The Boss Lady's Mysterious Protector

In Neburgh, Erik Griffiths emerged from the train station, surrounded by the hum of a busy crowd.

With a cigarette in hand, he took a long inhale, the rising smoke obscuring half of his face.

"Finally back..." he whispered, glancing around.

Vehicles zipped along the nearby road, while crowds of pedestrians navigated the crosswalks, merging and scattering from every direction.

Chic young women, their arms laden with shopping spoils, streamed in and out of the mall, their laughter and joyful expressions lighting up the area.

This cheerful scene brought a quiet smile to Erik's face.

There was an unmistakable ease about him, as if a hint of laziness had settled into his posture.

He discarded his finished cigarette and strolled toward the curb to catch a taxi.

Just then, a red luxury car halted abruptly in front of him, its window descending smoothly.

A calm voice from within called out, "Get in!"

Huh?

Erik's brow creased in confusion.

He hadn't told a soul he was back, and honestly, he had no friends in Neburgh anyway.

Who was this individual?

Intrigued, he leaned closer to get a better look inside the vehicle and was instantly struck by the sight.

In the driver's seat, a woman dressed in stylish clothes sat confidently.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Dark sunglasses shielded her eyes, adding mystery to her already striking features that peeked out from beneath long, flowing hair.

Her presence was commanding, her aura undeniable and her appeal utterly enchanting.

She seemed nothing less than a goddess.

Erik couldn't help but gaze in awe.

Throughout his life, he had encountered numerous women, yet she stood out as uniquely mesmerizing.

"I'm Kimberly Fowler. What are you waiting for? Come on, get in!"

As Erik remained frozen in place, her brow creased, her voice sharpening with a hint of annoyance.

Kimberly Fowler?

Erik didn't recognize the name.

His confusion deepened, though he masked his reaction.

He was eager to figure out the game she was playing.

Without a second thought, he slipped into the car and settled into the passenger seat.

The moment the door clicked shut, Kimberly started the car with impatience.

Her voice was cold as she said, "You're Caden Smith, Lana's cousin, correct? I won't go over my situation again since you should already be aware of it. Lana told me a bit about yours, but just remember-when you meet my family as my boyfriend, tell them you've just returned from military service. Is that clear?"

She quickly briefed him with key details.

Erik's eyebrow arched as he grasped the situation.

It seemed he had unwittingly become part of a scheme to pose as a boyfriend.

Wasn't this something from a drama?

"You seem to be mistaken, Miss Fowler..."

Despite her allure, Erik was intent on clarifying his stance, maintaining his honesty.

However, Kimberly cut him off before he could explain.

"There's no mistake," she retorted.

After a brief pause, she explained, "Don't worry. I'll stick to my word. I've drafted an agreement-you will receive one hundred thousand each month as payment."

With that, she extended a bank card toward him.

A harsh cough racked Erik's chest, but he took the card without the slightest pause.

He flashed a wide grin and said, "No problem at all. Whatever you need, I'll take care of it."

A subtle smile played on Kimberly's lips, tinged with a trace of scorn that vanished as swiftly as it appeared.

Erik wasn't bothered; curiosity flashed across his face as he asked, "Miss Fowler, how did you know who I was?"

With a brief glance, Kimberly responded indifferently, "You're quite tall, dressed in a white shirt and blue trousers, just like Lana described. You were noticeable."

"I see." Erik gave a nod, admiration clear on his face as he continued, "Miss Fowler..."

However, Kimberly interjected, "When we're around my family, call me Kimberly. Make sure to get it right."

"Okay." Erik acknowledged with another nod, then asked, "Are we headed to your place now? Do we need to pick up any gifts?"

"That won't be necessary." With a fleeting look of resignation, Kimberly sighed. "We're going to the hospital."

Silence settled between them as Erik processed the information.

The remainder of the drive passed without conversation, and they soon reached Suncrest Medical Center.

Known for its excellent reputation, Suncrest Medical Center attracted leading medical professionals from both home and abroad, as well as rich patients.

The hospital offered VIP suites comparable to those found in five-star hotels.

"As we enter, remember, they mustn't suspect a thing."

Kimberly issued another reminder as they exited the vehicle, her gaze evaluating the poised young man at her side.

He had been a sensible choice by her friend Lana Evans, possessing a decent appearance.

He was a tall man with a lean frame. His looks were not strikingly handsome but were notably sharp and exuded both confidence and appeal.

Whenever he spoke, dimples framed his smile, enhancing the allure of his bright teeth.

However, Kimberly barely found him acceptable if he were to be her real boyfriend.

Had it not been for Lana's urging and the fact that he was related to Lana, she might have dismissed the idea entirely.

"Don't worry about it," Erik said with assurance, before his curiosity got the better of him. "Miss Fowler, with someone like you, there must be no shortage of suitors. Why..."

"That's none of your concern! Stop being so nosy," Kimberly retorted sharply, interrupting him as she strode ahead.

After taking a few steps, she abruptly paused and, in a lowered voice, murmured, "Some acquaintances of mine are right over there."

At her words, Erik followed her gaze and spotted a young man and woman standing at the hospital entrance.

They noticed them too.

"Kimberly, there you are," the young man, Harold Lawson, said from afar.

Harold looked to be in his mid-twenties, his features striking and his face lit up with a cheerful smile. He exuded an undeniable sense of confidence and charm.

The woman next to him, his sister Noreen Lawson, who appeared to be in her early twenties and was dressed attractively, beamed at seeing Kimberly. "Kimberly, what took you so long? I've been waiting here for ages."

Both seemed to disregard Erik, their attention fixed on Kimberly.

Kimberly gave a small nod and smiled at Noreen. "Noreen, what brings you by?"

"Noreen wanted to see you, Kimberly. I stopped by to check on Eduardo, and he's doing fine. There's no need to worry too much," Harold interjected with a polite smile.

Noreen added, "Exactly. Eduardo has been sick, and my brother was so concerned that he called in Dr. Lambert from Clanta, a renowned expert, to consult."

"Dr. Lambert?" Kimberly looked surprised before it clicked. "Wait, are you talking about Nigel Lambert?"

"Yes, that's right." Noreen nodded with enthusiasm, her face lively. "Kimberly, Dr. Lambert's medical expertise is remarkable. My brother made significant efforts to bring him here."

"It's really not that big of a deal. He simply owes me a favor."

Harold seemed humble, yet his statement subtly implied his significant clout, carefully avoiding outright bragging.

Then he noticed Erik next to Kimberly for the first time. He gave him a brief look and asked, "Kimberly, who is this?"

At his question, Kimberly's eye twitched.

Even though she had braced herself for it, a small part of her still pushed back with quiet resistance.

Nonetheless, she masked her frustration. A captivating smile quickly graced her perfect features.

She turned to Erik, her voice soft as she made the introduction. "Caden, meet Harold Lawson, the president of Horizon Group, and his sister, Noreen Lawson."

While introducing him, she glanced toward the siblings, her lovely face lit with a gentle mix of bashfulness and warmth. "This is my boyfriend, Caden Smith."

Boyfriend?

The expressions on both Harold and Noreen changed, particularly Harold's.

A cold sparkle appeared in his eyes as he observed Kimberly's tender manner and charming smile.

Having known Kimberly for years, he had never witnessed her being so affectionate with another man.

Despite three years of pursuit, he had never received such a gesture.

It was hard for him to accept that the seemingly awkward, unsophisticated man before him had managed to win Kimberly over.

Damn it! He couldn't believe that this man was genuinely Kimberly's boyfriend.

A thought struck Harold, his expression turning grave as he carefully examined the man before him, his eyes momentarily flashing with menace.

He quickly masked this with a forced smile. "Kimberly, surely this isn't the soldier you mentioned falling for at first sight?"

In the elite circles of Neburgh, Kimberly was well-known.

She was hailed as a business queen, a woman of unmatched prowess, and the aspiration of numerous admirers.

She hadn't even finished college when she stepped in and took control of the failing Bloomvale Group her father left behind.

Within a few years, she had not only revived the company but had also turned it into a celebrated, women-friendly organization.

When people in Neburgh thought of exemplary women, from white-collar workers to wealthy heirs and corporate leaders, they thought of Bloomvale Group.

And when they thought of Bloomvale Group, one name immediately came to mind-Kimberly Fowler.

Her impressive achievements had only enhanced her allure, and almost everyone who met her was fascinated.

She was undeniably beautiful, yet it was the profound, unsettling coldness she harbored that truly fascinated those around her.

Crucially, Kimberly was still unmarried.

Over the years, every potential partner had been dismissed.

The reason?

She claimed to already have a boyfriend.

Kimberly had repeatedly told others they had fallen in love at first sight, though he was a soldier and often absent.

She had used this explanation numerous times.

Yet, those who pursued her recognized the truth-the so-called boyfriend was merely a facade. Just an excuse!

Kimberly had indeed used it as a cover.

It wasn't that she was opposed to marriage-Neburgh and the wider region of Ayille were full of talented men. She was simply selective.

Kimberly was determined not to let her marriage be dictated by business interests. She had pledged to marry only someone she genuinely liked, a man who was responsible and worthy.

Over the years, she had conveniently used the fictional boyfriend as a protective excuse.

However, this excuse was starting to lose its effectiveness.

Initially, it was effective. But as time went on, not only outsiders but even her own family began to doubt it.

Her grandfather, Eduardo Fowler, in particular, whose health was deteriorating, frequently voiced his worries whenever he saw Kimberly.

Therefore, at the urging and clever planning of her best friend, the idea of a temporary boyfriend was conceived.

Unbeknownst to her, the man before her was not Lana's cousin, Caden.

"Yes, Caden left the military and abandoned a promising future to come back home."

In that instant, Kimberly had the look of a young girl caught in the wonder of her very first crush.

She paused briefly before reaching out to hold Erik's right arm.

However, Erik could distinctly sense that her body was rigid and tense.

Despite this, her actions only intensified Harold's resentment.

Next to him, Noreen snapped out of her distraction.

She then gave Erik a thorough look, her face skeptical as she evaluated him like a detective scrutinizing a suspect.

"Wow, really, Kimberly? You still believe in love at first sight in this day and age?" Noreen did not hold back her criticism as she continued, "Forgive my bluntness. This man is a nobody. He can't hold a candle to my brother. You're not serious, are you?"

Erik maintained his smile, his lips curved in amusement, taking her words as if they were compliments.

"Sorry, please don't take my sister's words personally." Harold locked eyes with Erik, then offered a slight smile and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Harold."

Erik pulled his arm free from Kimberly's hold and extended his right hand. "Hello, my name is-"

The words hung there as he froze mid-sentence, caught off guard.

Because Harold had pulled his hand back, leaving Erik reaching for empty air.

But there was more.

Harold aimed a finger at Erik's left shoulder, his grin stretching wider as he said calmly, in an almost friendly tone, "I don't care to learn your name. I'm only here to suggest you keep your distance from Kimberly. If you don't, you'll deeply regret it."

Erik stepped back under the pressure of Harold's finger but kept his smile, saying, "Here's a piece of advice for you as well. Those who have tried to intimidate me have come to regret it."

Then, turning to Kimberly, he said, "Let's leave."

He quickly walked away as if in a hurry to get out of there.

Kimberly looked back at Harold with a sharp glare, feeling slighted, and quickly followed Erik.

It was clear Harold was testing her, sizing up her reaction while deliberately undermining Erik.

He intended for her to witness this.

And Erik-well, beyond all the loud talk, he was nothing more than a coward.

Kimberly was disappointed yet felt somewhat powerless.

Her friend had once mentioned that her cousin wasn't interested in women.

If it weren't for that, Kimberly would have never considered letting him act as her temporary boyfriend.

"That fool is just scared," Noreen said as she watched the two walking ahead. She added, "Harold, you still have a chance. Don't back down."

There was a glint of menace in Harold's eyes, yet his smile only widened as he replied, "And who told you I was backing down?"

After a brief pause, he said, "Let's go, we should head up as well."

Inside the elevator, Kimberly fixed her gaze on Erik.

Her expression was one of deep resentment, her striking eyes cold and dismissive.

Feeling her intense stare, Erik chuckled uneasily and asked, "What's wrong?"

"You..." Kimberly's frustration bubbled over, and she couldn't help but say, "Can you actually do anything beyond empty threats? Do you even qualify as a man?"

Erik was startled, his eyes darting around.

"Noreen mocked you, Harold threatened and demeaned you, and you just took it. I understand you're gay, but what happened just now..." With no one else present, Kimberly didn't conceal her emotions, glaring at Erik with indifferent disapproval. "You've disappointed me."

Erik felt lost.

Unable to explain that she had misunderstood him, he attempted a defense, saying, "I was trying to avoid making a scene."

"You're only kidding yourself," Kimberly retorted sharply. "He embarrassed you, and you should have stood up for yourself. If not a fight, at least a gesture of defiance."

Erik's lips twitched, then he forced a smile. "Well, if that's your opinion, I'm glad."

He paused, his face taking on a fierce, somewhat exaggerated look. "Honestly, I can be quite frightening when I resort to violence. Next time, I'll make sure to set him straight."

"Huh, I doubt that." Kimberly gave an exaggerated eye-roll, convinced he was doing nothing more than puffing himself up.

She had thought that this man had no interest in women, making him at least a safe choice for her.

However, his cowardliness had profoundly let her down.

She even felt a bit of regret.

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, revealing the plush VIP suites on the eighteenth floor.

"By the way, Lana has asked you to learn something about military matters, right?" Kimberly suddenly asked as they walked down the hallway.

"Why is that?" Erik looked bewildered.

Seeing his reaction, Kimberly's disappointment grew. She explained, "My grandfather also served in the military. He always hoped I'd find a boyfriend who had served as well..."

"I understand now," Erik responded with a nod, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'm well familiar with military matters."

"Let's hope so."

As they continued their conversation, a voice called out from behind.

"Kimberly, wait for us!"

Harold and Noreen emerged from the elevator, with Noreen calling out.

At the sound of this, a look of displeasure crossed Kimberly's face.

She shot Erik a look filled with disdain and mockery, then stopped.

The siblings quickly closed the gap.

Harold first acknowledged Kimberly with a warm nod, then turned to Erik with a smile. "Mr. Smith, would you mind stepping aside? I prefer not to have you there."

Harold maintained his smile after speaking.

Erik's relaxed expression began to disappear.

Now that he was standing next to Kimberly, Harold's request was clearly meant to offend.

"What if I refuse?" Erik asked, holding Harold's gaze.

Harold's expression briefly darkened, but he quickly resumed smiling. "Then you'll soon regret it."

Erik returned the smile. "Here's a piece of advice: don't make threats lightly, or you might offend someone you shouldn't."

"Huh! Mr. Smith, you have quite a sharp tongue." Noreen spoke up, casting a quick look at Kimberly's blank face before curling her lip into a sneer. "There's no way you're Kimberly's boyfriend. Why would someone like her waste a second on a weakling like you?"

Kimberly's expression grew even sterner.

She was beginning to see him as a true coward, standing there unaffected by such humiliation.

"Noreen, it's not surprising. Individuals like him often shape their morals early on. If you lack proper guidance growing up, submissiveness gets ingrained. Isn't that right, Mr. Smith? Haha."

As Harold delivered these words, he nudged Erik, his smile twisted, though his voice carried indifference.

"Get lost!"

Noreen watched and cackled derisively.

Kimberly's expression turned thunderous, and she was on the verge of lashing out.

But right then, in that exact moment, a loud crash resounded.

Kimberly didn't see what initiated it but witnessed Harold being hurled against the corridor wall, then collapsing to the floor.

Doctors, nurses, and passersby in the hallway turned their heads toward the sound.

What had just happened?

No one was sure.

At this point, Harold had managed to get back on his feet.

Only this time, the calm and superiority were gone from his expression, replaced entirely by a look of stunned disbelief.

Beyond that, he was enraged.

Fuming with uncontrollable anger, he shouted, "You dare strike me?" His face reddened, his teeth bared, his eyes seething with fury, he screamed, "I'll kill you!"

Harold could not stand the disgrace and yelled as he rushed at Erik, his hand raised to strike him.

Suddenly, Harold stopped in his tracks.

His hand hadn't even made contact with Erik, yet he felt a sharp pain on his own face.

"You... You actually struck me? Ah-how dare you..."

A look of disbelief crossed Harold's face, which quickly morphed into fury as he lunged forward once more.

"So what if I did hit you!"

By this point, Erik saw no reason to restrain himself any longer.

He raised his hand and another forceful slap struck Harold's face.

"Damn it!"

The two slaps struck with such force that the veins on Harold's face bulged, and his skin turned visibly red and swollen.

He was among the most prominent young figures in Neburgh's high society, unaccustomed to such treatment.

Never had he been cursed at, much less struck.

People of his stature typically commanded others, insulting them at whim, without ever facing physical retaliation.

"You motherfucker! I will destroy you and your family..."

Blinded by rage, Harold's judgment deserted him, his eyes ablaze as he charged again.

This time, Erik seized Harold's wrist, his tone icy as he said, "You want to destroy my family? Say that again!"

"You bastard, I won't just destroy your family. I'll enslave them..." Harold's gaze was filled with malice as he cursed, struggling to free his hand.

His wrist was locked in an unrelenting grip, leaving him completely frozen in place.

"Repeat that!"

As Erik demanded a repetition, a distinct sound of snapping bones filled the air.

One of Harold's fingers was forcibly bent backward at the joint, snapping completely.

"Ah... it hurts!" Harold cried out in agony.

Both Kimberly and Noreen gasped, shocked by the scene.

When Noreen finally came to her senses, she rushed forward with a scream.

Erik turned to face her, his expression cold.

Noreen halted abruptly, falling silent.

Kimberly's expression also transformed dramatically, her mouth opening but no words coming out.

She stared at Erik in disbelief.

It felt almost impossible to accept as real.

The man she had once perceived as weak was now displaying merciless ruthlessness, breaking Harold's finger without hesitation.

"Repeat that!"

Erik showed no mercy

as he snapped another of Harold's fingers.

"Repeat that!"

Then another crack of bones echoed through the air.

"Why the silence?" Erik sneered, not receiving any response from Harold.

The sounds of bones breaking occurred one after the other. Not only were all five of Harold's fingers broken, but his wrist was also violently twisted, resulting in a snap.

"Ah... please... have mercy!" Harold screamed in agony.