Rafael finished reading the file, he glanced up and was met with the sight of a stunning woman standing before him, her gaze penetrating and unwavering. Momentarily stunned, it felt as if the circuits in his mind had momentarily short-circuited, overwhelmed by her presence.

However, outwardly, he wore a frown, his brows knitted in seriousness, leading Hera to anticipate a business discussion. Patiently, she awaited his lead, but minutes passed with no dialogue. Growing impatient, she finally addressed him. “Mr. Briley?”

Her voice snapped Rafael back to reality, leaving him momentarily choked up. Sensing the constriction in his throat, he discreetly adjusted his necktie, granting his Adam’s apple some relief. With a subtle throat-clearing, he composed himself, ready to engage in conversation.

“I apologize for the delay. Please, take a seat,” Rafael said, gesturing toward the sofa. As Hera seated herself, he reached for a black leather folder from one of the side drawers on his desk. Carrying it over to the sofa, he settled himself opposite Hera, ready to begin their discussion.

With closer proximity, Rafael could examine Hera’s appearance in greater detail. Despite the distraction, he couldn’t help but notice her modest yet undoubtedly expensive outfit. What caught his attention most was the watch adorning her wrist—a timepiece that stood out even among luxury brands. The Audemars Piguet Sapphire Orbe, a timepiece from 2015, held an estimated value of $904,000, leaving Rafael impressed by Hera’s taste.

His temple twitched as he glanced back at Hera, confirming that she was indeed the vision of peerless beauty he had imagined. However, his mind was clouded by a deep contemplation sparked by his sister’s words from the previous night about Hera having a sugar daddy.

Despite the diligent efforts of his team to investigate, they unearthed only the same old information about Hera and Athena. Rafael couldn’t shake the feeling that Jackson and Lowry had purposefully concealed Athena’s information to safeguard her while she roamed freely outside. As for Hera, the only plausible explanation seemed to align with what his sister had suggested.

He felt a twinge of irritation ‘Hera seemed more inclined to be someone’s plaything rather than accepting my offer to work in my company.’ Although she might not have the means to afford such luxuries outright, she possessed the capability to indulge in branded goods if she so desired if she became a celebrity.

He felt deeply disappointed, having held Hera in high regard initially, only to be caught off guard. This revelation left him torn, as he typically remained disinterested in matters unrelated to him. However, he couldn’t help but recognize his ulterior motive of securing a valuable asset for himself. With this realization, he nodded to himself, acknowledging his underlying intentions. His determination to recruit Hera as his artist intensified even further. ‘It’s far better for her to be my artist than to become someone’s sugar baby,’ he mused internally. ‘I could provide her with the lavish lifestyle she desires; she doesn’t need anyone else.’