Chapter 66
Hera shuddered at the cockney-like voice. Her face turned cold as she pivoted, saying woodenly, “Mr. Hill, I am Hera Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Baroque Electronics. You may address me as Ms. Lewis or by my name.”
The Hill family, owners of several large companies and dozens of smaller ones in Jonford, were powerful. Several of Baroque Electronics' component suppliers belonged to them. Hunter's relentless pursuit disgusted her, but she endured it for now.
“But, Hera, hasn’t your grandfather already agreed to our union?” An aggrieved look appeared on Hunter's chubby face. Herman had announced the Hill family's proposal of marriage, contingent upon a fifty-million-dollar dowry.
Fifty million dollars was astronomical to most, but insignificant to the Hills, whose assets totaled several billion. Moreover, Hunter was the sole heir. The elder Hill didn't mind the dowry; he'd even pledged an additional five hundred million for the wedding, and promised them control of the family's largest company afterward.
“I have a fiancé, Mr. Hill. Please, respect that!” Hera waved him off impassively.
“Hera… hasn’t your fiancé been… dismissed?”
“Besides… he’s a country bumpkin who can’t offer you a good future…”
“His only strength is martial arts… I can learn that. Several experts in my family have achieved ninth-division inner energy…”
Hunter persisted, attempting to sway her. Hera felt her head throb.
“Hera…”
Skadi arrived, accompanied by two followers in white martial arts uniforms. Wearing an aquamarine gown, her smile and eyes shone as she approached, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. The exposed pale skin of her shoulders and delicate collarbones made her seem a work of art. Her presence immediately commanded attention.
“Who’s that?”
“She’s stunning!”
“Sh*t, isn’t that Skadi, the tomboy?”
“From the martial arts association?”
“Who else?”
Mention of Skadi’s name caused many heirs to avert their gaze. Her grandfather headed the martial arts association, emboldening her fearlessness. Of the ten men who'd pursued her, she’d beaten eight.
“Skadi…” Hera rushed to her, taking Skadi’s hands. Her eyes shone. “You look gorgeous today…” Despite their long acquaintance, this was the first time she'd seen Skadi dressed up.
Skadi feigned offense. “Don’t I always?”
Hera stuck out her tongue. “Gorgeous in your usual boyish attire?”
“Wow, you dare say that to my face?” Skadi reached for Hera’s waist.
“Don’t, don’t… Don’t tickle me… I’m sorry…” Hera laughed, begging for mercy.
The playful scene between the two beauties captivated the onlookers. Hunter, engrossed, almost drooled.
Skadi noticed Hunter and recalled Hera's complaints. Her smile vanished, replaced by a cool gaze. “One more look, and I’ll gouge your eyes out.”
Other heirs might fear Skadi, but not Hunter. Her skills were only around fourth or fifth division. Her martial arts championship title was a sham; the competition, organized by her own association, was blatantly unfair.