Under the Heiress' Facade

The thugs turned, finding a tall, handsome man with a phone at the alley's entrance.

Amelia looked up, recognizing Gideon with a start. She quickly lowered her head again. The shame of being seen in such a vulnerable state by him was almost unbearable. "This doesn't concern you, kid." The lead thug growled.

Gideon raised his phone, his expression cold. "The police will be here in five minutes. If you don't want to get caught, I suggest you leave."

The thugs exchanged glances, and one whispered to the leader, "He's the eldest son of the Everett family."

Realizing who they were dealing with, the leader spat at Amelia and snarled. "You got lucky this time. Don't let me see you again! Let's go."

With that, he and his men disappeared into the night.

Gideon approached and saw Amelia on the ground, disheveled and distraught.

She immediately turned away as she was afraid he would offer help. She quickly stood, clutching herself and shivering.

She kept her head bowed, not wanting Gideon to see her face. Ever since the Gaskell and Everett families' falling out, they had become enemies. Gideon must not have recognized her. That was the only reason he helped. She couldn't bear the thought of him recognizing her and mocking her.

"Has the Gaskell family fallen this far?" Gideon's voice was cold.

Amelia's eyes widened. Had he known who she was all along? Was he deliberately here to humiliate her?

The thought made her fists clench. Just as she was about to respond, a grey cashmere coat was thrown over her head.

Hesitantly, she pulled it down, only to see Gideon's tall figure receding into the night.

She stood there, stunned. She held the coat that still carried the warmth of his body and the faint scent of his cologne. A complex emotion welled up inside her as she stared at the coat in her hands.

Gideon reached the karaoke room where Hera and her friends were. Seeing Kerry, who was pregnant, escorting each student out, he understood why Hera had called him.

If Kerry hadn't insisted on having the students' guardians pick them up, Hera would likely have gone home alone. The realization brought a wave of emotion, nearly bringing him to tears. "Thank you, Ms. Lane. You should head home and rest," he told Kerry. After getting Hera and saying their goodbyes, the three headed outside.

In the Norburgh winter, nights were colder than days. Their breath formed mist, and ice crystals lined the roadside flowerbeds.

Noticing Gideon was only wearing a cashmere sweater, Hera asked, "Gideon, why are you dressed so lightly?"

Gideon felt a surge of warmth, knowing Hera still cared.

"I left in a hurry and forgot my coat. It's not too bad. The car's heater is on," he replied, omitting his encounter with Amelia.

At the parking lot, he opened the backseat door for them.

"Trying to look cool, huh?" Gino teased as he got in.

Gideon gritted his teeth and started the car. He then asked Hera, "Skyview Heights or home?"

He knew Hera lived at Skyview Heights, presumably in a house Bernard had arranged. It was usually just her and Tiramisu, with occasional visits from Bernard. If not for Bernard's clean reputation with women, Gideon would suspect he was treating Hera as a mistress.

The thought enraged him, but he was worried that meddling too much would alienate Hera. So, he had to respect her choice.

His dear Hera, whom he hadn't even had a chance to treat properly, was already being snatched by that old Bernard.