The Silent Bodyguard

Ethan's first day at Lander corporation

The morning sun shone brightly over the tall glass tower of Lander Corporation, reflecting golden light across the busy streets of Manila.

Inside the building, employees moved quickly through the halls, preparing for another demanding day under the powerful name of the Lander family.

But on the 30th floor, where the executive offices were located, the atmosphere felt different.

More serious.More tense.Because that floor belonged to Sophia Lander.And everyone knew one thing about her.Working near her meant constant pressure.Standing near the elevator doors was Ethan Cruz.He was wearing a brand-new security uniform that Ruth Garcia had given him earlier that morning. The uniform fit him surprisingly well, though he still felt a little uncomfortable wearing it.Just yesterday he was pushing a janitor’s cart.

Now he was the personal security guard of one of the richest heiresses in Manila.Life really did change fast.Ethan adjusted the sleeve of his uniform and looked around quietly.The floor was elegant and spacious, with glass walls and marble floors that shined under the lights. Everything looked expensive and perfectly organized.A few employees glanced at him curiously as they passed.Some whispered to each other.“Is that the new guard?”“Yeah.”“How long do you think he’ll last?”“Three days maybe.”“Two days.”One woman laughed quietly.“The last one quit before lunch.”

Ethan heard the comments.But just like before…He ignored them.Instead, he simply stood straight and focused on his responsibility.Not long after, Ruth Garcia walked toward him holding a tablet.

“Good morning, Ethan.”“Good morning, ma’am,” Ethan replied politely.Ruth studied him for a moment.“You’re surprisingly calm.”Ethan tilted his head slightly.“Is that unusual?”Ruth smiled faintly.

“For this job… yes.”She handed him a small communication device.“This is your earpiece. You’ll use it to communicate with the security team downstairs.”Ethan nodded.“Yes, ma’am.”

Ruth continued explaining.“Your primary duty is simple. Stay near Miss Sophia at all times when she leaves the building. Inside the office, you will remain outside her door unless she calls you.”

Ethan listened carefully.“Understood.”Ruth paused before adding something else.“There’s something you should know.”Ethan looked at her.“Miss Sophia has… a strong personality.”Ethan remained quiet.Ruth sighed.“That’s the polite way of saying she scares most people.”Ethan almost smiled.

“People have been scaring me my whole life.”

Ruth looked surprised.Then she chuckled softly.

“Well… we’ll see how you handle her.”Suddenly—

The large office doors opened.And Sophia Lander walked out.The entire hallway instantly became silent.Employees straightened their posture.

Sophia wore a sleek black business suit that perfectly matched her elegant but cold aura.

Her long hair rested neatly over her shoulders as she walked confidently through the hallway.

Her eyes briefly scanned the area.Then they stopped on Ethan.For a moment…They simply looked at each other.Sophia walked closer.

Her heels echoed against the marble floor.“So you actually came back.”Her voice was calm but slightly teasing.Ethan nodded respectfully.

“You hired me, Miss.”Sophia crossed her arms.

“Most people run away after their first night thinking about this job.”Ethan answered honestly.

“I needed the job.”Sophia stared at him for a few seconds.Then she looked at Ruth.“What’s my schedule today?”Ruth checked her tablet.

“You have a meeting with the board at ten, lunch with the investors at one, and a charity event tonight.”Sophia sighed.“Busy as always.”

Then she glanced at Ethan again.“You’ll come with me today.”“Yes, Miss.”Sophia turned and walked toward the elevator.Ethan followed two steps behind her.As the elevator doors closed, the employees outside finally started whispering again.“Did you see that?”“She spoke to him normally.”