Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 359

Hera felt flustered. Bernard's true colors were starting to show now that they were together. "Stop mimicking me!" Hera snapped.

Just then, the sound of the front gate opening echoed across the yard.

Bernard seized the opportunity and said, "Douglas is here. I'll go make you some steak."

He turned to leave.

But the more he evaded her questions, the more curious Hera became. So, she trailed after him.

"You didn't start having feelings for me when you were young, did you?" she prodded.

Bernard froze at being exposed.

"You're such a perv. I was practically your niece back then!" Hera teased.

Bernard remained silent. Suddenly, he stopped and turned, causing Hera to bump into him.

With a mischievous grin, he lifted her chin.

"So, are you scared of falling into a pervert's hands? Hmm?"

Hera was speechless.

Douglas, who had come to deliver some items, witnessed their intimate moment. He quietly placed the items in the kitchen and left, feeling like a third wheel.

The kitchen and dining room were behind the west wing's main hall. Bernard retrieved a box of cake from the items Douglas brought and handed it to Hera.

"Have some cake to tide you over, but don't eat too much. Save some room for the steak."

"Okay."

Hera sat at the dining table. She opened the cake box to replace her favorite tiramisu inside.

As Hera enjoyed the cake, she watched Bernard bustling in the kitchen. She suddenly felt a warm wave of happiness wash over her.

She had never considered what kind of life she wanted beyond avenging Daphne and clearing Lucius' name. But now, she had.

"Bernie," Hera called out suddenly.

Preoccupied with marinating the steaks, Bernard responded with a hum.

"Let's continue collecting elements from the periodic table. One each year until we finish," Hera said.

Bernard paused and looked at Hera, wearing a faint smile.

"Alright. But I can't promise we'll complete all 96 remaining elements," he replied.

96 years was nearly a century.

"If we can't finish, our kids can take over," Hera suggested.

Bernard looked at her with deep affection.

"Deal!"

Hera took another bite of the tiramisu, its sweetness spreading from her mouth to her heart.

And just like that, they made a romantic pact to last a century.

After

Hera reminded Leon of

e to give her ener

planned to watch a movie together.

At the theater, while buying popcorn and drinks, Bernard's phone rang.

Having already bought the popcorn, Hera turned to ask Bernard what drink he wanted, only to see him frowning as he listened to the call.

She recalled the New Year

celebrations at the Killians', with their complex rituals and strict etiquette. Bernard had been absent since yesterday, and she was certain the Killians weren't pleased.

Knowing how difficult things were with the Killians, she didn't want him facing more trouble because of her.

Just as she was about to suggest he

with an

go back, her phone vibrated incoming call. It was from She quickly answered the call.

Ellerine.

"Grandma..."

But the voice on the other end wasn't Catherine's. It was a young girl speaking urgently.

"Hello, is this Hera? Mrs. Jones is in trouble!"