Chapter 340 What Do I Get In Return?
After studying her for a moment, Luke returned to his warm smile and nodded at Hera. "As long as he’s not getting too familiar or showing any improper interest, I won’t read too much into it." He added with a hint of jest as he sipped his tea, casting a fleeting glance at Gerald. However, to anyone listening—including Hera—his words carried more weight as a subtle threat than as a light-hearted joke.
Even Rafael had never seen this side of Luke before, but he inferred that Luke must be recognizing the intensifying competition for Hera’s attention. It seemed clear that Luke felt the pressure as other suitors stepped up their game. Rafael guessed that if Luke didn’t raise his own efforts in courting Hera, he risked not only losing her but also watching others advance their relationships with her. This realization, Rafael suspected, would deeply affect Luke’s pride and sense of masculinity.
Luke has likely come to understand that his previous approach in courting Hera fell short compared to the boldness of others. As a result, he’s allowing his more assertive side to emerge and is gaining some backbone. Honestly, Rafael can’t fault Luke for this shift in behavior, especially since Rafael himself feels uneasy knowing that Hera is surrounded by so many potential suitors.
However, this isn’t the real issue at the moment. Rafael tried to refocus the conversation because the situation was far from trivial. It wasn’t just about his sister; there was a criminal group involved. If his sister is indeed being framed, her life could be at risk. Even if her name is cleared later, she might still be targeted by those behind the scheme or by the criminal group seeking revenge for being cornered by the police.
The brutality of the killings and their repeated nature suggest that those responsible have significant backing and aren’t afraid of being caught. This spells trouble for both Rafael and his sister. Despite his concerns, Rafael couldn’t shake the unsettling thought that Luke might be connected to the underground world where such brutality is prevalent and might get himself in trouble sooner or later too.
The last person he expected to be connected to this part of the society, Luke looked like the sun that gives everyone hope and helps in the charity events to help the helpless was actually connected.
Rafael wondered to himself, ’Could Luke be involved in this dark side of society because he wanted to end such brutality? Perhaps he’s sending his people to clean up the mess from within.’ As he watched Luke calmly sipping his tea, seemingly unfazed by the tension in the room, Rafael couldn’t shake the feeling that Luke was treating the situation as if it were something easily resolved by him.
Rafael cleared his throat to refocus everyone’s attention. "Ahem! Now that Luke is here and Hera has already explained the situation and reviewed the report, can I entrust you with the investigation, Luke?" Rafael fixed his gaze expectantly on Luke, who responded with a smirk. However, Rafael couldn’t quite discern the meaning behind it.
"What’s in it for me to take on this investigation?" Luke asked, his tone neutral and his gaze fixed on Hera. It was as if his question was directed at her, and he would only consider accepting the task based on her response.