The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 563

Chapter 563: Chapter 563 Brother, You Are Shameless
Minerva wheeled herself closer to Rafael, her chest tightening as a wave of emotions surged through her.

She had missed her brother deeply. “Brother,” she called softly, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

Rafael’s expression softened further, and without hesitation, he reached out, gently ruffling her hair, a gesture full of warmth and unspoken affection.

“Be good. Brother will make sure to avenge you,” Rafael said tenderly, his voice filled with a protective warmth. Minerva nodded eagerly, her determination mirroring his resolve.

Meanwhile, Zhane and Hera busied themselves setting up the food, stealing occasional glances at the siblings with soft smiles on their lips as they witnessed the touching reconciliation.

Alice, however, stood awkwardly behind Minerva, completely forgotten.

She had assumed that Minerva, her best friend, would call her over, pave the way for her to connect with Rafael, or perhaps use her usual princess-like demeanor to demand Rafael treat Alice kindly.

But none of that happened.

Minerva’s attention remained solely on Rafael, leaving Alice to feel invisible, as though she hadn’t existed there in the first place.

Alice tightened her grip on her clothes, her knuckles turning white as her nails dug into the fabric.

Her clenched jaw caused a faint, metallic taste of blood to seep into her mouth, yet she forced an understanding smile to remain on her lips.

She refused to let anyone see past her carefully crafted façade.

Alice couldn’t tell if Minerva had genuinely forgotten about her in the midst of this emotional reconciliation with her brother or if she was deliberately being ignored.

‘That’s impossible,’ Alice thought, trying to reassure herself.

‘Minerva is my best friend—she has been for two lifetimes. She wouldn’t ignore me, not her. She’s loyal, and she’d never abandon me or stab me in the back.’

What Alice thought wasn’t entirely wrong.

Minerva, for all her stubbornness, arrogance, and princess-like demeanor, had always been fiercely loyal to her family and friends.

She never betrayed those close to her, and in both Alice’s past life and the novel that Hera and Athena were familiar with, Minerva had always followed Alice’s lead without question.

But now, something had changed.

The storyline that once dictated Minerva’s actions no longer held sway over her—just as it no longer controlled Hera.

While Hera broke free from the novel’s storyline through Athena’s guidance that caused her enlightenment, Minerva’s, however, was different.

Her shift came from within—an epiphany sparked by her near-death experience.

Perhaps it was the light of Hera saving her in that critical moment that altered her perspective.

The unwavering loyalty she once reserved solely for Alice had subtly shifted, and the mental fog that clouded her judgment had lifted.

For the first time, Minerva saw things clearly, unburdened by the storyline’s incessant pull dictating her every action.

While Minerva chatted with her brother, Alice stood awkwardly behind her, hoping Minerva would finally turn around and acknowledge her presence.

She looked pitiful, forgotten, and alone, her eyes boring into Minerva’s back with a silent plea for attention.

But Minerva never looked back—not even once.

She acted as if Alice didn’t exist, ignoring the faint, whining noises Alice made in an attempt to draw her attention.

Rafael, on the other hand, was more than happy to play along with his sister in ignoring Alice.

‘Ignoring a woman? Easy. I’ve mastered that,’ Rafael thought, as he focused entirely on his little sister.

Their laughter and affectionate conversation filled the air, a stark contrast to Alice’s growing frustration.

For Rafael, this moment was bittersweet.

It reminded him of the Minerva he once knew—the stubborn, princess-like sister who, while arrogant, was never as insufferable as she had been in recent months and years.

It was as though she had been possessed by a ghost, her behavior becoming grating enough for him to dislike and avoid her entirely.

But now, that old Minerva was peeking through, and Rafael couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief as he reconnected with her.

Seeing this familiar side of his little sister again felt like a lifetime had passed for Rafael.

It was a relief, almost nostalgic, and he realized just how much he had missed this version of her.

The siblings had plenty to catch up on, their conversation flowing easily as if trying to make up for lost time.

Their moment continued until Hera and Zhane finished setting the table and brought over the food.

Hera carefully pushed an overbed table closer to Rafael, positioning it within his reach.

Zhane followed shortly, carrying a wooden tray laden with dishes, efficiently bringing everything over in one trip.

“Let’s eat first, and you can catch up later,” Zhane said, his tone firm as he slipped into his usual doctor demeanor.

His words were a gentle but clear reminder to both Rafael and Minerva.

Nearby, the nurse accompanying Minerva stood quietly, pretending not to notice the interaction.

As a nurse in the VIP ward, she had long since grown accustomed to the dramas and scandals that unfolded among the wealthy.

Professionalism had taught her to be discreet, knowing when to blend into the background and when to step forward with her duties.

When the food was brought in, the nurse quickly moved another overhead table closer to Minerva, preparing to help feed her.

“It’s okay,” Minerva protested, pouting slightly.

Her face flushed a soft pink, a mix of embarrassment and irritation. “I hurt my legs, not my hands. I can still feed myself.”

But, in stark contrast to her, her brother had no such qualms.

His usual domineering demeanor softened into one of mock helplessness as he turned to Hera, his eyes wide with feigned sincerity.

“Hera, I hurt my arm and can’t lift it. Can you feed me?”

Hera, unable to refuse, sighed in exasperation, but Minerva choked on the soup she had just taken, coughing a few times.

A bit of drool escaped her lips, and she quickly wiped it away, her face turning even redder.

“Brother, you—” Minerva started, but she couldn’t finish her sentence.

She was taken aback by how shameless her brother had become without her even realizing it.

Rafael, who had always been so domineering and intimidating, now seemed almost childishly needy.

This softer side of him was so unexpected that Minerva couldn’t quite process it.

She couldn’t even find the right words to say.

‘I don’t know anymore,’ she thought, burying her face in the food in front of her while secretly glancing up at the playful exchange between Hera and Rafael, her curiosity piqued.

“It’s alright, Hera,” Zhane said, his voice stern, yet there was a hint of teasing and affection in his eyes as he gave a small, knowing smile.

“You can feed Rafael, and I’ll take care of you.”

Rafael looked exasperated as if Zhane had one up him but he really couldn’t find a word to say something because he genuinely can’t move his arm right now.

“What would you like to eat tomorrow? I might come by again to bring some food,” Hera asked, her gaze drifting toward Minerva.

Rafael was about to answer but caught the look in Hera’s eyes as she glanced at Minerva.

He paused, his words faltering as he shifted his attention between the two of them.

A soft smile slowly spread across his lips.

He found it heartwarming to see his little minx and his little princess getting along so well.

The sight made his heart swell with a mix of pride and contentment.