Under the heiress facade

Hera's back was pressed against Bernard's sculpted torso as they rode through the borderless meadow, the horse under them galloping through the wind that kissed their faces. There was something idyllic and romantic about the scene that made everyone stop and stare.

Nicholas was wide-eyed as he did a double-take. Bernard had cheated! He had said he would participate in the race alongside Hera, but he took her off her horse and pulled her onto his mount instead.

"Wow, that looks fun! I want to try that too!" Samantha's eyes were bright as she dismounted with an easy grace and jogged over to Shaun, only to mount his horse.

Shaun wrapped his arms tightly around her and held the reins. With a firm shout, he steered his horse toward Bernard and Hera, leaving Nicholas behind with three horses.

Nicholas ground his teeth. This was ridiculous. Surely, he deserved more respect than this!

It had been a long time since Hera rode on horseback. She allowed Bernard to guide her for a lap until she adjusted to the sensation and muscle memory kicked in. After that, she took over the reins and sent the horse galloping across the meadow.

When Shaun and Samantha caught up to them, they galloped a few more laps across the meadow before Hera decided to return to Nicholas' side.

When she saw Nicholas sullenly leading the horses back to the stables, she leaped off Bernard's mount and asked, "So, who won?"

"You did, Hera! You're officially the commander of this trip!" Samantha said happily.

"No dice! Her horse crossed the finish line without her. That's cheating!" Nicholas snapped.

at Nicholas. "You said the first one to cross the finish line wins,

You're commander now, so make him

eyed Bernard witheringly. Could these men be any more

I might not be a straight-A student, but even I know horses run faster without a rider. You're exploiting a

think you would!" Samantha gave Nicholas a look of mock amazement. She prodded Shaun and said, "You should've let me ride on your horse too." Nicholas couldn't believe what

Hera was equally speechless.

leave that sort of work to someone else," Shaun said, holding Samantha around

have a point." Samantha

caring that everyone was subjected to their public

Samantha's behalf the last

of dictating how the rest of their trip should go.

thing he would do as commander was kick Bernard out

Nicholas was thinking. He scoffed. He

didn't care about being commander, but they participated in the race

them set out

them