Under the Heiress' Facade



James whispered worriedly, "Are you sure you can handle him?" It was preposterous for the Atkinses to expect or even force an apology out of the Everetts.

"Yes," Gino confirmed. He would look like a wimp if he backtracked now, so he had no choice but to see the challenge through. Besides, there was no embarrassment in losing to a pro hacker.

On the contrary, it wouldn't be an honorable win for Silas, who ranked 99th on the Global Hacker List, if he beat a programming rookie in a match. Presently, the crowd had placed their bets in Silas' favor, though it was out of sycophancy for the Atkinses more than anything. Those who dared not cross the Atkinses had not bothered placing bets at all.

No one bet on the Everetts, and Mabel was pleased to see how the Everetts lost favor with the audience. She wanted them to be punished for going against the Atkinses.

"Ready?" Roland asked Gino smugly. He couldn't wait to see Gino apologize. He would make Gino grovel to the point of tears.

Gino squared his shoulders. "Cut the crap. Which of us goes first?"

Silas was still pretending to be the bigger person. "Are you sure you don't want your big brother to help you?"

Gideon clenched his fists. Had he known this day would come, he would have picked up coding and programming alongside his younger siblings. At least then he wouldn't have to stand here and let Silas run his mouth.

Just then, an icy voice rang out from the crowd. "Where's your confidence? Drop the goody-two-shoes act. You're outright picking on a child!" Gino whirled in the direction of the familiar voice, his eyes sparkling as he cried, "Hera!"

As if on cue, Hera emerged from the crowd, who parted to let her through. An oversized men's jacket was draped over her shoulders, its loose silhouette shifting as she moved. Even then, she looked aloof and stunning.

Falling in step behind her was none other than Bernard, whose domineering presence stifled the restless crowd.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

"Mr. Killian," James greeted immediately, his tone full of respect.

Only then did the crowd remember the Everetts were Dr. Shadow's family, and Dr. Shadow was Bernard's lover.

They cursed inwardly and wondered if it was too late for them to bet on the Everetts instead. They did not care about the match or who won. They only wanted to rub shoulders with the right folks.

However, Mabel was unfazed by Hera and Bernard's arrival. Her sister-in-law was married to Rhett, the CEO of Killian Corporation. Bernard had nothing on them!

More importantly, Rhett was also in attendance this evening. Mabel was confident he would take the Atkinses side if Bernard decided to cause a scene. Emboldened by the thought, she snorted and said, "Don't get all high and mighty unless you want to take Silas on, toot

Hera had gathered the gist of the incident from the crowd's exchange earlier. She glanced at Gideon and James, whose displeasure flashed in his eyes. At last, her gaze fell on Gino, who clenched his jaw and looked endearingly defensive of his pride.

Hera would not let anyone pick on her family. "Very well, then. Let's have some fun, shall we?" She flexed her fingers to make a point.

Silas snorted at her audacity. "Aren't you arrogant? You must run in our circle. What's your codename?"

Hera drawled coldly, "You're not good enough to know."

He scoffed. He would make her pay for her arrogance and humiliate her so badly that she would give up hacking forever.

Mabel pointed out snidely, "If you're

taking part in the match, you'll have

to apologize to the others if you lose." It would be quite the sight

behold if Dr. Shadow, who was

Bernard's lover, were to apologize.

"Tsk. You sure love hearing yourself talk. Start the match already," Hera snapped impatiently.

Gino was excited to join forces with Hera for the match, but he couldn't help worrying, either. Standing next to her, he squeezed her hand and said solemnly, "If you lose, I'll apologize on your behalf too."

Hera gave him a withering look, wondering at his sudden pessimism.

Bernard jerked his chin at Douglas, who immediately had an attendant bring out a laptop and a table and chairs.