Under the Heiress' Facade

Samantha paused for a thought. Instead of trying to charm someone, she figured it might be quicker to simply take them out. But she quickly dismissed the idea with a shake of her head.

Then, she remarked enviously, "You defied the powerful, braved dangers, and stormed the Astral Nova Auction tower.

"Plus, you also outsmarted the grandmaster in bidding for the Eclipse Stone and spent nearly 900 million. If your young uncle knew you risked everything for him, he'd be deeply moved and ready to commit."

"Are all men like that?"

Hera suddenly remembered Bernard's assertive words from their previous conversation at the hotel. That was his style.

"Anyone interested in you definitely would be!" Samantha replied.

Hera was momentarily speechless.

Samantha's mischievous grin widened as she leaned in toward her.

"Just go along with it when the time comes," she advised and tried to catch any sign of a blush under Hera's mask.

She added, "Don't try even to insist that you and him are collaborators."

Hera pushed Samantha's intrusive face away.

"I've got some errands to run. You head home. I'll cover your Cartier red diamond."

Moments earlier, Samantha, the diamond enthusiast, had bid 170 million for a Cartier red diamond at the auction.

"Okay, love you. I love you," Samantha chirped and made heart shapes with her hands.

"Let's have a moment of silence for the sucker. I'm out."

Samantha was well aware of Hera's knack for getting others to foot the bill, and Hera's strategy wasn't lost on her either. Whenever Hera had a big expense coming up, she would take on a task to make her sponsor foot the bill. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

By keeping the money out of her own hands, Hera effectively hid her tracks. With Samantha's departure, Hera swiftly reached for her phone. She sent a quick quotation to Queenie, then made her way down the stairs to collect the goods.

…

The burly bodyguard, Samson Shaft, had returned to the grandmaster's room after escorting Hera out.

He asked, "Bernard, did you really let her take the Eclipse Stone?"

Seated comfortably behind the bead curtain, Bernard relaxed on the grandmaster's throne with a glass of red wine in his hand.

He casually pushed the ghost mask atop his forehead to reveal his striking features.

He took a sip of wine and asked, "Do you have a problem with that?"

Samson hesitated and considered the gravity of the situation. He knew the Eclipse Stone was Bernard's salvation, yet he had allowed another to snatch it away.

Now faced with Dr. Shadow's demands—the return of the stone, a cure for the illness, and an ambiguous question of friendship—Samson found himself at a loss for words.

Then, he composed a message in the WhatsApp group titled "North, South, East, West".

Samson: "Bernard's having an episode! @Johnson, where are you? Hurry up!"

Douglas: "What's going on?"

Douglas: "Bernard's having another episode?"

Douglas: "Are you guys still at the auction? You have to keep him under control. Keep his identity hidden."

Douglas: "@Johnson, Where are you? Why aren't you answering the phone?"

Douglas: "Does anyone have Ms. Hera's phone number?"

Theo: "Douglas, calm down. Mr. Ludden probably has her number. I'll give him a call."

Samson: "Bernard isn't losing control. He just gave the Eclipse Stone to someone else!"

Johnson: "I'm just getting on the elevator. There's no signal!"

Johnson: "!!!"

Douglas: "!!!"

Theo: "Wait! Is it a woman?"

Douglas: "Samson, stop her now!"

Samson: "Yes, it's a woman. It's Dr. Shadow."

Bernard: "Samson, there goes your bonus for the quarter."

Samson: "Damn!"

Samson forgot there were five other people in the group chat. He quickly pocketed his phone and nervously glanced at Bernard.

"Bernard, are you really okay?"

"What do you think it means when a woman keeps wearing gifts given by a guy?" Bernard countered with a question.