MTLNOVEL Chapter 937 Hera's Penthouse
Without even realizing it, Leo began to sulk. Zhane, who was feeding him, felt his brow twitch in response—Leo's expression practically radiated disdain. Fortunately, Zhane had a good temperament. If it had been Dave in his place, things would've gone very differently.
Dave would've made a whole scene out of it, taunting Leo, poking at his pride until he was ready to explode. Hell, Dave might've even gone so far as to spoon-feed Leo like a toddler, complete with airplane sound effects. "Here comes the plane, open wide…"
Just imagining the storm that would cross Leo's face if that happened was enough to make Zhane suppress a grin.
Oblivious to the quiet stir she was causing, Hera happily opened her mouth as Xavier fed her, her eyes crinkling with delight. Tonight's dinner was one of her favorites—unagi bento with tamago and miso soup. Hannah's version of the dish was slightly different from her father's, offering Hera a fresh twist on the familiar flavor. The generous drizzle of sauce soaking the rice made it even more satisfying.
Xavier was focused on feeding her first before taking a bite himself. Hera had initially insisted on feeding herself, not wanting either of them to go hungry. But Xavier gently refused, pointing out that her arm was still in a cast.
Sure, she could manage with her right hand, but opening containers and handling things with one hand would be difficult. It made more sense to let him help, and besides, Xavier claimed he wasn't that hungry yet.
After some coaxing, Hera finally relented and allowed herself to be fed.
Not far from them, Dave watched the scene unfold and couldn't help but feel a little envious. Determined to contribute, he began assisting too, gently wiping the corners of Hera's mouth with a tissue, moving her cold hibiscus tea closer, and even adjusting the straw to her lips so she could sip it easily.
Oh, how Hera truly felt like a queen right now—surrounded and doted on by these handsome men. Even Luke and Rafael occasionally came over to offer her bites of food they thought she'd love, setting aside portions just for her.
At this point, Hera wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or concerned, because with how much food they were feeding her, it honestly felt like they were trying to fatten her up.
She chuckled inwardly at the thought. Was she supposed to be touched by their care… or cry at being pampered like a prized pig?
But she couldn't stop smiling.
There was no drama here—none of the misunderstandings or angry confrontations she used to imagine, or had seen in those tearjerking romance dramas. No one resented her for keeping secrets. No one lashed out. Instead, she was surrounded by warmth, affection, and gentle teasing.
And because of that, she found herself eating more than usual—happily, contentedly, without guilt.
Just as Xavier finished feeding her, Rafael appeared once again, this time he was carrying a dessert plate with a generous slice of tiramisu. Hera's eyes lit up instantly.
She loved creamy tiramisu, and although she already felt stuffed, she recalled Athena's words: 'Women have a separate stomach for desserts.' And it was true, because despite her full belly, her eyes crinkled with delight once more.
Rafael chuckled at her reaction before sliding into the seat Xavier had just vacated. Xavier had moved to the small kitchen table to eat his own meal, giving Rafael the perfect opportunity. He had intentionally eaten faster than Luke, just so he could be the one to feed Hera her dessert.
Now comfortably seated in front of her, Rafael shot Luke a smug, taunting smirk before picking up the dessert fork and offering Hera the first bite.
Luke simply shook his head.
At this rate, they were all becoming more childish by the day. He wasn't sure whether he should be amused, because it meant they were genuinely happy and content with this strange but working arrangement, or concerned, because they were steadily destroying their once dignified images in the process.
Luke then handed a small portion of the tiramisu to Leo. Since Leo was still recovering, he wasn't allowed to have too much sugar, but a few bites wouldn't hurt. Honestly, Hera shouldn't be indulging in sweets either. But after everything she'd been through in Paris, they all agreed she deserved a little comfort.
Right now, the best thing they could do was offer her the things she loved most, to help ease her mind and let her forget, even just for a while, all the stress she had been carrying.
When Luke noticed that Leo wasn't moving, he raised a brow and asked dryly, "You're not expecting me to feed you, are you?"
His voice held disbelief, and though Luke usually maintained a calm and composed front, he wasn't exactly the nurturing type—especially not like Zhane, who managed to be gentle even with his stoic nature. Luke could handle taking care of Hera, maybe, but Leo? That was pushing it.
Honestly, Leo should be grateful Luke hadn't drilled a hole through his wounds out of sheer irritation.
As the silent standoff between the two dragged on, Zhane sighed like a weary older brother. Shaking his head, he gently pushed Luke aside and sent him back to the kitchen to eat his own dessert.
Whenever Luke and Leo were left alone, they were like oil and water, never mixing, always tense. And as the one who often played the role of the group's responsible big brother, Zhane felt it was his duty to keep the peace… and prevent them from killing each other over something as simple as tiramisu.
But despite how it looked, their antics weren't born out of hostility. Leo and Luke were more like two mischievous brothers—constantly competing, easily provoked by one another, and always toeing the line like rivals.
Maybe it had something to do with the roles they were meant to play, Villain and Main Male Lead. Even if they didn't always get along, some deep-rooted instinct seemed to push them into these petty squabbles now and then.
Still, no matter how they acted in private, they always made sure to behave in front of Hera. She wouldn't hesitate to put them in their place if they got too out of hand.
Not that any of them minded.
In fact, they liked it. This closeness, the ability to drop their guards and just be themselves around her, was something they quietly cherished. They could be silly, teasing, even a little coquettish, and Hera never looked at them with judgment or disgust. She accepted them as they were, and that meant everything.
None of them were worried. Even Dave, arguably the least favored among them, had no qualms about pulling stunts or making bold moves, so why should the rest of them hold back?
Dave, who had been minding his own business, suddenly let out a loud sneeze.
"Who the hell's talking shit about me?" he asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously as he scanned the group.
His instincts were freakishly sharp when it came to this; sometimes it was like all it took was someone thinking something bad about him, and he'd feel it instantly.
Zhane couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head in amusement as he turned back to help Leo with his dessert.
The lively atmosphere warmed Hera's heart. She felt lighter than she had in days. After dinner, she was escorted back to her penthouse to rest, while Zhane was also sent to get some much-needed sleep. Luke stayed behind with Leo—they figured the two had plenty to discuss about mafia matters anyway.
Rafael, Dave, and Xavier accompanied Hera home. But the moment they stepped into the penthouse, an unexpected sight greeted them.
Silvia was seated calmly on the couch, sipping her tea in silence. Standing in front of her with their heads bowed were Amy and the servants who had been assigned to deliver food to the hospital. Hannah was also present, standing stiffly off to the side.
Amy, however, was kneeling on the floor. Her palms were outstretched, red with fresh lash marks.
Hera's brows immediately drew together in a deep frown.
At the same time, the sound of the electronic lock beeping echoed through the room. The moment everyone heard it open, they seemed to freeze.
They knew their savior had arrived.
One by one, their eyes shifted toward the door, filled with subtle desperation and silent pleas, as they looked to Hera with pitiful expressions.
"What's going on here?" Hera asked sharply the moment she was pushed inside.
Silvia, upon seeing her enter the penthouse, felt a fresh wave of displeasure rise within her. She had already returned home earlier in a foul mood, only to discover some of the servants missing—leaving without informing her. That alone was enough to set off her temper.
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