Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 103

Before heading to Astral Nova, Hera stopped by a mansion on the outskirts to change into adifferent attire. She then rode with Samantha.

During the journey, Samantha fluttered her thick lashes at Hera.

"Why don't you invite your young uncle along and let him shower you with money?"

"No, thanks. I can earn my own money."

Hera had calmed down, though she suspected Bernard was hooking up with other women at thatmoment.

She also didn't want him to learn more about her identity.

"Hera, you can't always be strong and independent like this. You must play up your feminine side tobring out a man's protective instincts."

Samantha wagged her finger.

She added, "And it's great that you can make money, but you shouldn't flaunt it. Otherwise, you'llend up like me—only capable of attracting gold diggers.

"Although the men are sweet, I always feel like they're not interested in me but in my money. I justwant a normal relationship. Why is that so hard?"

Hera's gaze swept over Samantha's head, and she noticed the sparkling diamond hair clips.Samantha's ears gleamed with 25-carat pink diamond earrings, and a ruby necklace adorned herneck.

She was also dressed in a custom-made exclusive gown, accessorized with a stunning 150-caratdiamond ring on her index finger and a top-grade gold bracelet on her wrist.

Hera hesitated before remarking, "Maybe try toning down the diamonds and cease your habit ofbuying drinks for everyone at the bar every time you go out."

"I can try to cut back on the drinks, but diamonds are my passion. I can't give them up," Samanthasaid while caressing her diamond ring.

She continued, "And trust me, I've already restrained myself. I used to have every finger adornedwith diamonds."

Hera was left speechless.

They continued chatting away until they reached Astral Nova.

Astral Nova was located adjacent to Dusk City. It boasted a stunning garden and architecturereminiscent of the opulence of the Gilded Age.

Its majestic design and old-world charm made it feel like a palace straight out of a fairy tale. Butwhat truly set it apart was its renowned auctions featuring treasures from around the world.

The founder of Astral Nova was always a mystery. Rumors suggested ties to the founder of DuskCity or involvement with a secretive organization.

While opinions varied, one thing was clear: Astral Nova had significant influence and shouldn't beunderestimated.

The gates shone brightly at the entrance while luxury cars filled the area. Security guards stoodsentinel and kept the media reporters at a distance with caution tape.

Astral Nova prioritized guest privacy and safety. Only those with verified identities could passbeyond a checkpoint, as external vehicles were not permitted entry.

As Samantha's car trailed behind a Rolls-Royce, Hera prepared to exit the vehicle.

However, her attention was inadvertently drawn to the car's license plate in front, which read"KIL8888". It was a customized plate for the Killian family, one of the four influential families.

This sight caught Hera off guard, though she wasn't entirely surprised by the presence of a Killianfamily member at the auction. Still, the coincidence was unexpected.

She narrowed her eyes and focused on the car ahead, where a woman in her 30s assisted anelegant, elderly woman with silver hair out of the vehicle.

Hera instantly recognized them. The elderly woman was Albert's widow, Ember, and the other wasAurora Killian, daughter of the current family patriarch.

"The Eclipse Stone must be very valuable if even the Killian matriarch is here," Samantha remarkedas she looked at the figures ahead.

She added, "It seems like everyone's after it tonight. Hera, you'll face some serious pressure later."

When Hera remained silent, Samantha turned and noticed Hera's cold gaze fixed on the twowomen before them.

"Should we wait for them to enter before we exit the vehicle?" Samantha asked.

Although Samantha wasn't aware of Hera's past experiences, she knew Hera harbored a deephatred for the Killians.