Chapter 327 Outsmarted
Exactly 15 minutes later, not a second more, a figure emerged from the other side of the hallway. He looked disheveled, with his necktie loosened and his suit jacket draped over his arm. His black shirt was damp with sweat, clinging to his chiseled abs and bulging muscles. His long, sturdy legs moved in powerful strides, almost like a sprint. The sight was a spectacle for everyone present, who stared with wide eyes and open mouths.
Some of them had seen Rafael Briley in magazines featuring young successful businessmen, while others had caught glimpses of him in interviews. Although they had admired his looks and considered him more handsome than many actors, those instances were few and far in between since he was rarely seen. Now, seeing him in person, they felt as though their lungs were failing them, overwhelmed by his presence and unable to breathe.
Rafael embodied the classic bad boy or domineering CEO archetype often seen in romance novels. As he approached, the girls watching felt their hearts skip a beat or two, captivated by his presence.
As Rafael stood before Hera, panting, everyone watching held their breath in anticipation, their hearts racing. Even Gerald found himself holding his breath, quietly ending his call and watching with unblinking eyes, wondering if this would mark the beginning of his Young Miss’s journey to tame six men.
Rafael stood there for a moment, staring at Hera as he struggled to figure out how to explain himself. He didn’t know where to start. He had never needed to justify his actions before; whether he acted with or without consequences, he never had to explain himself to anyone, not even to his parents.
But now, he needed to explain himself if he wanted to have a chance with the woman he liked. Yet, he was tongue-tied, unable to do anything but stare at Hera. His mind was racing with everything he wanted to say, but he struggled to find the right words.
Hera observed as Rafael panted to catch his breath. His usually sleek, combed-back hair was tousled by the wind, falling messily around his face and enhancing his ruggedly handsome appearance. His shirt, slightly open, revealed a hint of his strong chest and well-defined muscles, creating a strikingly sexy and inviting image that could easily ignite a woman’s imagination.
Although Rafael didn’t know where to start, he knew he needed to say something. He took a deep breath, stopped overthinking, and let his words flow as he gazed intently into her eyes.
"Hera, I realize we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot and had misunderstandings. I admit that part of what happened was my fault for avoiding conflict and failing to discipline my sister properly after only a few attempts. That led to the situation we’re in now. However, despite my mistakes, I’m also grateful for how things turned out, because it allowed me to get to know you."