Chapter 73

“You must be here to do some shopping, right? By yourself?” Dylan had already concocted an excuse for me.

I paused. “Dylan, the company Mr. Zamora signed with is the Parker Group. I didn’t just happen to be there. I was planning to speak with Mr. Zamora; your presence was coincidental. None of this was a secret; I didn't need to hide anything. Even if I hadn't mentioned it, you would've found out soon enough.”

Dylan was clearly taken aback, his eyes blank for a moment, as if he hadn’t quite processed my words. I sighed. “If you don’t want to talk to me, I understand. But thanks for blocking that hit for me today.”

“Why wouldn’t I want to talk to you? You’re here to make things right, aren’t you? That’s how we’ll fix the Uncle Martin situation,” Dylan said, his face brightening. Instead of anger, he seemed genuinely pleased.

I was a little confused. “You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be mad? I trust you’ll handle this fairly,” he replied, completely at ease. He even helped himself to some of my food. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

I stared at him, my calm demeanor shattered by a sudden surge of emotion. It was as if a stone had been thrown into a still pond, sending ripples everywhere. It wasn't attraction, but gratitude. No one had ever trusted me unconditionally like this. Even my father seemed to favor Sophia now. Dylan’s unwavering trust was incredibly comforting.

“Yvonne?” Dylan called, noticing my distraction.

I suppressed my emotions, offering a faint smile. “I’d like to know if there’s any chance Mr. Zamora would back out.”

“Oh well…” Dylan hesitated. “I’m not sure right now. How about I ask Uncle Martin when I get back?”

“Okay. Thanks,” I nodded.

“Yvonne, don’t mention it. But are you planning to give the stores to Harrison?” Dylan asked.

Since we were already talking, I decided to ask everything on my mind. I didn’t give a clear answer. “If one side is willing to reconcile, that would be best. We’ll offer the best compensation. Zachary set up the issue to be solved, and he didn’t specify who should get the stores.”

“I understand. I’ll ask Uncle Martin later tonight,” Dylan said without hesitation, his tone unwavering.

After lunch, I planned to return to Rosy House, but remembered Marlon’s call, so I detoured to meet him. At the dock, a hazy night and faint mist created an eerie atmosphere. I parked but didn't immediately exit, instead messaging Marlon. Someone soon guided me to him. Several warehouses indicated he was still working.

“Since you’re busy, why not meet me another time?” I said upon seeing him.

“What could be more important than you?” Marlon gave a sly smile, then carefully assessed me. Only when satisfied I was unharmed did he gesture to a man standing discreetly in the shadows. I hadn’t even noticed him.

“This is Ethan Mitchell,” Marlon said slowly. “He’s good with fighting, and from now on, he’ll protect you.”

“Your man?” I raised an eyebrow. Is he trying to keep an eye on me?

Before Marlon could respond, Ethan spoke. “I don’t have a master. I work for whoever pays me the most.”

“So, you’d betray me just like that?” I gave him a half-smile. People bought with money were easily manipulated, and ruthless.

“As long as a job isn’t finished, I won’t take another,” Ethan replied, seemingly annoyed. “Mrs. Parker, we bodyguards have a code.”

Even so, I didn’t believe him. Since my grandfather and mother’s passing, there was no one I truly trusted.

I turned to Marlon, my voice icy. “Why are you suddenly getting me a bodyguard?”

“I almost lost track of you, and someone nearly hit you. How could I trust you to be alone?” Marlon answered naturally, his deep eyes betraying genuine concern.

I froze. It seemed he truly cared. Perhaps because it had been so long since I felt such warmth, I found it unsettling. Dylan had already stirred my emotions today, and now Marlon was doing the same. Why is the world suddenly being so gentle with me? Or is this all just a figment of my imagination?

Taking a deep breath, I suppressed the turmoil and said coldly, “You seem to be worrying too much.”

Marlon narrowed his eyes, pausing before sighing, “You’re my business partner now. If something happens to you, my loss will be even greater.”

His words eased some of my doubts. From his perspective, he was right. I looked at Ethan. His features were sharp, and he didn't seem deceitful. With the store dispute, I needed someone to maintain order, but I still didn’t know his true capabilities.

“Mr. Warner said you’re good with your hands. How good are you?” I raised an eyebrow.

Marlon subtly nodded to a man, who tossed a cigarette butt into the air. Without a word, Ethan shot it out of the air with a silenced weapon. The butt was ash in an instant. Despite the dim lighting, his shot was decisive.

I exhaled. “Alright, let’s go.”

Ethan silently took two steps forward, indicating agreement.

As I prepared to leave, Marlon added, “Do you need help with the mall situation?”

“Not for now,” I replied, wanting to handle it myself.