Maybe, just maybe, her sincerity had reached him, and he was slowly letting his guard down. The thought filled her with quiet joy. With the tension eased, the three of them slipped into a livelier conversation about business while sharing the fruit salad Rafael had prepared.
Leo gradually eased up, his tone softening as he began speaking with Hera and Rafael more warmly than before. For the first time, he seemed a little more comfortable around them.
Rafael noticed the change but chose not to point it out; he didn't want Leo to feel self-conscious and retreat back into his usual aloofness. Since his earlier schemes hadn't worked out as planned anyway, Rafael simply let things be and decided to enjoy the moment with Hera.
