Chapter 850 Without A Backer
She began to wonder if this was just another bizarre side effect of her female lead halo. After all, heroines were often inexplicably adored by powerful and attractive men, while only antagonists and side characters remained immune. Maybe Alexandre’s intense interest wasn’t genuine at all—just another pull from the storyline trying to play itself out.
"Alexandre, I’m not sure what you’re thinking exactly, but if this is just about novelty, then you’d better look elsewhere. I have plenty on my plate right now and honestly, I don’t have room for more men in my life. Besides, you already have a fiancée. I came here to socialize and expand my network—not to offend anyone in your circle or steal someone else’s fiancé," Hera said wearily.
What she said was true. Many men are initially drawn to a woman because she’s different—like a breath of fresh air compared to those who usually orbit them. But eventually, they grow tired and realize there’s nothing particularly special about her.
It’s only when they reflect that they often discover they’ve developed feelings for the woman who’s quietly stood by their side all along—someone whose presence they once took for granted.
Right now, Hera was done playing the role of a cannon fodder in someone else’s love story. She had no intention of becoming the catalyst for drama between Alexandre and Mindy. All she wanted was to live peacefully with the people around her.
Though Hera was the heiress of the Avery family, she was currently in someone else’s territory. If Mindy chose to retaliate—and the chances of that had only increased after their recent encounter—it would spell trouble for Hera.
After all, the Pinault and Arnault families were major powers in this country, while she was nothing more than a foreigner. It wouldn’t be surprising if other influential families took action against her just to gain favor with the Pinaults. If things spiraled out of control, it could become a disaster for Hera.
From the way Mindy had looked at her earlier, Hera was certain—Mindy already had plans to deal with her. With her aggressive nature, it would be more surprising if she didn’t try to put Hera in her place. That meant Hera had to tread carefully. She had no idea what Mindy might do, and with no allies or forces of her own here, even defending herself would be difficult.
As an outsider, she knew the Arnault elders would likely side with Mindy if things escalated. Alexandre might be cherished by his parents, but if their relationship clashed with the family’s interests, would he still choose to protect her—or would he buckle under the weight of family pressure?
Hera wasn’t about to gamble her safety on someone’s fleeting infatuation. Even with the male leads—men she had spent so much time and effort winning over—she still lived with the lingering fear that the plot might eventually sway them away from her. If she couldn’t fully know what would happen around those she had fought to bring to her side, how could she possibly place her faith in a stranger she had only just met?
"Hera, won’t you give me a chance to prove it to you?" Alexandre asked, his voice low and hoarse with emotion as he looked at her. He knew he was being impatient—too forward, too fast—but the moment he heard that other men were already around her, a chill sank into his bones. His heart clenched with urgency, a desperate fear that if he didn’t leap now, she would soon slip beyond his reach.