The Silent Bodyguard

Ethan unexpected opportunity

The crowd of applicants outside Lander Corporation continued to grow as the morning sun rose higher above the towering buildings of Manila’s financial district. Men in neat suits and polished shoes stood confidently in line, holding their folders and resumes like weapons in a battle for opportunity.Among them stood Ethan Cruz.

Compared to the others, he looked out of place.

His clothes were simple — a plain white shirt, slightly faded jeans, and worn-out shoes that had clearly seen years of hard work. He didn’t carry an expensive folder like the others. Instead, he simply held a single piece of paper — the application form he had just filled out.A few applicants glanced at him with obvious judgment.One man whispered to his companion.“Look at that guy. Does he even know this is a job for a private security guard?”

His friend chuckled.“He probably thinks they’re hiring janitors.”Ethan heard them.But he said nothing.He had learned long ago that arguing with people who already looked down on you was pointless.So he simply stood quietly and waited.

Inside the massive glass building, on the 30th floor, Sophia Lander sat behind her large mahogany desk. Her office was wide and elegant, decorated with minimalist luxury — modern paintings, marble flooring, and a breathtaking view of the Manila skyline.But despite the beauty of the room, the atmosphere around Sophia felt cold.

She leaned slightly back in her chair, reviewing documents on her tablet.Standing nearby was her loyal assistant, Ruth Garcia.Ruth had been working for the Lander family for almost ten years. She was efficient, intelligent, and perhaps the only person who could understand Sophia’s unpredictable moods.Ruth hesitated before speaking.“Miss Lander… are you sure about this?”

Sophia didn’t even look up.“About what?”“The man you told me to hire.”Sophia’s finger paused on the screen.Then she slowly lifted her eyes.“You doubt my decision?”Ruth quickly shook her head.

“No, Miss. It’s just that the other applicants have military experience. Some were even former police officers.”Sophia stood up and walked toward the large window.From there, she could still see the people waiting below.Her sharp eyes immediately found him.Ethan Cruz.Standing quietly.

Unbothered by the whispers around him.Sophia’s lips curved slightly.“Most people fight when they are insulted,” she said calmly.Ruth looked confused.Sophia continued.“But the dangerous ones…”She tapped the glass lightly.“…are the ones who stay silent.”Ruth followed her gaze and saw Ethan below.“So you think he’s dangerous?”

Sophia shrugged.“Maybe.”Then she turned away.

“Or maybe he’s just interesting.”Ruth sighed softly but nodded.“I’ll call him now.”