Chapter 136 The Audacity
"Are you done talking?" Hera’s composed and indifferent voice resonated through the open space. It wasn’t loud, yet it carried enough weight to silence the gathering instantly. Though her expression remained neutral, her words and tone commanded authority, compelling everyone to heed her.
All eyes turned toward Hera. While some had faced her admonishments in the past, this time her tone bore a newfound weight of authority, tinged with an edge of dominance and impatience that commanded attention.
Hera had no intention of intimidating anyone, but she couldn’t help but find their arguments and reasons utterly foolish. It made her wonder how the female lead and the second female lead could be so naive, and how they managed to contend with the cunning villain and villainess of the novel when their motives were so transparent and they were as easily read as an open book.
She felt as though she was squandering her brain cells on people like them, not to mention wasting everyone else’s precious time. But what irked her even more was the way Alexi looked at her—as if she had betrayed him or as if there was still something lingering between them. ’The audacity of that man!’ she thought incredulously.
Hera’s question caught everyone off guard with its commanding tone, reminiscent of a queen awaiting the jury’s final opinions before delivering her decisive verdict. Her voice exuded authority and impatience, yet it seemed entirely natural—as if leadership and authority were ingrained in her very being from birth.
Her aura underwent a subtle transformation, a demeanor she had never before revealed. While the viewers captured only the facial expressions through the camera, those standing in Hera’s presence felt the weight of her commanding presence. It was an unspoken yet palpable energy, reminiscent of top CEOs or leaders, leaving a distinct impression on those around her.
Who among them hadn’t encountered powerful businessmen or politicians before? Each person present had encountered various influential figures, making them keenly aware that Hera’s aura wasn’t merely a facade crafted to intimidate others; it resonated with genuine authority and presence.
The other participants quickly fell silent and averted their gazes, intimidated by the prospect of meeting Hera’s eyes. Though she appeared composed, her expressionless face marked a stark contrast from her usual demeanor—a calm and gentle countenance often tinged with a hint of playfulness.
"Are you done talking?" Hera repeated her question that cut through the tension, her gaze sweeping over the faces of those who had been regarding her with judgmental eyes. It lingered on Minerva and Alice a moment longer before her lips curved into a mocking smirk. "I couldn’t care less if you want to slander me, but dragging the Director and the crew—who are working tirelessly to ensure the fairness of the show—into it is simply uncalled for."
Drawing from her experience in customer service, Hera recognized the "sandwich approach"—compliment first, then deliver the critique, and end with another compliment. Who could possibly fault her for employing such a tactic? With finesse, she could even reverse the dynamic with these two. Hera’s villainous mind began to churn, her lips curling into an evil smile. To onlookers, she appeared as an alluring succubus, ready to lead them willingly into the depths of hell, their descent unprotested and willingly embraced.