"You are too audacious to send those messages, Erin," Orion grinned. "I managed to get hold of Daryl's phone, and seeing your message exchange is quite apparent to me." Orion gently squeezed Erin's chin while she recalled Jenna's messages to Daryl on the last day she saw him. She refrained from disclosing the truth, avoiding the admission that she wasn't the one behind those text messages, out of concern that Orion might be disappointed in her. Having just discovered that Daryl owned that number, Erin had unwittingly communicated with him, thinking it was Orion on the other end. "No, I didn't send those! It was Jenna," Erin explained, although Orion already had the impression that she was flirting with his brother. Despite Erin's protest, Orion remained emotionless until he suggested they go grocery shopping before his friend arrived to change the locks. "Do we really need to do that?" Erin stammered. "Yes, Erin. You were the one who said you believed Zach wasn't that person. We d

Erin confidently strode into the office, her head held high, with Orion, Mike, and Assistant Jorge following closely, all donning serious expressions. A discreet glance at Orion revealed him in a simple polo shirt paired with a jacket, projecting the aura of a seasoned bodyguard with years of service to Drew Walton. The production manager guided them through the office, introducing Erin as Miss Villaverde, Mr. Lawrence's daughter. Some onlookers, who had perceived her solely as an employee for only a few months, were taken aback. The news of Erin assuming the chairman position had stirred the office, prompting the usual commotion. However, some managers couldn't help but harbor skepticism and wariness, not necessarily due to her uncle's influence but rather owing to her gender and perceived lack of business experience. As they made their way through the office, Erin caught wind of a group gossiping about her. "Do you know who the bodyguard is? That's Drew Walton's handsome protect

Orion's chest tightened as if a dagger had plunged deep within him while he gazed at Erin. Clenching his fists, he struggled to find the right words for the young woman. Emotion was a luxury he couldn't afford; he was there to protect her, though that wasn't his true mission. He was meant to hurt her, and the gravity of his actual purpose was slipping from his mind. He was there to inflict harm, a fact he was dangerously close to forgetting amidst the turmoil of his conflicting missions. A pivotal change in both of their lives had caused a transformation in Orion's feelings. Jenna's reminders jolted him back to reality, reminding him that he stood by E

"What was that, Erin?" Zach inquired after escorting her out of the building. Erin trembled with fear and anger, the echoes of Shania's words haunting her. Unable to contain her tears any longer, she wondered how long she would endure the aftermath of what had transpired. "Who is Daryl?" Zach pressed for answers, sensing there was more to the story. Reluctantly, Erin hesitated to share the details of her past with Zach, fearing judgment. She believed it was sufficient that he knew some aspects of her relationship with the Arvessos. "Take me away from here, Zach. Please..." Her tears flowed freely, and her chest tightened with overwhelming sorrow. Understanding her distress, Zach offered his support as he guided her to his car. "I'll take you to my apartment. No buts! It would help if you had someone, and I wouldn't allow you to be alone while 'that' person is away from your penthouse. Is that okay with you?" he reassured. Erin's mind was too chaotic to respond, so she sim

"Go, Orion! I don't want to see you!" She threw a pillow at him, her strength failing her. Orion gritted his teeth. "I'm not leaving. Do you think I'll just let you stay here alone, especially after someone entered without us knowing? If they managed to get in while I'm here, what more if you're alone?" She couldn't help but release a bitter laugh. "You wanted to protect me from others, and yet, here I am, feeling endangered with you! May I remind you that you left me alone in the office last night? Not a single message, not a single inquiry about how I was. And now you're telling me you need to protect me? Leave, Orion!" After uttering those words, Erin stood up and headed to her room. Orion clenched his fists as if wanting to strike something, but he couldn't bring himself to stop her. Her words had struck him deeply. Erin found herself unable to halt the tears streaming down her face within the confines of her room. As noon approached, and after enduring hours of emotion