Chapter 139

Amber and Claire stood at the back of the crowd, watching Mia. Neither of them ever expected Mia to be like this.

Mia and the man were still arguing non-stop until a teacher walked by, scolded the man, and told him to leave. Only then did things finally calm down.

Mia’s eyes were rimmed with tears of humiliation as she looked around. When she saw Amber and Claire, she bit her lip, clenched her fists, and turned to leave.

"Amber Hart, this has to be your doing," Mia thought angrily. "If it weren’t for you, how did my plan fail?”

Mia tried calling her cousin, only to realize she’d been blocked – after she’d already given him two thousand bucks!

Amber and Claire were both briefly shocked, but they didn’t dwell on it. After all, everyone had their own life to live. Amber had finally seen Mia’s true colors, and thanks to Claire, she understood what real friendship was. She didn’t feel upset anymore.

“Claire, are you sure we’re allowed in here?” Amber asked, glancing up at the towering building in front of them. Two massive bodyguards stood at the entrance, both wearing dark sunglasses, looking intimidating.

Claire squeezed her hand. “This is the biggest bodyguard company in the country. If anyone can find us the toughest bodyguards, it’s here.”

Amber’s eyes sparkled as she stared up at the building. “Yeah, Claire, thanks for coming with me. Next time you need anything, I’ll be there for you.”

Claire beamed and gave her a playful pinch on the cheek. “It’s a promise. We’ve made a deal.”

“Okay,” Amber replied.

“Hi, we’re here to hire bodyguards. We want the absolute best, the toughest bodyguard your company’s got,” Amber said, her tone full of confidence as they walked up to the front desk.

The receptionist, a cute guy munching on corn on the cob, looked up when he saw the two girls. “All our bodyguards are pretty badass, but do you two have the cash? Our guys aren’t cheap, you know. The daily rate is…”

Amber slammed her hand down on the desk. “I’ve got the money!” She still had the card Sienna had given her from their last trip to the amusement park.

Claire shot her a look of admiration, really appreciating Amber’s confidence and boldness.

“Alright, I’ll take you to see them right away. This way, please,” the receptionist said.

Alex Carter led them up to the 26th floor. “This is where all our top bodyguards are. Since you two are new customers, you can pick for yourselves. So, do you want fifty or a hundred?”

Amber answered with wide-eyed innocence, “Just one.”

Alex was shocked, nearly tripping over his own feet. “One, what did you say? One? Just one?”

When both girls nodded, he was left speechless. Are these two for real? Are they seriously messing with me right now? he thought, feeling utterly defeated.

“Alright, you want the best! I’ll go get him for you. Just wait here,” Alex said, sounding a little exasperated.

Claire was clearly annoyed.

“You promised we could pick ourselves. We want to choose, right, Amber?”

Amber nodded seriously. “Yeah, I want to pick myself. Call everyone over.”

“Really?” Alex said, still looking completely baffled.

Amber nodded. “Didn't you say all your bodyguards are really tough? If they’re that strong, then I just need to find the best one, right? Why bother…”

actually made a lot of sense. Alex had nothing to say to that. “So, how exactly do you want to choose?”

“Just rally everyone over and let them fight it out. Whoever’s the last one standing, that’s the one I want!” Amber replied, completely serious.

Alex sighed helplessly, then asked curiously. “Are you two even adults?”

Claire said, “Turned eighteen this year, but Amber’s not eighteen yet.”

Alex was at a total loss for words. “Hope you don’t mind me asking, but do you two really have that kind of money?”

Amber shot him an impatient look. “Enough with the questions. Hold on – I think that guy over there looks like a good pick.”

As she spoke, she spotted a man in a mask by the elevator. Pointing straight at him, she called out, “Hey, you! Come here. I want to hire you.”

Alex let out a sigh of relief when he heard Amber had chosen one bodyguard. At least it was settled, no need for a fight. He was somewhat relieved that they didn’t continue to make things difficult for him.

“You mean…” Alex followed her gesture, turning his head to face the masked figure of his boss, the Enforcer, letting out a shocked gasp.

Completely flustered, Alex waved his hands in a panic. “Miss, I’m really sorry, but you can’t pick that one. Let me show you someone else, okay? This way, please!”

If his boss found out Alex was trying to rope him into this deal, he was done for.

Amber just knew it; her gut never lied. That man in a mask had to be the real deal.

"I want him. Hey, you–yeah, I’m talking to you. Get over here,” Amber called out, her tone totally bossy.

Alex was freaking out inside. Just then, Claire grabbed Amber’s hand. Alex figured Claire was about to talk Amber out of it.

Claire tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. “Amber, how can you tell the guy in the mask is tough? What if he’s just really ugly? I mean, maybe he’s wearing the mask because he looks scary. What if he ends up frightening your sister?”

Amber shook her head. “No, Claire. If TV dramas have taught me anything, it’s that guys like him are always the most badass – super strong, mysterious, and you just know they’ve got some secret or tragic past, right?

“And as for whether he’s ugly, who cares? If he’s got a mask on, it’s not like we have to see his face every day anyway?”

“True, that actually makes a lot of sense,” Claire agreed.

After Nora nagged her for the tenth time, Sienna finally stepped out of the house and drove straight to the Preston residence.

As expected, Sienna found Ethan with a bruised and battered face, limping heavily. It seemed that Wayne really hadn’t held back.

“Sienna, you’re finally here! I missed you so much!” Nora practically squealed as she rushed over. “Let me introduce you–this is my son, Liam. Liam, come here. This is my absolute best friend, my BFF for life. Liam, this is your godmother. Say hello.”

Liam Preston gave Sienna a polite smile. “Hello, godmother. I’m Liam, and I’m five years old. Godmother, you’re so beautiful. You’re honestly the most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen.”