The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress-Chapter 843 Opportunity

[Luke: @Dave, highly unlikely. If Leo had just offended someone, they wouldn’t go so far as to lure him into a deserted forest and set him up with a landmine. Based on the shrapnel Zhane extracted from his wounds, it was definitely from military-grade landmines—tricky devices even for professionals. The mafia is known to handle such weapons, but even they wouldn’t take that kind of risk unless it was necessary. So why go to such extremes for a supposed nobody?]

[Zhane: So you’re saying Leo might be caught up in something much bigger?]

[Luke: Exactly.]

[Luke: We need to assign someone to protect him and his people. At least until we know what we’re dealing with. His life could still be in danger.]

[Zhane: Hera already requested backup. Miss Cindy responded personally—she deployed a team to isolate an entire hospital floor for Leo and his group. Retired elite soldiers are stationed at every entry point. It’s locked down tight.]

[Luke: That’s a serious level of protection... but why would Miss Cindy get involved?]

[Dave: You still don’t know her connection to our girl, do you?]

[Dave: Last time, she said she helped my sweetheart because she felt Hera had been wronged while under her territory, so she stepped in for the sake of the company’s reputation and image.]

[Dave: But honestly, that explanation feels off. The Avery Consortium is a massive business empire—Miss Cindy has more pressing matters to handle. I’m not saying our girl isn’t worthy, but in terms of influence, she hasn’t quite reached that level yet. Unless... Cindy sees potential in her? Maybe she’s looking to recruit Hera into their company?]

[Xavier: That’s a big possibility. Even Gerald’s been orbiting around her lately...]

[Zhane: Let’s not dig too deep. If there really is something going on between them, it’s not our place to interfere. We might come off as if we don’t trust Hera.]

[Xavier: Agreed. Let’s just stay alert and keep an eye on things—but no pushing, no prying. She’ll tell us when she’s ready.]

...

After Hera and her friends finished their dinner and paid the bill, they stepped out of the booth—only to find Alexandre and his friends already waiting for them. Judging by their eager expressions, it was obvious the guys were excited to see them. Hera and her friends didn’t need to think twice to realize they were planning to flirt.

Still, since Hera had already given her word to Alexandre, she had no choice but to follow through. Besides, this was a valuable opportunity to network—especially with someone like Alexandre.

His family was involved in the luxury goods industry, and Hera had plans to launch her own company in that field. It would be her first business venture, so she had to be strategic and meticulous about every connection she made.

As soon as he saw them coming out, Alexandre—who had been leaning casually against the glass door of their booth—lifted his gaze to meet Hera’s. When their eyes met, he pressed his lips together, then gave her a small nod.

He had slipped back into his usual aloof demeanor. Alexandre had realized that trying to mimic his friends’ charm and charisma wasn’t his style. It felt forced. So, instead of pretending to be someone he wasn’t, he decided it was better to just be himself around Hera.

Without another word, he signaled his entourage, and they all began moving toward the main hall, where the event was already in full swing.

As soon as they entered through the grand banquet doors, the atmosphere shifted. Nearly everyone paused what they were doing and turned toward the entrance—after all, they had all been waiting for the birthday boy, the star of the evening, to arrive so they could offer their well wishes. The moment Alexandre and his entourage stepped into the hall, a wave of excitement swept through the crowd, and a flurry of whispers and murmurs quickly filled the air.

Among the guests was Alice, who had managed to gain entry to the event and now stood quietly in a corner. Earlier, she had tried to socialize, but most of the attendees were Parisians who spoke only French, and her inability to understand or communicate left her feeling isolated. No one seemed interested in engaging with her, so she had spent her time scanning the crowd for anyone who might speak English, hoping to make at least one meaningful connection.

Just then, the main entrance doors opened again, drawing her gaze instinctively. When her eyes landed on the man leading the group—his presence commanding, his expression cool and confident—her breath caught in her throat.

Handsome, composed, and exuding an aura of raw masculinity and wealth, he instantly captivated her. Her heart skipped a beat. Alice was instantly smitten.

Alice took a step forward, hoping to catch Alexandre’s attention—until he suddenly paused and glanced behind his entourage. His gaze landed on Hera and her friends, who were keeping a polite distance.

Without hesitation, Alexandre turned around and walked over to Hera, gently grabbing her wrist to guide her forward. After all, he had invited her to this event to network, which meant introducing her to the Parisian social elite—and more importantly, he wanted others to see Hera as his chosen companion for the night.

It wasn’t until that moment that Alice noticed the group trailing behind Alexandre’s entourage. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she realized Hera and her friends were with him. Then, as if to confirm her shock, Alexandre pulled Hera closer and led her into the heart of the crowd, while his friends turned their attention to Minerva, Athena, and Liz.

Alice had left Hera and the others behind, determined to attend this event alone. Her goal was to connect with the wealthy and influential without Hera or her friends knowing. When she first walked into the grand hall, she had felt smug, convinced she had stumbled upon a rare opportunity while Hera remained clueless, dining at a nearby restaurant.

But that smugness quickly turned into seething frustration.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. Somehow, Hera—who hadn’t even known about the event—had not only made it inside but was now being personally escorted by Alexandre, the son of the richest man in Paris. Alice had come here hoping to climb her way to the top and leave Hera behind, only to watch her rival effortlessly land in the spotlight without lifting a finger.

It was infuriating. Like Hera had just sat still and waited for the pie to fall into her lap—while Alice fought tooth and nail for every inch.

A surge of fury rose in Alice. She nearly scowled outright at the sight.

’Why does she always show up and steal the spotlight? Why can’t this bitch give me a break?!’

She mentally cursed, her eyes burning with jealousy as she glared daggers at Hera’s back.

Hera, sensing the intense gaze, instinctively turned—and locked eyes with Alice, who looked ready to breathe fire. A soft chuckle escaped Hera’s lips at the sight. She didn’t even try to hide her amusement.

Alexandre, catching the shift in Hera’s mood from his peripheral vision, glanced in the same direction. He spotted the redhead with the venomous expression and then looked back at Hera, who remained calm and faintly entertained. There wasn’t a hint of fear in her. Only confidence.

___

I want to thank Itslaoni and Lovedada1 for the Golden Tickets. Thank you, little Goddesses!