Niamh was pretty happy with Xander's decision to hire Oliver. The guy looked like he walked straight out of a magazine and had this trustworthy vibe that made you feel safe right away.
"Had breakfast yet?" Niamh asked.
Oliver nodded. "Yeah, I did."
"My daughter's upstairs. I was in such a rush, I didn't get a chance to introduce you. The maid will take you to meet her soon. I gotta get to work now," Niamh said.
"Got it," Oliver replied with a nod.
After Niamh left, the maid invited Oliver to sit and relax, mentioning that Seraphina was still asleep. But Oliver didn't sit. He put down his luggage and stepped outside to check out the layout of the York Villa.
Just then, a voice came through his earpiece, letting him know they had successfully hacked into the York Villa's security system and had everything under control.
Turns out, the guy calling himself Oliver was actually Zachary. Given the high-risk situation at the York Villa, with Seraphina being a potential target for kidnappers, he had taken on this role to protect her.
Upstairs in her bedroom, Seraphina woke up with puffy eyes. She got up and washed her face in the bathroom. After a night of thinking, she decided to talk to Niamh about making up with Nico.
With Xander away on a business trip and only the maid and Niamh at home, she didn't bother changing out of her robe. She walked downstairs in her nightgown, her long hair cascading messily down her back.
Seraphina was naturally beautiful, with an air of elegance and aloofness that blended perfectly. Just as she was about to call for the maid, a tall, imposing figure appeared at the front door, casting a shadow that exuded an intimidating presence. Their eyes met unexpectedly.
Seeing a stranger in her home, Seraphina looked puzzled.
Zachary introduced himself as Oliver, explaining that Xander had hired him to be her bodyguard and ensure her safety around the clock.
Seraphina scoffed, "I don't need a bodyguard. You can leave."
Zachary calmly responded, "I'm just following Xander's orders. It's my job to protect you. I hope you'll cooperate."
Seraphina adjusted her robe, a slight blush on her cheeks, and instructed Zachary to stand by the door. He complied, his posture straight and commanding.
Seraphina wondered why Xander had suddenly decided she needed a bodyguard, especially since she had previously made it clear she didn't want one.
She asked the maid where Niamh had gone and learned that she had already left. Skipping breakfast, Seraphina went back upstairs.
About ten minutes later, Seraphina came down dressed in a pink casual outfit, ready to go out and clear her mind.
Seeing Zachary in the living room, she noticed how tall he was, making her feel petite in comparison.
As she walked out the door, Zachary followed closely behind. Annoyed, Seraphina turned and warned him, "Don't follow me."
Zachary explained, "I'm just doing my job. I won't interfere with your life. Just pretend I'm not here."
Seraphina thought that was impossible. As long as Zachary's six-foot frame was in front of her, she couldn't ignore his presence.
Under Seraphina's gaze, Zachary's imposing presence was undeniable. His deep eyes seemed to hold endless secrets and threats, making Seraphina uneasy.
To her, he was the biggest threat.
Ignoring him, Seraphina got into her car. As she fastened her seatbelt, Zachary got into the passenger seat, making her feel invaded.
"If you're going out, I'm coming with you. It's my job," Zachary said.
Feeling threatened by the new bodyguard, Seraphina started the car and sped off. Zachary felt the force of the acceleration and turned to see the strong disapproval in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Zachary's earpiece buzzed with his team's teasing remarks about how difficult Ms. York was to handle.
Zachary didn't respond, gripping the handle as Seraphina vented her frustration. Once they left the York Villa's street, Seraphina calmed down.
She tried to bribe Zachary to leave, offering double his salary and then a million-dollar check, but he refused both. Seraphina was shocked.
To her, being a bodyguard was all about the money. How could Zachary turn down such an offer?
Was he an idiot?
Just then, Zachary's earpiece buzzed again with news that they had lost track of the dangerous group due to signal jammers.
This meant the dangerous individuals could appear near Seraphina at any moment.
Zachary frowned.
At a red light, Seraphina, feeling the tense atmosphere, took out a lipstick to apply. Zachary glanced over, and Seraphina questioned his stare.
Zachary said it was nothing, but Seraphina suspected he had ulterior motives, even accusing him of using protection as a cover for something else.
His team laughed in his earpiece, urging him to pursue Seraphina.
Zachary, exasperated, removed his earpiece and pocketed it, reminding Seraphina the light had turned green.
Desperate to get rid of him, Seraphina asked him to get out and buy her a sandwich.
Zachary glanced at her, unbuckled his seatbelt, and got out.
As soon as he was out, Seraphina smirked and sped off.
She drove a long way, making sure she had lost him, and finally parked.
"Finally got rid of him," she sighed, looking out the window.
But just as she relaxed, a hand opened the car door, and Zachary got back in, calmly handing her the sandwich.
Seraphina was stunned and angry, unable to believe he had caught up.
Zachary reiterated his duty to protect her, but Seraphina coldly replied that she wasn't in danger and would call the police if needed, demanding he get out.
Zachary placed the sandwich aside, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes, not intending to leave. They sat in a tense standoff.
Frustrated, Seraphina bit her lip and reluctantly continued driving.
Unbeknownst to her, three menacing figures in a black SUV were tailing her, ready to strike. They reported to their leader, "Shadow Wolf," that the target was in the car with a man.
"Shadow Wolf" ordered them to stay close and seize Seraphina's bag, aiming to get the lipstick. If that failed, they were to kidnap her and find out the lipstick's location, all while avoiding too much commotion.
Seraphina drove out of the city to a secluded mountain area with an empty parking lot.
As they got out, Zachary sensed danger. Suddenly, a black SUV sped towards them, crashing into Seraphina's car and flipping it over.