Chapter 5 His Bodyguard

Michael hesitated for a moment, then swiftly exited the room to seek assistance. The guards were still in slumber, which surprised him, but he remained unperturbed and proceeded to summon the doctor, who promptly arrived to provide aid.

Ethan was later transferred to a ward, the expenses of which Ferdinand covered, and treatment was promptly administered.

In Ferdinand's chamber, Michael, his adopted brother, and childhood friend, Melody, were the ones present now. Ferdinand glanced at Michael, inquiring, "Who's that man?" to which Michael responded with a nonchalant shrug.

"He appeared to be one of the guards assigned to your care. Looks like he fulfilled his duties after all," Michael remarked. Ferdinand exhaled heavily, his concerns alleviated.

"I hope he pulls through; I hope he survives," Melody murmured, rising from her seat. "I must depart now. We have mass at 5."

"Of course, keep me in your prayers," Ferdinand replied with a smile as Melody nodded before exiting.

"Darn it!" Ferdinand blurted, hitting his fist on the drawer in frustration.

Michael turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "What's the matter now?"

Ferdinand sighed, his voice filled with worry. "Matthew, I've noticed someone has been spying on me for some time now. I've received countless threatening messages, saying they'll kill me. I can't help but think I might end up like Helen, murdered."

"Damn," Michael exclaimed, quickly covering Ferdinand's mouth. "Keep your voice down. We can't risk the possibility of someone overhearing this. The spy might still be around."

Ferdinand nodded, fear creeping into his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair in distress. "What do I do now? I feel so helpless."

Michael pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Why don't you consider hiring a bodyguard?"

Ferdinand scoffed at the suggestion. "A bodyguard? You saw them all asleep outside, remember? That person managed to take them down. I don't think I can trust anyone to keep me safe."

Suddenly, Michael's face lit up with an idea. "Wait a minute..."

"What is it?" Ferdinand asked in confusion, hope flickering in his eyes.

"Why don't you consider evaluating that young man to see if he'd make a good addition to your guard detail? It's clear he's capable and willing to put himself in harm's way for your safety. Who knows what he could do in the future?" Michael suggested with a knowing smile.

Ferdinand turned his gaze away, contemplating Michael's words before requesting his phone. Michael handed it to him, and Ferdinand promptly made a call. He reached out to his secretary, instructing her to look into the background of the guard who had come to his aid that day at the hospital.

The secretary assured Ferdinand she would investigate, but she required a photo for identification. Michael proceeded to Ethan's ward, discovering he had undergone surgery and was on the road to recovery. He snapped a picture and forwarded it to the secretary, who informed that she would only be able to gather information once Ethan was fully conscious.

"It looks like we'll have to be patient," Michael remarked, and Ferdinand concurred, resting his head against the plush hospital pillow.

Three weeks later, Ethan finally woke up. As his eyes slowly opened, he muttered, "So, I didn't die. I'm grateful! It seems like fate is giving me a chance to seek revenge for my sister."

The door swung open, revealing doctors who were relieved to see him awake. Ferdinand was called to the ward, and as he entered, Ethan stared at him with a mix of anger and resignation. Despite his inner turmoil, Ethan managed a feeble attempt at politeness and almost rose to greet Ferdinand.

"No!" Ferdinand snapped, halting him. "Don't strain yourself. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, sir," Ethan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ferdinand sighed deeply and took a seat beside the bed, his eyes studying Ethan's face intently.

"How are you feeling now?" Ethan asked softly.

Ferdinand suddenly interrupted, his tone serious, "Who are you?"

Ethan's heart pounded in his chest at the unexpected question.

"Sir?" Ethan stammered.

Ferdinand repeated, his gaze unwavering, "I mean, who are you, really?"

Ethan swallowed hard, gripping the bedsheets tightly. "I'm Ethan Clark, a deliveryman and an online student. I saw a job posting for a guard position here and applied. After a series of tests, I was hired to work for you."

"What happened on that day, Mr. Ethan?" Ferdinand asked softly.

"What do you mean sir?" Ethan asked, perplexed.

"All the guards were fast asleep except for you. How did that happen?" Ferdinand inquired, suspicion evident in his expression.

"I went to the bathroom briefly and returned to find them asleep. I knew something was amiss and hurried to your ward, just in time to thwart an attempt on your life," Ethan explained with a faint smile.

"You truly saved me," Ferdinand murmured, contemplating. "How can I repay you?"

Ethan hesitated, biting his lip. "All I seek is employment, sir. Any position you offer, I will gladly accept. With the meager earnings I have, I struggle to make ends meet. A job in your company, no matter the rank, would be a great blessing."

"How old are you?" Ferdinand asked abruptly.

"I am twenty-four, sir," Ethan replied promptly.

"Do you truly require a job, young man?" Ferdinand inquired, studying him closely as Ethan nodded earnestly.

"I am eager for any opportunity, as long as it comes from you," Ethan responded, head bowed.

"What about becoming my personal bodyguard?" Ferdinand proposed. "I need someone skilled in martial arts and defense, willing to risk their life for mine."

A small smirk played on Ethan's lips as he looked up from the sheets. "Sir, that certainly sounds like a role suited for me."

"So, what do you say? Will you accept the position?" Ferdinand prodded.

"Yes, sir!" Ethan's voice resonated with conviction as he lowered his gaze, a smirk lingering on his face.

Ferdinand nodded, his smile widening, "Good, I trust you then. Let's get to work." Ethan felt a sense of relief wash over him as he began his new role under Ferdinand's guidance.