Nadia's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and smiled.
"It's my dad."
They both let out a breath of relief, expecting good news.
"Hello, Dad."
"Hello, dear. Tell your friend he's on his way to her company right now. This man is a top master, one of a kind. Tell her to treat him well. Men like him are hard to find."
"He's a top master? Really, Dad?"
"Yes. Just do what I tell you, okay?"
"Got it, Dad."
The call ended.
Nadia looked at Elena, a big smile spreading across her face.
Elena smiled back faintly, clearly relieved. This was exactly what she had been hoping for—a real top master. The one Drake had brought earlier was just average, this man had to be the key to saving her grandfather.
"Finally, this problem can be solved once and for all," Elena sighed in relief. "All thanks to your dad. I don't know how long it would've taken me to find someone like this on my own."
"That's why you have me around," Nadia said with a grin. "You can always count on me."
"Thank you, Nadia." Elena pulled her into a quick hug.
"You're welcome, dear."
"So, where is he now? Has he arrived in town?"
"He's already on his way here."
"Really?" Elena's eyes lit up. Everything was moving faster than she expected. "In that case, let's wait outside for him. Once he gets here, we can head straight to my grandpa."
Meanwhile, Elena's aunt, uncle, grandma, and father had already sent Harlan to beg Drake. They were ready to agree to his terms if he could cure Robert. As compensation, they promised Drake's family thirty percent of the Carter Group shares.
Drake arrived with Dr. Zhou Fen and was now waiting for Elena to show up so he could take her as his own — along with the thirty percent shares.
Elena quickly dialed her father. He picked up immediately.
"Hello"
"Hello, Dad, I—"
" William's voice came through urgent, not angry but tense. "Where are you right now? I was just about to call you before you called."
"Dad! I have found a doctor I'm here with him. He can treat—"
"Forget about the doctor you brought and just come straight home. Leave everything you're doing."William cut in. His voice was urgent, not panicked, but firm.
There was silence,
"Okay, Dad. She answered slowly. I'm on my—"
He hung up before she could finish.
Elena stood frozen, staring into space. Why did her dad sound so strange? Something felt off. She froze, confusion clouding her. Why was her father dismissing the doctor?
"What's going on?" Nadia asked.
"It's my dad. He wants me to come home right now. He didn't even care about the doctor I found."
Nadia looked confused, unsure what to make of it. Could he have already found someone? Or was it too late?
Elena turned suddenly, her face pale. Her bag slipped from her hand. "It's over," she whispered.
"Elena, what are you doing?" Nadia leaned over to hold her steady.
Just then, Alexander arrived, slightly out of breath.
"Miss Carter, sorry I'm late," he said, but his words trailed off when he saw the way Elena looked — like she had just lost someone dear to her.
"And who are you?" Nadia asked, eyes narrowing.
"He's Alex, the man I told you about. The one I hired," Elena said quietly.
"Oh, so you're the one who wants to be my friend's personal bodyguard?" Nadia crossed her arms.
Alexander gave a faint, polite smile. "Yes, ma'am."
"And on your first day, you show up at this time? Is this how you plan to protect my friend? What if something bad had happened to her before you got here? How would you explain that?"
She looked him up and down. "And look at the way you're dressed. Do you want to give the company a bad name?"
That question landed like a slap across his face for his poor attitude on his very first day. Alexander wasn't used to making excuses. He stammered, not even sure if his explanation would hold up. He wanted to tell them about the reckless driver who had splashed dirty water all over him on the way here, but the words got stuck in his throat.
"I… I… it wasn't intentional. I—I…"The War God reduced to yes ma'am by a fierce loyal friend."I… I… it wasn't intentional. I….It was one reckless driver—"
"It's okay," Elena cut in gently. "Just don't come late next time."
"Yes, Miss Carter," he replied with a faint smile.
"You better not," Nadia added, pointing a finger at him like a warning. "If you do, I'll be the one to personally deal with you."
"Okay… okay. I will."
Nadia is still pointing her finger, never letting go.
"That's enough!" Elena said, gently lowering Nadia's hand. "Don't mind my friend. That's just how she is."
Before Alexander could take another step, the man they were waiting for arrived.
They all turned to look. He was clearly a stranger — calm, confident, and dressed simply but neatly.
"Are you Miss Nadia?" he asked.
"Yes. And who are you?"
"I'm Dr. Li Wei, the doctor your father arranged."
"Yes, Doctor," Elena jumped in quickly. "Can we go now?"
"Of course," he replied.
Raymond was already standing by the car. He had pulled it forward the moment Elena stepped outside with her friend. Nadia quickly turned toward her own car.
"Take him," she told Raymond. "I'll ride with my friend in her car."
"Okay, boss," Raymond said.
Alexander stood there watching them rush to get into the cars, feeling almost invisible.
He wanted to speak, but the words stuck.
Elena and Nadia climbed in and fastened their seatbelts.
"What about me?" Alexander asked, pointing to himself.
"And what are you still standing there for?" Elena said. "Won't you get in the car?"
"To where?" Nadia asked. "I don't think he's needed."
"Isn't it my duty to follow her everywhere and make sure she stays safe at all times?" Alexander said, trying to convince them. Something clearly wasn't right, and he really wanted to help, especially if it involved her grandpa.
"Fine, enter the car," Elena commanded.
"For now," Nadia added, still eyeing him. "Don't think you're already her bodyguard. Looking at you, you don't seem capable."
"Me?" Alexander pointed at himself, surprised.
"Yes, you."
Alexander swallowed hard. The words landed like a hammer. If she only knew who he really was, she would be thanking heaven for letting her meet someone like him.
"That's enough," Elena said quietly to her friend.
Before Alexander could move, Nadia snapped again. "What are you trying to do? You want to sit in the back like you own the car?"
Alexander swallowed again.
A small laugh escaped Elena before she could stop it.
"Do I look like your driver? Please go and ride in the other car."
"You—" Alexander started, pointing, then let it drop.
"Yes, me!" Nadia shot back. "What are you going to do about it?"
Elena placed a hand on Nadia's shoulder with a sigh. "It's okay. Nadia, keep quiet."
She turned to Alexander. "Don't mind my friend. That's just how she normally behaves. Go take the other car."
Alexander turned quietly and headed toward Raymond's car, thinking to himself, This girl… you'll be begging me sooner or later.