“Jonford’s Drake Group?”
“Yeah!”
“That’s the new energy car company my grandfather invested in and created years ago. He didn’t want it anymore, so he gave it to my father-in-law. If you’re interested, I can have my father-in-law give it to you.”
“No. I just need Drake to support Baroque Group,” Nash said indifferently.
“Understood!”
Nash hung up and returned to the meeting room. Hera arrived with Skadi. Seeing the fresh bandages on Skadi’s face, Nash said, “I think you should go home and rest.”
Skadi’s Stage Four power was simply too weak against the likely Stage Nine opponent. The Watsons, being the wealthiest family, would surely retaliate, perhaps even employing grandmasters. With Skadi’s current condition, protecting Hera would be impossible.
Skadi eyed Nash cautiously. “What? Sending me away already? You don’t trust me to protect Hera?” She felt betrayed; Nash’s earlier inaction had left her injured.
Nash smiled. “From now on, I’ll be responsible for Hera’s safety!”
“You?” Skadi scoffed. “I don’t believe you…”
“Suit yourself. Yesterday’s assassins were professionals. Helena’s bodyguards are all Stage Nines. You can’t protect Hera,” Nash said casually, hands in his pockets.
“Don’t underestimate me… Our Martial Arts Association also has Stage Nine grandmasters…”
“Skadi, why don’t you go home and rest? Come back when you’re healed,” Hera gently persuaded, tidying Skadi’s hair.
“Boo-hoo… Do you dislike me now?” Skadi feigned dramatic tears.
“I don’t dislike you at all. Seeing you injured hurt me too!” Hera reassured her, holding Skadi’s hand.
“Fine!” Skadi stopped crying, then glared at Nash. “Take good care of Hera. If she’s lost weight in a few days, I’ll bring the entire Martial Arts Association to hold you accountable!”
At Watson Group, Helena sat on the sofa, crying. Kai, the young man at his desk, was on the phone. Hearing of Albino’s death, he merely frowned. “I see. Many secret guards from the Northern territory have entered Jonford. Important figures are likely coming; don’t act recklessly.”
“Understood, Mr. Kai!”
Kai hung up and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked at Helena. “Are you sure Albino couldn’t fight back?”
Helena nodded, tears welling. “I’m sure. He had no chance. Nash twisted his arm, pierced his shoulder, and threw him out the window—all in under ten seconds!” Fear filled her eyes. She approached Kai, acting spoiled. “Darling, you must get Nash. I want him to suffer!”
“What’s this Nash guy’s background?” Kai frowned. He’d hired ten experts, each capable of taking on thirty special forces soldiers. Albino, a three-time International Mixed Martial Arts champion, had been defeated in ten seconds. This man’s strength was terrifying.
“He’s just a country bumpkin, dressed like a beggar when he came to my house yesterday,” Helena lied, fearing Kai’s jealousy; she omitted Nash’s near-fiancé status.
“Don’t underestimate people,” Kai said indifferently.
“Darling, Drake Group wants to cooperate with Baroque. Stop them!” Helena whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Kai embraced her. “You’re my woman. I’ll help. But I want a kiss first!” Helena blushed and kissed him.
At Baroque, Hera struggled to find a suitable position for Nash. With Yates Group gone and Drake Group collaboration unlikely, layoffs loomed.
“Those security maintenance engineers just resigned. I can handle that,” Nash said lazily, eyes half-closed.
“What? You mean a security guard?” Hera was surprised, then frowned. “You’re my fiancé! Besides, your martial arts and medical skills are wasted as a security guard!”
Nash smiled. “Settled, then. I’ll be your driver and part-time security guard. Consider my salary repayment for your clothes!”
Hera reviewed resignation forms, stopping at ‘security manager.’ “That position is vacant. You’ll be responsible for company security. The salary is $1200! And… the clothes were from my mom. Don’t mention it again!”
The outgoing security manager reluctantly showed Nash the ropes. As Hera watched them leave, concern clouded her face. Her phone rang—her mother.
“Mom… Has Grandpa’s condition improved?”
“Is Nash there?”
“He just left. What’s wrong?”
“Your grandpa’s been unconscious since last night. He has advanced stomach cancer. He kept calling Nash’s name. Bring Nash to the city hospital immediately!” Lauren’s voice was heavy.
“Stomach cancer? Advanced?” Hera was stunned. “His previous visits were for regular stomach problems! How…”
Lauren sighed. “Mr. Dean, your grandpa’s old comrade, told us he hid his condition.”
Hera felt drained. Her phone slipped from her hand. Despite her grandfather’s favoritism towards Helena, he was still her grandfather. Advanced stomach cancer was a death sentence. She frantically found Nash, and they rushed to the hospital. Hera drove recklessly, Nash gripping his seatbelt, a rare look of panic on his face. “Hera… Lewis… Please don’t worry. I can treat advanced stomach cancer!”