Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 153

Bernard had always prided himself on his self-discipline. No matter how seductive the women heencountered during his missions, he never lost his composure. However, Hera effortlessly shatteredhis self-discipline.

Propping his right leg, Bernard tried to conceal his awkward reaction from Hera. Assuming shemight have touched his wound, Hera remained still as he instructed, lying on his sturdy chest andenveloped by his faint tobacco scent.

Sensing the warmth, Hera could feel the firmness of his chest and abdomen muscles beneath hisshirt. Recalling the photo Bernard had mistakenly sent her last time, she suddenly felt the desire totrace his muscular lines.

However, she quickly brushed aside such an inappropriate thought, feeling the flush on her cheeksand the confusion in her mind.

As their breaths intertwined, Hera could hear their heartbeats loud and clear, unable to distinguishher heartbeat from his. It felt like the temperature in the room had risen.

After a long pause, Bernard broke the silence. "I think I need a shower." A cold shower, to be exact.

Hera promptly got up and cleared her throat before saying, "No, your wound can't get wet."

However, knowing Bernard's hygienic habits, she presumed he wouldn't be able to sleep without ashower. Reluctantly, she said, "If you insist, you can opt to wipe your body…"

She could offer to wash the towel for him, though.

"It's alright then," Bernard gently declined.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the awkwardness in the air.

Hera hurried out, washing her face with cold water before answering the door.

A delivery man was at the door, holding a large bouquet of champagne roses.

"Hi, this is for Ms. Youngworth. Please sign here," he said.

Hera stared at the bouquet in disbelief. She hadn't expected Bernard to actually buy her anotherbouquet. Moreover, she was incredibly fond of the color of these roses.

Once Hera returned to the house with the bouquet, she promptly snapped a picture and sent it toSamantha.

Shortly after, Samantha initiated a voice call to Hera. Instead of answering immediately, Heraretreated to her room upstairs before picking up.

"So, who gifted you those champagne roses?" Samantha asked anxiously once the call connected,her beautiful face enlarged on the screen.

"Bernie bought them," Hera decided it was more appropriate to use "bought" than "gifted".

"Ooh, Bernie, huh?" Samantha sensed something juicy was brewing, remembering Hera hadaddressed him as Bernard the last time they met.

Upon realizing she had instinctively addressed Bernard by his nickname, Hera quickly becameaware of her own unusual behavior.

Despite her usual composure, Hera didn't seem to be herself whenever she was around Bernard.

"We're not blood-related, so I can't keep calling him Uncle Bernard. That would boost his ego," Heraexplained, trying to convince herself at the same time.

Samantha smiled mischievously. "Oh, yes. I definitely see your point there! So, did you say yes tohis proposal?"

"Stop teasing me, or I'll hang up now," Hera protested shyly.

"Darling, don't you know? Champagne roses are not to be given lightly. They represent 'the one andonly,' meaning 'you're the love of my life'. In other words, he's proposing to you! Oh, dear. You'remaking me jealous…"

Hera was stunned by Samantha's remark, her cheeks burning. She couldn't help but wonder ifBernard had chosen those roses on purpose.

…

Meanwhile, Douglas was busy packing his luggage, planning to visit his parents in his hometownsince Bernard had told him to take a vacation.

However, just as he finished booking his flight, Douglas received a call from Bernard.

"Come to Skyview Heights now," Bernard urged over the phone.

Douglas was stunned, puzzled by Bernard's sudden change of mind.