Chapter 183 The Guilty Grandson
Who would have guessed that Hera had orchestrated this scene so masterfully? With a hint of pride, she showcased her creation, yet subtly masked her true intentions. Her calculated demeanor was meant for the others to see and sure enough, this didn’t escape the notice of her guests, leaving her confident that someone would surely inquire about tasting the concoction themselves.
Victor’s execution was flawless, providing Hera with the perfect opportunity to disclose the drink’s potent alcohol content. This preemptive move ensured that any later instances of intoxication, such as Dave’s, would be perceived as an innocent oversight on Hera’s part. Consequently, she could sidestep the need for explanations and potential scrutiny from the male leads regarding any suspicions of ulterior motives.
It was a strategic move to confess first, ensuring Hera had the upper hand and portraying her as genuinely eager for them to taste her creation without foreseeing its effects. Furthermore, her demeanor behind the bar counter had already made it clear that she wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about liquor. This was evident in her genuine surprise upon discovering the staggering value of some bottles on her shelf—her reaction was authentic and revealed her true lack of expertise in the matter.
Moreover, it wasn’t as though Hera was fabricating her lack of expertise—she genuinely wasn’t very knowledgeable. Her exposure to bartending techniques came from observing others, and she simply mimicked what she had seen. As for the ’Night of Passion’ cocktail she crafted, it stemmed from her personal preference, a concoction born out of her own desire to satisfy her taste buds.
She believed that by handling things this way, none of the male leads would be able to find fault with her.
"Alright, since you’ve spoken, I’ll listen to you," Victor chuckled once more, nodding in agreement with Hera’s words. Zen observed his grandfather with raised eyebrows, surprised by the continuous laughter. It was a rare sight; Victor’s laughter today already exceeded the sum of smiles Zen had seen from him over the years, not just toward him but also toward their family. Zen had always perceived his grandfather as taciturn and strict, someone who adhered to military principles with unwavering dedication, even at home—a trait that had made Zen somewhat averse to him.
As a result, Zen’s apprehension and aversion towards his grandfather began to dissipate. He found himself contemplating whether he and his family had ever truly attempted to understand his grandfather, or if their efforts to connect with him had been superficial. It dawned on him that since childhood, his fear of his grandfather had stemmed not from a lack of love, but from the imposing aura his grandfather exuded. Consequently, Zen had always instinctively avoided him. As he grew older, his grandfather’s presence at home diminished, as he dedicated more time to work at the base. This further distanced their relationship, leaving Zen to ponder the missed opportunities for connection.
Zen felt a lump form in his throat as he came to the realization that he bore some responsibility for the strained relationship with his grandfather. With maturity came reflection, and Zen couldn’t shake the feeling that his grandfather had likely cared for them deeply, choosing to immerse himself in work to shield the children from his gruff demeanor and intimidating presence. As Zen matured, he became engrossed in his own pursuits and aspirations, neglecting the opportunity to foster a meaningful connection with his grandfather.