Under the heiress facade

Chapter 304

Il Christopher had his way, he wanted Hera to go abroad with himn

Just as he readied himself to speak, a jarring ring shattered the forming silence.

Hera retrieved her phone, a flicker of recognition crossing her face when she saw Bernard’s name on the screen. She excused herself and stepped away to

swer the call, “Hello?”

“There you are! School’s been out for ages. What’s keeping you busy? Bernard’s voice washed over the phone, a smooth baritone that could charm the

birds from the trees.

“You mean the afternoon dismissal?” Hera clarified, remembering their earlier conversation.

Unlike most schools, Cavenridge functioned primarily as a boarding institution, with few students electing to return home for the midday break. The academy provided a cafeteria and dorms for them to relax during these hours

There was a beat of surprised silence from Bernard.

“Honestly, I just miss you,” he finally admitted.

remained silent, her thoughts churning

swing by, and

recalled Beard’s refined tastes and the bustling food street

shopping are on the agenda afterward.

asked suddenly, “How many classmates are you with?”

“Three,” Hera replied.

girls?” His question held a

head. If she made it known that there

next breath.

her face before she

Bemard conceded,

the end call button, but before her finger could tap the screen, his

you miss

with unspoken understanding. Hera knew Bernard well enough to recognize the unspoken

appease him would likely keep the call

sigh, she mumbled,

replied, finally severing the

stared at the phone, a small, involuntary smile playing on her lips. Perhaps a tiny

cut in. The line had finally shuffled forward

rejoined the group. Following Katia’s suggestion, she ordered the shop’s signature coffee and some local snacks. As she reached for her wallet to pay, a commotion