Chapter 849 Run
She gave a casual shrug, as if brushing off the entire conversation, though in truth, she was already considering making her escape. Staying here would only keep Alexandre’s attention on her, and the last thing she needed was more tension—or more drama stirred by Alice.
Besides, it wasn’t hard to figure out what Alice was trying to do. Even without her saying it outright, Hera had already noticed the not-so-subtle glances Alice kept throwing at Alexandre. Now, bringing up Hera’s lovers out of nowhere? It didn’t take a genius to see she was trying to ruin Hera’s image in front of him. Alice wasn’t just being petty—she was clearly interested in Alexandre and was hoping to twist the situation to her advantage.
Feigning exasperation with Alice and Mindy, Hera turned away gracefully, rolling her eyes. "You’re right. I still have a competition to prepare for. And instead of wasting my time arguing with you, I’d rather go back and get some rest," she said, her voice calm and dismissive, not sparing them another glance.
But in truth, her cheeks were still faintly flushed—not from anger, but from the lingering embarrassment stirred by Alexandre’s earlier words. More than anything, she just wanted to escape the awkwardness.
Alexandre, caught off guard by Hera’s sudden exit, shot a sharp glare at both Alice and Mindy. His expression darkened, a deep scowl settling on his face that could’ve crushed a fly. With a low, irritated snarl, he turned on his heel and strode after Hera and her friends, who were quick to follow her lead and make their exit.
The once-bustling hall fell into uncomfortable silence. Many of the guests had come hoping to speak with Alexandre—some to discuss business, others to forge connections, and a few simply to impress him. But now, he had walked out barely half an hour in.
All eyes turned to Alice, their gazes cold and full of blame. No one dared say anything to Mindy—the Pinault family held just as much power as the Arnaults—but Alice was a different matter. She was an outsider, unknown to most, and it was clear to everyone that her pointed words had irritated Alexandre’s companion.
And though Alexandre hadn’t said it aloud, it was obvious to anyone paying attention: the woman he came with wasn’t just a casual acquaintance—he was interested in her. Which was likely exactly why Mindy had set her sights on Hera in the first place.
"What the hell?! Why did we even come here if the star of the event just walked out?!" a woman snapped in English, her voice loud and full of frustration. "Who even invited this nobody who doesn’t know her place? She ruined the atmosphere and pissed off Alexandre! Tch."