Under the heiress facade

Outside the yard, Bernard smiled meaningfully.

As he had expected, the Killians had been keeping an eye on him. It was exactly what he wanted.

He took out his phone and made a call. "He has his eyes on the prey. Switch to plan B."

"Yes, sir," Theo responded.

He felt that Bernard was going to great lengths for Hera.

Bernard knew the Killians would eventually target the Everetts, so he planned ahead of time. The two previous Shuttle Ventures investment contracts given to the Everetts were only the start of things. Next, Theo would put on an act. He would find James and Gideon, provide a big investment, and bring the Everetts under the protection of XS Corporation. That was Bernard's true purpose.

Otherwise, Hera and the Everetts would be suspicious if XS Corporation suddenly offered to invest in the bankrupt Everetts.

He just didn't expect the Killians to notice the Everetts so quickly. Now, the plan would flow more smoothly when they took action.

put on an act. By then, Bernard could invest

...

the blink of an eye, it was New Year's

I keep sending you video invitations, but you never answered me. Let's hop on a video call! I'd like to see if anyone else is on your bed!" Hera was in a foul mood from being woken up early by Samantha's call. She irritably put the phone away from her ear and turned on the loudspeaker

my dear. I'm bad at math and miscalculated the time difference.

straight to

your tone, I can

keep talking

that I sent you a coming-of-age gift. It'll reach your home later. Remember to take it and put it

opened her eyes, her sleepiness disappearing instantly. "What

"It's a secret, hehe!"

laughter that it couldn't be something

last chat recorded between her and Bernard was when he wished her a good night after their video call last night. He had been

in