Chapter 2

Hearing Isabella's blind accusations, I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

That minor injury was just from yesterday's combat training. Jasper scraped himself on the mat while doing a defensive move because his fundamentals weren't solid.

Everyone in the organization had injuries like that, and many had even worse.

"If he can't handle the pain of training, he has no business in this line of work. Pretty faces mean nothing to bodyguards. A good-looking face won't stop a bullet."

My words were blunt and biting. Both Isabella and Jasper stiffened at once.

I continued, "Besides, haven't you already chosen him as your personal bodyguard? And I'm leaving Thornton Group's security division. From now on, he won't have to put up with my so-called 'bullying.' Sounds perfect, doesn't it?"

Isabella froze for a moment, her face burning with anger and embarrassment. She clearly never expected the man who had once obeyed her every command to become so quick to retort.

"Did I say you could leave?" she snapped, her tone harsh and unreasonable.

"You're staying. You need to protect me, and you need to protect Jasp. Damien, don't forget—you owe the Thornton family."

With that, she turned on her heel, dragging Jasper away without another glance.

I stood there, watching her retreating figure, with an icy gaze.

Owe? In my past life, I had already repaid that debt—with my life.

After Isabella stormed off, the training facility fell into an awkward silence. The other candidates exchanged uneasy glances, none daring to speak.

Elliot cursed under his breath, muttering something like 'damned brat'. In the end, all he could do was let out a long, weary sigh. With a dismissive wave, he signaled for the others to leave. Soon, the vast training facility held only the two of us.

"Damien, sorry you had to see that," Elliot muttered. The anger drained from his face, replaced by exhaustion and resignation. "I've spoiled Isabella since she was a kid, and she's always gotten away with everything."

I stayed quiet, my eyes fixed on the ground.

He studied me, taking in my calm, unreadable expression, and let out a bitter chuckle. "I know someone like you, with your skills and pride, won't stay forever."

He paused for a moment. When he spoke again, his tired eyes held a rare trace of pleading. "But Damien, I need to ask you for one last favor.

"In three days, there's a major deal happening at Southbay Pier. It'll determine Thornton Group's future for the next five years. The people we're dealing with are ruthless, and I don't trust anyone else with this. Only you."

His voice dropped, steady and heavy. "Before you leave, I need you to protect Isabella one last time. When the deal is over, you'll be completely free. Whatever you ask for, the Thornton family won't hesitate."

I raised my head and met his gaze. I didn't refuse.

Because I owed him. It wasn't the Thornton family I owed; it was Elliot.

When I was ten, I was a starving orphan digging through trash heaps and fighting stray dogs for scraps. He was the one who pulled me out of the cold and filth, brought me into the organization, and gave me the skills to survive. Without him, I probably would've died in some forgotten corner long ago.

It was a debt I had to repay.

"Alright." I nodded, my voice clear and steady.

"Three days. Once the deal is done, the Thornton family and I will be even."

"Yes… That's good." Elliot patted my shoulder, relief washing over him as if a burden had finally lifted. "Go on. Consider these three days the last favor you'll ever owe me."