Chapter 18: Distance, 10 Centimeters
Kayla squatted on the carpeted stairs, looking at the massive glass-structured building, wondering how to get to Section E. In such a large venue, why couldn’t she see anyone? Where exactly was she?
Ethaniel, coming down the stairs, spotted Kayla, dressed in her police uniform, squatting pitifully, looking around aimlessly. He smirked and started walking towards her.
Just as he took a step, Linda quickly walked ahead of him, “Madam, this is the VIP lounge area. If you don’t have any important business, please leave.”
Kayla looked up to see a beautiful, cold woman looking down at her. Finally, someone was here!
She quickly stood up, “Hi, I’m an officer from the North District Major Crimes Unit. Can you tell me how to get to Section E?”
Linda looked at Kayla, puzzled, and pointed to the sign on the wall at the corner. The huge, illuminated “E” sign was flashing, ruthlessly mocking Kayla’s sense of direction.
“Oh, so this is Section E,” Kayla said, scratching her head awkwardly. Then she realized something was off. If this was Section E, why was she the only one here? Where were the others?
“This is the VIP lounge area of Section E. No outside personnel are allowed to be on duty here. Please leave…”
“Linda!”
Kayla turned around and was stunned. How could it be such a coincidence? Ethaniel was here too!
Ethaniel looked at her dazed expression, his thin lips curling into a smile. He walked over and removed her police hat.
“What are you doing?” Kayla tried to grab her hat back, but Ethaniel easily held her wrist.
His slender fingers gently brushed the disheveled hair under her police cap, before re-adjusting it on her head. He asked in a low voice, “Did you have breakfast?”
Kayla glared at him, displeased with his touchy behavior. Hearing him ask about breakfast, she smugly replied, “Of course I did. Free food tastes especially good.”
Especially since she had eaten his breakfast, leaving him to starve. Thinking about it made her feel even better!
Seeing through her thoughts, Ethaniel didn’t expose her but said instead, “I have an investment conference this morning. You’ll follow me.”
“Why should I?” Kayla protested vehemently. “I’m a police officer here to maintain order for the entire venue, not your personal bodyguard!”
“Aren’t you?” Ethaniel smirked, slightly turning his head and glancing at Jack. “What do you think?”
Jack walked over, clearing his throat, “Mr. Han is a VIP for all of Seatowne. The military, police, government, and business sectors all need to prioritize his safety. You must stay by his side and protect him at all times.”
Kayla looked at Jack curiously and asked, “Stay by his side at all times? Then, who exactly are you?”
“…” Jack was taken aback, his usually flawless smile faltering for a moment.
She’s Mick’s subordinate and doesn’t even recognize him!
Ethaniel’s thin lips, already curved, now clearly showed a smile.
“I’m… Mick’s eld brother,” Jack hinted.
“I know, didn’t Mick introduce you yesterday?” Kayla gave Jack a disdainful look. “But even if you’re my superior’s brother, you can’t order me around. I only take orders from the North District Police.”
As Kayla said this, the expressions of the three people present changed.
Ethaniel let out a low laugh. She never failed to surprise him, always endearingly silly and innocent.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Linda, on the other hand, frowned deeply, her gaze shifting wistfully between Ethaniel and Kayla. This young policewoman seemed very familiar with the CEO…
And Jack, whom Kayla mistook for a mere relative, sighed with a smile, completely out of patience. “Alright, you wait.”
He took out his phone and made a call. “It’s me. From today onwards, assign Deputy Chief Kayla from the North District Major Crimes Unit to personally protect Mr. Han. Yes, you tell her.”
Jack handed the phone to Kayla, indicating she should take the call.
Kayla took it, puzzled. “This is Kayla.”
“Kayla!”
The voice on the other end was so loud it hurt her ears. “Chief?”
She knew that voice too well. It was the Chief of the North District.
“Listen!” The Chief’s voice was stern and serious. “From now on, you are to personally protect Mr. Han. You cannot leave his side. If anything happens to him, you’ll be held responsible!”
“But… I haven’t received any official orders from the department!”
“That’s because the decision was just made,” the Chief emphasized, fearing she wouldn’t take it seriously. “Remember, you must ensure Mr. Han’s safety. If anything happens to him, you can forget about being a police officer, and our entire North District will be in trouble!”
“But…”
The line went dead.
Kayla stared at the phone in disbelief, then looked at Jack’s gentle smile, reluctantly handing the phone back.
Jack took the phone, “No problems now, right?”
“Yeah… of course, no problems!” Kayla replied irritably, shooting a glare at Ethaniel.
From a police officer to a nanny, from a nanny to a bodyguard, all thanks to Ethaniel!
Ethaniel noticed Kayla glaring at him and said nonchalantly, “Do you need me to explain what ‘not leaving my side’ means?”
“Don’t worry. Since I agreed, I’ll do it.”
“You’re too far away,” Ethaniel said coolly.
“… What?”
“One step equals 10 centimeters,” Ethaniel explained, looking at her. “You’re too far from me.”
10 centimeters?
I might as well stick to you like glue!
Kayla gritted her teeth and shouted, “Don’t push it! It’s already good enough that I’m protecting you. Keep nagging, and I’ll request a transfer!”
Transfer?
He had plenty of ways to make her come back willingly.
Ethaniel smirked and let her off for now. “Let’s go to the venue.”
“Mr. Han!” Linda suddenly realized something was amiss. Ethaniel never allowed bodyguards to be so close. Who was this young policewoman? Why did Jack ask her to stay? And Ethaniel didn’t object either. Why was he treating her differently?
If it wasn’t Ethaniel’s request, Jack wouldn’t ask her to stay!
“Hmm?” Ethaniel glanced at Linda.
“… Today’s meeting involves investment plans. Many documents are confidential. I think it’s best if no outsiders are present,” Linda argued, presenting an impeccable reason.