Ethan's arrival at the construction site revealed a heightened security presence, with bodyguards surrounding Emma Macloy. A quick assessment of their levels left Ethan unimpressed; he knew he could handle them if the need arose.
"Level 21 (Young master of CSS company)"
"Level 27 (Bodyguard of young master)"
The figures outside the office were not formidable, easing Ethan's tension. Without a word, he knocked on the door and entered, disregarding the young master's protest.
"What are you doing? Don't you know that Emma is inside! Even I haven't entered without her permission!" the young master fumed.
Ethan offered a fleeting stare before proceeding. As he entered, the manager, standing beside the young miss, vanished. Whispering, he passed Ethan, "I'm watching you!" Ethan shrugged off the comment.
"Mr. Ethan, I'm glad you've come to a decision. I assure you that you won't be treated poorly," Emma greeted gently, her voice captivating Ethan. In a trance, he felt drawn to her, but he shook his head to dispel the enchantment.
"I know you won't be bad to me, and I don't have any issues being your bodyguard. So, I accept your offer, Miss Em— young miss," Ethan replied with determination.
Emma's expression remained composed, confirming her status as a refined young miss. "Now that you're my bodyguard, I hope you will help me in dispersing the people standing outside. You don't have to be violent," she requested gently.
Ethan stood beside her chair, not behind like the manager. "So, young miss, who are they?"
"You'll know eventually," Emma replied playfully, then gave permission for the young master and his bodyguard to enter. The sight of Ethan standing beside Emma shocked them momentarily.
"Hi, Emma. Nice to see you again," the young master greeted, extending his hand, but Emma disregarded it.
"Don't forget your formalities, Mr. Finch. I don't like it," Emma said in a different tone, one Ethan could sense was not her usual gentleness.
"That's my young miss for you, you half-assed young master or whoever you are," Ethan thought, content to be by her side.
Ignoring Emma's warning, Finch sat back down. "You know why I'm here, Emma? So don't be so rude," he asserted, attempting to be overbearing. A chill ran down his spine as Ethan spoke calmly but with a cold edge.
"My young miss just warned you! Be in your limits, you toad," Ethan stated, his voice chilling the air. Emma was stunned, but a smile crept onto her face. The manager had never taken such actions, but Ethan was different—he was here only for Emma.
Finch seethed with anger, not expecting to be belittled by a seemingly insignificant guard.
In an attempt to regain control, he signaled his own guard to intimidate Ethan and Emma. The guard, well-versed in emitting an oppressive aura, unleashed an invisible pressure across the room.
"Don't bother with that little aura of yours. You can't do anything in my presence," Ethan nonchalantly remarked, causing the guard to feel an invisible force constricting his throat. Shock filled his eyes as he struggled for breath.
Ethan's killing intent, not as a result of martial arts, suffused the room. It was a simple yet potent force, a protective instinct triggered by the perceived threat to the women he guarded.
Finch, witnessing his guard's distress, realized the situation had taken a dangerous turn. "Miss. Macloy, my apologies. Can you ask your guard to stop now?" he requested, his tone more respectful.
"It's okay now," Emma reassured softly. Ethan felt a sense of relief at her words, her voice acting as a calming charm.
The pressure on the guard lifted, disappearing as abruptly as it had appeared. Finch, now cautious, knew he had to change tactics. "As you know why I am here, you should just answer me straightforwardly," he said more courteously.
"And my answer is still no, Mr. Finch. I'm not going to give you this land, nor the other place you have been asking," Emma stated in a business-like tone.
Finch, realizing he couldn't win in this scenario, left the room after a final glance at Ethan.
After Finch's departure, Ethan sat down, and the manager entered, looking a bit worried. Ignoring the manager's concern, Emma reassured him about handling the elders.
"Young miss, are you sure that you don't have to ask the elders? Last time too, elders were a bit upset about your own decision-making," the manager inquired, irritating Ethan.
"Why is this manager, supposedly Emma's lackey, trying to persuade her like that? Shouldn't he just stand beside her, supporting her decisions?" Ethan thought, his anger evident.
"You don't have to worry about those small matters. I'll handle the elders. This land is very important for us, and that cave too," Emma reassured the manager, silencing him.
"Ethan, now that you are my guard, you have to follow me around all day haha," Emma said with a hint of happiness in her voice.
"I don't mind, young miss. As a guard, it won't be any trouble," Ethan replied with a blooming smile.
"Good then. We are going to the mansion, as I have some matters to attend to. You can also come,"
Emma invited, standing up and picking up her bag. A Mercedes Benz S-Class awaited outside, and Ethan took the front seat.
The lackey, who doubled as the driver, opened the door for Emma, and they embarked on their journey.
As the car set in motion, Ethan contemplated the events that unfolded, his mind wandering to trivial thoughts amidst the elegance of the Mercedes.