Chapter 11 Close-Proximity Connection

          The sandstone path wound its way through a grove of palm trees and tropical flora, leading toward the secluded and highly private pool villa zone. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the white sand drifted in on the gentle breeze. The ambiance of this six-star resort was every bit as beautiful and relaxing as its price tag suggested. Yet, Lalita's heart was beating at an erratic rhythm—not because of the breathtaking scenery, but because of the broad back of the man currently pulling her suitcase for her.

As for the three IT minions, the moment they received their keycards, they collectively shifted into high gear, sprinting off to their respective rooms with practiced efficiency. Absolutely no one dared to stick around and be the third wheel to their big boss.

Lita quickened her pace to walk beside Bhakin, stealing glances at his perfectly stoic side profile.

"Swiping a black card to upgrade rooms left and right like that—aren't you worried about maxing out your credit limit, Khun Bhakin? I thought you said your investment portfolio only made a 'little bit' of profit? Exactly how many tens of millions is this 'little bit' of yours?" the young woman teased, breaking the silence.

Bhakin shot a sidelong glance at the inquisitive woman. The corner of his deeply cut lips curled up into a faint smile.

"Enough to pay for you to sleep comfortably without having to endure any noise from the room next door, I suppose," he replied evasively, refusing to disclose the actual numbers. He then purposefully bumped his shoulder lightly against her slender one. "Or are you disappointed you didn't get to sleep in a connecting room with him?"

"Crazy! Who would want to sleep anywhere near a guy like that? I'm completely disgusted by him."

She snapped back, fiercely denying it. "I just want to hurry up, finish the site survey, and rush back to write the report for the boss. That way, I won't have to endure looking at his face and ruining my eyesight."

"It's good that you think that way."

The tall man stopped in front of the massive wooden doors of Villa 101, which was situated right next to his own Villa 102. Bhakin tapped the keycard to unlock the door, but instead of handing her the suitcase and parting ways, he strolled right inside as if he owned the place.

"Wait a minute, Khun Bhakin. Why are you coming in? I need to change my clothes."

"I need to run a hardware security check first."

Yet another 'system' excuse was deployed. Bhakin set her suitcase down in the corner and proceeded to inspect the entire luxury villa. He checked the latches on every single glass window, drew the blackout curtains to test visibility from the outside, and even stepped out to the private balcony pool to gauge the height of the boundary wall. Finally, he returned to stand in front of her. Lita was standing there with her arms crossed, watching him with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"All windows lock securely. The pool wall is high enough that outsiders cannot climb over." Bhakin summarized the results of his inspection in a dead-serious tone, as if he were delivering a formal project briefing.

Lita shook her head with a soft smile.

"Are you quite finished, my personal security guard? Then please give me fifteen minutes to change. We can head out to survey the venue right after."

The young woman moved to walk toward her suitcase, but Bhakin stepped into her path, blocking her. He shoved both large hands into his cargo pants pockets. The razor-sharp eyes behind his lenses stared deeply into hers.

The sudden decrease in proximity made Lita freeze. Her breath hitched for a beat as his signature cool mint scent invaded her senses.

"Remember this, Lita," his voice dropped to a low, commanding register. "If anyone knocks on this door, absolutely do not open it unless you look through the peephole and verify that it's me."

"I know, I know. I'm not a three-year-old," she mumbled, averting her face to escape the gaze that was making her heart race.

"And when you have to discuss work with him..."

Bhakin reached out, his fingers gently brushing her delicate chin, forcing her to turn back and meet his eyes.

"Do not wander off anywhere with him alone. If my subordinates or I aren't right there, you are to call me immediately. Understood?"

The warm touch on her chin, combined with the unmistakable concern shining clearly in his eyes without the need for any sugary sweet words, completely dismantled the firewall around Lita's heart. She pressed her lips together and obediently nodded in compliance with his command.

"Understood."

Having received a satisfactory answer, Bhakin finally pulled his hand away. He turned, walked over to the door, opened it, and tossed a final order over his shoulder.

"Fifteen minutes. I'll be waiting right outside."

Exactly fifteen minutes later, Lita stepped out in a semi-casual beige suit that looked sharp and practical while still exuding the striking elegance of a top PR queen. She walked side-by-side with Bhakin and the three IT guys, heading straight for the expansive beachfront lawn designated as the venue for the fundraising gala dinner.

Krit was already there waiting alongside the resort manager and the venue staff. Her ex-boyfriend wore designer sunglasses, standing with his hands in his pockets, radiating arrogant confidence. However, the moment he saw Lita approaching flanked by her stoic bodyguard, the smug smile on his face instantly shrank.

"Well, look at this full entourage," Krit greeted them with a derisive sneer. "Right this way, Lita. This is the spot where we'll set up the main stage for the diamond auction."

Lita pulled out her iPad, opened her notes app, and immediately channeled her inner workaholic. She walked the grounds, visually measuring distances, and began firing off a rapid barrage of questions.

"If we place the stage here, won't the first ten VIP tables block each other's line of sight, Khun Krit? I'll need a detailed table layout plan. Also, regarding the nighttime lighting system—will the ambient light from the resort be bright enough to clearly showcase the diamonds on stage?"

Krit stepped closer to Lita, leaning in as if attempting to peek at her iPad screen.

"You don't need to worry about that, Lita. I have the lighting system fully prepared. If you want a clear picture of it, why don't we have dinner together at the restaurant over there tonight? Afterward, just the two of us can stroll down here to see the real lighting effects. Sound good?"

But before Krit could even lay a finger on Lita, Bhakin's tall frame swiftly intercepted, sliding perfectly between them. The young man raised a strange-looking signal measurement device, using it to completely block Krit's line of sight.

"This is a signal dead zone," Bhakin declared deadpan, completely ignoring Krit's furious glare. "Tum, Job, come mark this spot for a signal repeater pole. The internet connection for the digital auction system cannot afford a single drop. My apologies, Khun Krit, but I must ask you to step back three paces. The electromagnetic interference from the smartphone in your pocket is disrupting my diagnostic equipment."

"Are you intentionally trying to piss me off?!" Krit yelled, losing the last shred of his patience.

"I am working," Bhakin replied flatly before turning to Lalita. "As for inspecting the nighttime lighting, Khun Lalita, you don't need to worry. The IT team already has to come down here tonight to test the on-stage LED screens. In your capacity as PR, you can simply accompany us. There's no need to waste your time complicating things with a private dinner. Isn't that right?"

Lita hid a fiercely satisfied smile as Krit's romantic scheme was brutally intercepted and crushed. She quickly nodded, playing right along.

"Absolutely, Khun Krit. I'd like to evaluate the LED screens and the lighting system simultaneously. I'll come down tonight with the IT team. For now, I need to go inspect the kitchen where the VIP guests' meals will be prepared."

With that, she spun on her heel and followed the resort manager in the opposite direction, leaving Krit standing there grinding his teeth in bitter frustration.

Throughout the afternoon's work, Krit attempted to find openings to get close to Lita countless times. But he was consistently walled off by Bhakin and his three IT minions, who functioned as a literal human barricade. They would pretend to measure LAN cables or inspect CCTV installation points, constantly hovering so closely that Krit couldn't even manage a single sentence of personal conversation with her.

Lita’s work went far more smoothly and quickly than anticipated. She gathered all the necessary data in under three hours. Her original goal of rushing through the task to escape her ex-boyfriend was flawlessly achieved—and all the credit belonged entirely to the human firewall named Bhakin.

Once the afternoon site survey concluded, Lita excused herself to return to her villa to rest and wait for the evening venue inspection.

As she arrived back in front of her room, the young woman turned to look at the man who had followed with his hands in his pockets to escort her right to her door.

"Thank you again for today. If it weren't for you, I would've been dealing with a massive headache from him for hours."

She told him with a soft smile.

"Instead of a thank you, your full cooperation will suffice."

"Cooperation with what?"

Bhakin stepped closer, raising one arm to lean firmly against the doorframe of her villa.

"Tonight, when we go down to check the beach lighting, you'd better prepare yourself. Because I fully intend to update our status so clearly that that bastard sees he has absolutely zero rights to even think about you ever again."

The tall man casually dropped that massive bomb and then pulled away, walking back to his own villa. He left the brilliant PR queen standing frozen in front of her door, her face burning crimson as her heart hammered against her ribs.

Update our status? Just what exactly was this man planning to do to give her a heart attack next?!