Under the Heiress' Facade

"What's wrong?" Bernard asked as he noticed Hera holding the first aid kit.

"I'm going to clean your wound," she replied, moving to the bedside and opening the kit.

"What wound?" Bernard asked nonchalantly, toweling his wet hair.

Hera's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure as she pointed to his collarbone.

A playful smirk tugged at Bernard's lips as he met her gaze. He leaned back on the bed and propped up on one elbow, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement.

He exuded a seductive charm, reminiscent of a siren luring sailors to their doom. This small display of concern from Hera was a victory. Perhaps the bite hadn't been in vain.

Hera's focus on cleaning and dressing the wound belied her inner turmoil. Bernard's silence only served to intensify her guilt, solidifying her belief that she had indeed bitten him. But his unspoken forgiveness allowed her to put the incident behind her.

Back in Skyview Heights, Hera discovered her phone was missing. In their haste, she had forgotten to retrieve her camera as well, but that could be easily remedied.

Unfazed, she purchased a new phone and swiftly transferred her data from her desktop. With a few swift clicks, she wiped the old phone clean, ensuring her privacy remained intact.

The new week ushered in the much-anticipated anniversary celebration of Cavenridge International Academy, a three-day event spanning Wednesday to Friday.

The celebration held immense significance for the school, particularly for the junior and senior students, as it attracted delegations from prestigious universities worldwide seeking potential recruits.

In preparation, Cavenridge instituted a pre-university examination. The university representatives would use this exam to identify exceptional students and extend valuable guaranteed admission offers.

In Junior Class B, Kerry announced from the podium after delivering the school notice, "Anyone interested in signing up for the pre-university examination, please see me in the office after class." Hera was momentarily distracted from her game and glanced up at Kerry.

Katie asked doubtfully, "Ms. Lane, do you seriously expect anyone from our class to pass that exam and get in?"

Another student chimed in, "We know our place, Ms. Lane. We won't waste anyone's time."

"Ms. Lane, you didn't have to come all this way just for this announcement. Take care of yourself and your baby!"

Hera remained quiet, observing the scene.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Kerry's face as she remembered their recent midterm results. She replied, "I got it. This is just a standard procedure, and I'm just doing my job."

Her words were met with another round of laughter. "Looks like Ms. Lane's finally given up on us!"

Kerry sighed internally, the students' apathy toward their studies a familiar sting. Cradling her growing belly, she retreated to her office and began outlining a supplementary lesson plan. Moments after the bell signaled the end of class, a knock echoed through the office.

With the other teachers busy, Kerry was alone.

"Come in," she called, glancing up to see Hera standing in the doorway.

"Hera, are you here for another leave request?" Kerry asked, her words tinged with resignation.

"No, I'd like to sign up for the pre-university examination," Hera replied calmly.

Kerry's surprise was evident as if she had misheard.

Just then, Esme returned from her class and overheared Hera's words. She sneered, "Oh, how predictable. A classic student of Kerry's. Mediocre grades, yet overflowing with confidence."