Facade

“Lot 609 sold for 850 million. The bidding was intense as it just barely surpassed the grandmaster’s offer,” the host declared. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

The crowd erupted into chatter. Not only did Astral Nova’s grandmaster participate in the bidding, but he also lost. They speculated about the grandmaster’s finalbid. 

They questioned why the grandmaster would concede the Eclipse Stone just like that. It was hard to believe Astral Nova would allow such a bold move. If Hera could do it, they surmised they could also do the same. 

Hera stated, “If you’re fine with the outcome, I’ll head down to handle the payment.” 

With that, she turned and departed. 

After all, grabbing what she needed and leaving was her usual style. 

“Three lives for three demands, Bernard added. 

Hera paused and skeptically glanced at him. Even the nearby bodyguards were surprised and wondered what demand could surpass al 

“It’s a simple request,” Bernard clarified 

She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Such as?” 

“You can start by sharing your contact information.” 

Bernard’s request almost caused a nearby bodyguard to stumble in disbelief. 

Bernard handed his phone that showed a WhatsApp QR code. He maintained a mysterious smirk and kept staring at her. 

People would typically log in to WhatsApp with their primary numbers. But Hera remained untized and calmly scanned the code as though she had nothing to hide. 

“What about the second one?” she asked. 

“Keep in touch,” he replied as he scanned her QR code in return. 

Having now added her as a contact, he glanced at her profile 

Her WhatsApp name was “Shadow“, with a plain black and white profile picture. Her WhatsApp updates only featured shares of her medical papers on the Divine Forum 

He was speechless when be realized it was her secondary account. 

“What about the third demand? Hera asked. 

“Thaven’t decided yet I’ll hold onto it for now,” Bernard replied 

Hera glanced at him. He had used two lifelines just to exchange contact information and keep in touch with her. She wondered if he was trying to win her over 

After some thought, she couldn’t see what else the grandmaster, whom she was meeting for the first time, could want from her aside from her medical skills. 

Moreover, the benefits of forming a connection with the grandmaster at Astral Nova outweighed any potential drawbacks for her, so she readily agreed. 

“Okay,” Heta replied before turning to leave. 

As she made her way out, Bernard suddenly questioned, “Who are you planning to give the Eclipse Stone to?” 

He was expecting her to brush off the inquiry with a curt response. 

He was surprised when she answered cheerfolly, “A friend” 

He observed her closely and smiled before commenting, “Someone important, huh?” 

With a vague nod, Hera opened the door and exited. 

Behind her, Bernard reminded her, “Dr. Shadow, don’t forget my request ” 

Hera said nothing Samantha made a silly face at the bodyguard behind her as Hera stepped out. Then, she hugged Hera and led her to the restroom. 

“How did you do it?” Samantha asked excitedly. 

She heard the host’s announcement dat Hera had managed to snatch the Eclipse Stone from Bernard 

“I simply took a chance, Hera replied. 

As she recalled Benard’s subtle shift in his disposition and his three demands, she concluded, “Maybe the Eclipse Stone isn’t that important to him.” 

“Really? Is the grandmaster really that easy to deal with? Did you really not have to sacrifice anything, like your looks?” Samantha asked suspiciously. Hera paused, then responded, “ts that how you see me?