The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 531

Chapter 531: Chapter 531 Minerva’s Baffling Change
“If that’s the case, then you really shouldn’t eat more. Just stick to the apple,” Hera said, her tone even as she avoided looking in Alice’s direction.

Minerva, however, pouted defiantly. “Didn’t you say it was just normal chicken soup? So why does it matter if I also eat Hera’s chicken and mushroom soup?”

“Minerva, perhaps you weren’t fully listening earlier because you’re still processing your trauma and zoning out at times,”

Alice said with a warm smile as she gently reached for Minerva’s hand.

“I did mention it, and only after noticing your state did I ask you to confide in me.”

Minerva, on the other hand, began to second-guess herself.

She vaguely remembered Alice saying something, and while uncertainty lingered, she didn’t suspect Alice of lying.

After all, this seemed like a minor issue, nothing that appeared harmful.

But Minerva was unaware that Alice was already working to drive a wedge between her and Hera.

‘It’s better to create distance between them now while their bond is still weak—it’ll make things much easier for me,’ Alice thought, her lips curling into a subtle smile.

‘Minerva only needs me and no one else.’ For a fleeting moment, a glint of hatred flickered in Alice’s eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came, leaving no trace for anyone to notice.

Hera decided not to argue with Alice any further, mindful that Minerva was still recovering and not wanting to cause unnecessary tension.

After all, her primary reason for coming to the hospital had been Rafael. Keeping her tone calm and neutral, she said, “Alright, we’ll be going. Take care of yourself.”

As Hera turned to leave, Minerva instinctively clutched her arm, unwilling to let go.

She wasn’t sure when it had started—perhaps it was back in the forest, when Hera had appeared at her most vulnerable and terrified.

At that moment, Hera had felt like a lifeline, someone dependable, much like her brother, whom she had always seen as a hero.

Now, the thought of Hera walking away triggered a faint wave of panic, stirring a reliance she hadn’t realized was growing.

“But I really want to try your chicken and mushroom soup. Won’t you leave it here? I promise I’ll eat it later,” Minerva said, her voice almost pleading.

Alice’s eyes widened in irritation, her expression tinged with resentment.

Her reddened eyes gave the impression of being wronged as she desperately tried to draw Minerva’s attention.

However, Minerva remained entirely focused on Hera, afraid that even a brief glance away might cause her to leave. This single-mindedness only fueled Alice’s growing anger.

“It won’t taste as good if you eat it later,” Hera replied, her tone calm yet uncertain.

She didn’t make a move to pull away, but she couldn’t hide her confusion at Minerva’s sudden change in behavior.

Hera found herself baffled by the unexpected warmth and reliance Minerva now seemed to show toward her.

“It’s alright,” Minerva said with a slight pout, her tone resembling that of a stubborn child trying to win an argument.

“You brought this for me, so it’s mine now. That means I get to decide when and how I eat it.”

Her aggrieved expression, paired with her attempt at acting cute, added an almost endearing touch to her protest.

Hera sighed in defeat. “Alright, fine. I’ll bring more food later, and I’ll make sure to save you a portion. But for now, let this soup go—it might not be good for your health to overeat.”

Hearing that this wouldn’t be the last time Hera would bring her something, Minerva’s face lit up with joy.

Her eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically, resembling an obedient puppy basking in attention.

“Don’t forget, okay?!” Minerva said eagerly, her grip on Hera loosening as she settled back into her bed.

Hera chuckled softly. “Alright, alright. I won’t forget. I won’t keep you for long, though. Please, go on and rest.”

Minerva, now content, seemed to drift into her own little world, forgetting the reason Hera had come in the first place—her brother.

Hera, mildly baffled by Minerva’s sudden change in mood, decided not to press the matter. She quickly ended the conversation, as there were still others waiting for her outside.

With a quick wave to Minerva, Hera made her way toward the door, giving Alice a curt nod before leaving the room.

Alice stood still, as if wrestling with her own thoughts. She seemed to want to speak, but the words just wouldn’t come.

She lingered awkwardly in the room until Hera finally left, and it was only then that Alice shifted her gaze to Minerva. Her expression twisted with a mix of hurt and betrayal.

Minerva, lost in her own musings, didn’t notice Alice’s change in demeanor, and Alice seized the moment to voice her thoughts.

“Minerva, why the sudden change in treatment?” she asked, her tone tinged with concern.

“Didn’t you hate her before because of Alexi? And didn’t she embarrass you in front of everyone, not caring about how you’d feel or how it would affect you?”

Although Alice framed her words as genuine curiosity, her true intention was clear: to stir up the old resentment Minerva had once felt for Hera.

Each word she spoke was a calculated move to rekindle the hatred that had been there before, hoping to drive a wedge between the two.

“I understand that she saved you when you were at your lowest,” Alice began, her voice soft but edged with concern.

“But do you really think she did it out of the goodness of her heart? What if… what if she’s doing this to get closer to you, only to use you to get closer to your brother?”

Her words wavered for a moment, as if Alice herself was unsure whether she should go further, but when Minerva remained silent, Alice pressed on.

“You’ve seen how many women want your brother. They’d do anything to get close to him, even if it means using you as a stepping stone. I just don’t want you to put your trust in her—especially after everything that’s happened—only to realize you’ve been manipulated.”

Her voice softened toward the end, but the insinuation hung heavily in the air, subtly suggesting that Minerva’s newfound closeness with Hera might be nothing more than a carefully orchestrated plan.

Minerva stayed silent, her face contorting into a mixture of hurt and dejection. Alice watched her closely, sensing the shift in her emotions.

Seeing this, Alice ceased speaking, her smile turning into something soft and understanding, though there was a barely contained smugness in her eyes.

‘I knew it. Only I can control Minerva. She should only listen to me,’ Alice thought, settling beside her on the bed, trying to appear comforting.

However, Minerva remained silent, lost in her own thoughts, so Alice gave her the space to process.

‘What matters now is that I’ve planted the seeds of doubt… rekindled the resentment she once had for Hera.’ Alice’s mind hummed with satisfaction.

‘She should only hate Hera, and no one else.’

With that thought, Alice resumed peeling the apple, content that the seeds of doubt had been sown.

As Hera stepped out of Minerva’s private ward, Dave approached her quietly, casting a glance back toward the room before leaning in to whisper in her ear.

“What’s going on with her?” He gestured subtly toward Minerva, his suspicion evident. “She’s acting awfully close to you. What’s her game?”

While Dave had no problem with Rafael—his buddy through and through—he wasn’t about to sit idly by if he thought Minerva had any ulterior motives with Hera. He’d protect his sweetheart even from his frined’s sister, no matter the situation.