The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Let’s Race
By now, other viewers had already discerned the intentions of these VIPs; their subtle hints consistently pointed toward one thing: their interest in Hera. However, uncertainty lingered regarding whether they were merely wealthy fans or potential suitors. What added intrigue to the situation was how comfortable these individuals were with their country’s minister, behaving in a manner that suggested a familiarity and ease that unexpectedly turned rude most of the time. Equally noteworthy was Dave Carson’s lack of intervention, allowing their behavior to continue unchecked.

Everything appeared to be a playful banter among friends. By now, viewers had discerned that these VIPs were all powerful figures operating behind the scenes. They felt a sense of novelty in mingling with them in the chatroom, made possible by Hera’s participation in the Variety Show. This allowed them to witness an intriguing phenomenon unfold in real-time within the lively chatroom.

For Leo, everything appeared bleak, and he was exceedingly irritated. However, he couldn’t simply turn off his phone, fearing he might miss significant developments, especially now that he sensed Xavier was getting closer to his fiancée.

What they were unaware of was that a significant number of influential figures within the Avery Consortium, along with their employees, were quietly supporting their Young Miss by watching her shows while working. Their bosses allowed this because it would contribute to the show’s retention rate. For the consortium, the result is what’s important, allowing them to avoid micromanaging every task and giving them the freedom to use their time more effectively and leisurely.

While watching Hera wasn’t an obligatory task for her associates within the consortium, they genuinely found pleasure in observing her. They admired her lively and humble demeanor around the villagers, and many began to envision a future where Hera would inherit the consortium, with them working under her leadership.

“Sister, hurry up or we won’t be able to ride for long!” Bry’s childlike voice resonated with enthusiasm as he tugged Hera towards the stable where Diamond awaited restlessly.

The moment Hera entered the stable, Diamond snorted with excitement, pacing frantically in its corner. It even nudged the door repeatedly as Hera approached.

Hera couldn’t help but release a delighted chuckle at Diamond’s excitement, finding the horse utterly adorable. With quick strides, she approached, and as she stood before Diamond, the horse ceased its frantic movements. Lowering its head obediently, Diamond allowed Hera to stroke its head affectionately.

“Huh?! Where’s brother?” Bry scanned the stable, expecting to find his sibling already present. “Did he get tired of waiting and leave?” He couldn’t help but scratch the back of his head, his pout quickly replaced by resignation as he shrugged off the thought.

Hera didn’t wait much longer before starting to saddle Diamond. Once she finished, she turned back to Zen and Xavier. “Are you guys interested in horseback riding? I can help you saddle up a horse if you’d like,” she offered, patting Diamond on the neck.

However, Hera then recalled that the stable didn’t belong to them, so she glanced at Bry awkwardly. Bry let out a small giggle and nodded. “I already got permission from my father to use the other horses besides Diamond, especially since we have Brother Zen and Brother Xavier with us,” he explained.

Hera smiled proudly at Bry’s foresight and readiness, gently stroking his head. “Smart.”

“Then, why don’t you let me help you all choose a good horse?” An older man’s rugged voice echoed from the stable entrance.

“Dad!!!” Bry exclaimed excitedly, rushing up to the man and pulling him closer to Hera and the others.

“You must be Bry’s dad? Thank you for letting us borrow Diamond and play around on the horse track,” Hera said, her smile genuine as she gave him a small nod of acknowledgment.

The man happily accepted Hera’s gratitude, nodding in return as he ruffled his son’s head. He glanced around, awaiting Hera and her friend’s response to his earlier question.

Xavier was the first to nod. “Thank you for the hospitality.”

Zen also chimed in. “I may not be knowledgeable about horse breeds, but I can handle riding a horse too.”

Bry’s dad nodded happily and went to choose two more horses next to Diamond. He first selected a dark brown Andalusian Horse, which looked majestic. Unlike the Friesian’s muscular build resembling a warhorse, the Andalusian Horse had leaner legs and a sleeker physique, making it ideal for commercials due to its majestic appearance.

Then he also selected an Akhal-Teke horse with a metallic white fur coat. Its build was a little sleeker than the other two, resembling a Prince Charming’s horse. He handed the Akhal-Teke horse to Xavier and the Andalusian Horse to Zen.

“Please hold their reins for me for a moment; I’ll saddle them up for you,” he said before heading off to retrieve one saddle at a time. He began with the Andalusian Horse that Zen was holding.

Xavier nodded as he gently patted the horse on the head. The horse he had seemed a bit more reserved than the other two, standing calmly as it waited its turn to be saddled. Meanwhile, the Andalusian Horse trotted its front hooves eagerly, seemingly excited to start running as soon as possible.

Sensing that her assistance wasn’t required in the stable, Hera led Diamond outside with Bry grasping her other hand eagerly.

Once they reached the track, Hera wasted no time in mounting Diamond. Bry, eager to join the fun, gestured excitedly from the fence, prompting Hera to help him up onto Diamond’s back, all the while sharing a chuckle at his enthusiasm.

Bry’s earlier trepidation towards Diamond seemed to have dissipated completely, replaced by sheer excitement and eagerness to ride once more. Hera couldn’t help but speculate that Diamond must have been his favorite horse all along that’s why what happened to his uncle hits him harder.

Once Hera felt everything was settled, she allowed Diamond to set the pace, starting with a gentle trot before gradually increasing speed. She ensured it was just enough to ensure Bry wouldn’t feel uncomfortable from any sudden jolts in the saddle.

After their first lap, Xavier and Zen entered the track riding their respective horses. Hera was momentarily taken aback by how regal Xavier appeared atop his horse. He resembled a real-life version of Prince Charming.

His handsome face seemed to emit a radiant glow, almost as if a halo were forming above his head, while his horse gleamed with a shining sheen. And his hair was also the same shade of white as his horse. She couldn’t suppress a gasp as her eyes met Xavier’s, who was gazing at her intently. A teasing glint danced in his eyes, accompanied by a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

Hera averted her gaze, allowing Diamond to approach the two. Bry’s excited voice drew her attention. “Ah! That’s my brother and… Uncle..” At the end, his voice died down. He pointed towards a tree just outside the track, where his teenage brother stood behind a lean man sitting in a wheelchair, a blanket draped over his lap. The man wore a gentle smile as he waved at Bry.

Instead of waving back, Bry lowered his head, feeling as though he had betrayed his uncle by riding Diamond, the source of his uncle’s condition. He felt a pang of guilt, and Hera quickly noticed the sudden change in his mood. “What’s wrong?” she asked, concern evident in her voice.

“Sister, could you please put me down?” By now, Hera had caught on to Bry’s thought process and understood why he suddenly felt down.

Ruffling his hair gently, she reassured him, “You shouldn’t feel bad about being with Diamond. I’m sure your uncle is happy that you don’t fear Diamond anymore.” She then glanced back at Bry’s uncle and continued, “See? He’s smiling at you happily. He probably doesn’t want you to stop doing what you love because of the accident.”

Bry nodded, but he still felt down, and Hera could only sympathize as she slowly helped him down near the fence.

“How about we have a race?” Just as Hera put Bry down, Xavier and Zen approached her with a challenge.

Hera raised her eyebrows, looking at them. “Sure, why not?” She paused for a moment and then continued, “But why don’t we make it interesting and add a wager?”

Zen was smirking evilly while Xavier was waiting for Hera to continue her proposal.

“What about this: the loser grants the winner three wishes?” Hera suggested playfully, like a child. She knew it was a cliché idea, but she wanted to try it at least once. Besides, it wasn’t as if she’d lose anything significant or they would ask for something exaggerated.

Xavier smirked meaningfully, a gesture Hera didn’t quite understand. “Let’s do it!” he urged.