Chapter 171 The New Bodyguard

Chapter 171 The New Bodyguard

Ethan rubbed his thumb over the name on his phone.

Kiley. She was the one he had personally invited to join the lab, specifically to act as a suitable "shield" for Monica, helping her integrate more smoothly.

"Alright, you and she can come together," Ethan said gently before hanging up the phone.

He stood up slowly and walked to the window, gazing out at the lights of the Robinson Mansion in the distance, lost in thought.

After a while, he lifted his chin and instructed Mike, who was waiting nearby, "Find me a new place closer to the research institute. It should be a townhouse, and make sure the houses on either side are empty."

"Yes, Mr. Kennedy," Mike replied, quickly setting off to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, in Sophie's car...

"Monica, are you sure you don't want to stay at my place?" 

Sophie pouted, looking at Monica, who was focused on her phone and eager to get to the Maplewood City Grand Hotel. Her tone was a mix of pleading and urgency.

"Even though my house isn't close to the institute, I have a car. I can drive you every day," Sophie continued. 

"And you didn't even bring any clothes. If you come to my place, we have everything you need."

Monica shook her head gently, her eyes filled with determination and gratitude. 

"Sophie, I know you mean well, but I just lost my mom. In Emberlyn, it's considered bad luck to visit someone else's home during the first month of mourning."

"Why are you worrying about that? We've been friends for years, and my mom always treated you like a daughter," Sophie insisted.

"No, Sophie. It's precisely because your parents treat me like family that I can't break the rules. I'll definitely visit next month, but not now," Monica said firmly, her voice soft but resolute.

"Monica, are you saying you don't consider me a friend?" Sophie pretended to be angry.

"Sophie," Kiley interrupted impatiently. "Come on, you know how stubborn Monica can be. She might seem easygoing, but she's incredibly stubborn. She's going through a tough time right now." 

"Imagine her crying every day at your place. Even if your parents are the kindest people in the world, her sadness would be overwhelming." 

"And don't forget, you have your grandparents at home too. Can they handle it?"

Kiley's eyes signaled Sophie to understand Monica's concerns.

"Fine, fine. I can't argue with you two. But Monica, you came out with nothing..." Sophie conceded reluctantly.

"What's the big deal? We'll go shopping with her. As long as we have money, we can get anything we need, right, Monica?" 

Kiley said, gripping Monica's hand with a confident and loyal tone.

"Yes, as long as I have money and you two by my side, I can keep going anywhere," Monica said, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Alright, now you're ditching your childhood friend for your new bestie? Fine. Today, I'll be your generous friend. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you. And I'll cover your stay at the Maplewood City Grand Hotel for a month. Deal?" 

Sophie said, pretending to be annoyed as she pulled out a black card and waved it in front of Monica.

Monica hugged Kiley and Sophie, feeling deeply moved.

Kiley flipped her short hair and quickly pulled out her phone, expertly selecting items to be delivered to the Maplewood City Grand Hotel. 

She handed the phone to Sophie, urging, "Stop talking and just pay."

Kiley and Sophie knew Monica was barely holding it together, so they deliberately used shopping to distract her and keep her from dwelling on her mother's death.

"Oh, Monica. Are you really not going to tell Brandon about seeing the professor tomorrow? Aren't you afraid he'll come after you?" 

Kiley suddenly remembered, her voice filled with concern.

She had met Brandon in Oceancrest City and knew how powerful and domineering he could be. 

Now, in Maplewood City, the Robinson family's territory, she worried Brandon might forcibly take Monica back.

"I'm not afraid. I'm going to see Mr. Kennedy tomorrow. I don't think he's scared of Brandon," Monica said, recalling how Ethan had boldly barged into the Robinson Mansion. It gave her confidence.

To her, Ethan's actions suggested the Kennedy family was not to be underestimated.

"Alright, you've found a new protector! But don't forget about me! I'm pretty tough too! If he dares to come, I'll help you! Anyone who tries to take you, I'll make them regret it," Kiley said, playfully punching the air to cheer Monica up.

"Brandon even asked me to be his wife's bodyguard. But why would he need that when you have two bodyguards right here?" 

Peter said, his black silk shirt unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a platinum necklace that glinted against his skin, adding to his rebellious aura.

He stood there, holding bags from various luxury brands, a playful smile on his lips as he watched the three women get out of the car.

"Who are you? Do I know you?" Kiley asked, hands on her hips, glaring at Peter without backing down.

Her sharp eyes scanned the unfamiliar man from head to toe.

Standing at 6'0.8", Peter looked down slightly at the 5'5.7" Kiley. He clicked his tongue and shook his head, a teasing smile on his face. "Feisty one, aren't you?"

"Monica, no wonder Mr. Robinson noticed you right away. Even your friends are stunning," Peter said, his smile widening. "I'm single, you know. How about introducing me to one of them?"

Kiley looked Peter up and down again, her face full of disdain. "Are you Brandon's friend?"

"Yep. I'm Peter Mitchell, from Oceancrest City," Peter said casually, shaking the bags in his hands to emphasize his point.

He recognized Kiley from Evergreen Hospital in Oceancrest City, where she worked as a doctor.