Simon Adler took a deep breath. The words "so uncivilized" were on the tip of his tongue, but for some reason, he swallowed them back down.

But flipping him off was one thing; Mia Grant didn’t actually leave.

Simon Adler looked at her. "You’ve had your say. Feel better now? So, are you planning to come with me?"

"I will, but I have one condition." Mia Grant held her head high, seizing control of the conversation once more.

"Name it."

Simon Adler seemed to have a great deal of patience now.

Mia Grant stood before him, blocking the light from one side. With his long legs crossed, Simon Adler leaned back into his chair, the picture of leisure.

He tilted his chin up slightly, looking at her.

"What is it you want?"

"I’ll go, but I need you to guarantee my safety."

"Done," Simon Adler agreed readily.

He didn’t hesitate at all. Mia Grant paused, unable to stop herself from asking, "You’re agreeing just like that? Can you really protect me?"

"Once I’m in the Hughes family’s home, there’s no turning back. How can you guarantee it?"

"I have my methods. Or... what did you have in mind?" ’She’s asking like this, so she must already have a plan.’

’What a little fox. She looks all dazed and innocent, but she’s actually cunning as they come—always calculating.’

’It’s only those guys who see her as a helpless little bunny, completely wrapped around her finger.’

"You find a way to move into the Hughes family’s home as well. Furthermore, I want your bodyguard, Lee. And I need to sign an agreement with you."

"If anything happens to me while I’m staying with the Hughes family, you will be held fully responsible."

"..." Simon Adler was taken aback for a moment before scoffing. "And what’s in it for me?"

"That’s not my problem. You can always refuse. You go back to Portia, I stay here. It’s as simple as that."

"From now on, whether I live or die, whether Silas Grant lives or dies—it will have nothing to do with you."

After a long, tense stare, Simon Adler agreed.

"Fine."

"One more question. I can’t be away from Jynsia for too long right now. When is Silas Grant getting married? I need a specific date so I can plan my return for my exams."

At her words, Simon Adler’s brow twitched, his gaze roaming over her. "Are you really going to let him get married?"

"It sounds like you think your exams are more important than his wedding."

"Is that something I can decide?" Mia Grant’s lips twisted into a smirk. "What say do I have in the matter?"

"This is all up to you people, isn’t it?"

On the way back, Simon Adler glanced at the group of burly, intimidating men across the way and chuckled. "Are you planning on bringing them along? That many people make for a conspicuous target. Be careful Silas Grant doesn’t find out."

Mia Grant paid him no mind.

’These men are my ace in the hole. I’m not stupid enough to completely trust Simon Adler.’

’It’s not like we’re close. Even husbands and wives go their separate ways when disaster strikes.’

’I have to leave myself some options.’

"Zelo."

She returned and smiled at Zelo.

He immediately stepped forward. "Miss Grant, are we heading back now?"

Mia Grant shook her head gently. "A word, in private."

The men exchanged glances, and Zelo followed her. "Alright."

By the window, Mia Grant kept it brief.

"I’m still going to Portia, and I might not be able to return for some time. So, I need you all to ensure my safety."

"No problem." ’That’s simple enough.’

Zelo didn’t hesitate.

Mia Grant slowly exhaled. "It might not be as simple as you think. The protection I’m talking about will, in all likelihood, be from a distance."

"I’m going to the Hughes family’s estate. I need you all to be stationed nearby, ready to move at a moment’s notice."

"I know it will be dangerous and a huge hassle, but if anything happens to me, I absolutely need you to charge in and save me immediately."

After a pause, Mia Grant asked:

"Can you do that?"

Zelo’s eyes flickered, but he nodded without hesitation. "No problem!"

"Just one thing... about the boss. Should you give him a heads-up? We’ll have to report this later, and on second thought, it would probably be better coming from you."

"Okay."

"Also, could you please explain the situation to the men from the Sinclair family and Yates Donovan?"

"Let’s use a different way to communicate." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Zelo didn’t move. After a moment of hesitation, he unbuttoned his jacket, pulled out a burner phone from inside, and then took off his wristwatch. "Keep this phone hidden on you. If it’s discovered, use this watch to contact us."

"Also, last time... didn’t the boss give you..." Zelo raised his hand and made a gesture.

Mia Grant nodded, then said, "But I don’t have it on me."

’Actually, Yates Donovan took it.’

"I’ll get you another one after we land."

"...Okay."

Before takeoff, Mia Grant sent a message to Kian Keller, Yates Donovan, Felix Sinclair, and Ian Sinclair.

She had meant to send a broadcast message, but somehow she’d accidentally created a group chat with them.

Mia Grant gasped.

’People always make mistakes when they’re in a hurry.’

’I have to kick them out before anyone notices!’

But Ian Sinclair seemed to have nothing better to do and popped up immediately.

[What’s this group?]

[Babe?]

"..."

The first-class seat was spacious, but Mia Grant was leaning against the window, her hands trembling with anxiety as she typed: [My hand slipped, my hand slipped! Everyone leave the group, quick.]

The moment she sent it, a message from Felix Sinclair came in: [Are you still at the airport?]

Mia Grant’s mind raced. If the Sinclair family also had people watching her, didn’t that mean Felix Sinclair could find out she’d been at the hotel all day just by asking?

She sucked in a sharp breath.

And she had told him she was at school.

A vein throbbed in Mia Grant’s temple. There was no time to explain now.

Because with Yates Donovan’s appearance, the group chat had already descended into chaos.

Fish: [Good evening, everyone~ Have you eaten yet?]

Mia Grant: "..."

’He certainly warms up to people quickly.’

Taking a deep breath, Mia Grant typed, deleted, and retyped her message before finally sending it.

[Your men are all with me, and they will be accompanying me to Portia. For the duration, I need them to be under my command and follow my orders. Acknowledge if you’ve received this.]

CY: [Acknowledged.]

Felix Sinclair: [Okay. Be safe.]

Fish: [Roger.]

Kian Keller was still nowhere to be seen. ’Is he not paying attention, or is he just lurking?’

[One more thing I need to tell you all.]

[This time, I’m going to the Hughes family’s home. So, I need you all to keep my travel plans a secret. Don’t tell my brother. Under any circumstances.]

The group chat fell silent for a moment.

The flight attendant was already announcing that phones needed to be turned off. Mia Grant quickly typed out one last message: [We’ll talk in detail after I land. Remember, do not tell my brother I’m in Portia, and keep it a secret from the public as well!]

* * *

At one o’clock in the morning, the plane landed at Portia Airport.

After disembarking, Mia Grant followed Simon Adler toward the exit.

As they walked through the VIP passageway, Mia Grant was lightly bumped on the shoulder before she even had a chance to look around.

"Oh, my apologies."

’That voice... it’s Zelo!’

Mia Grant glanced over and saw that Zelo had changed his clothes at some point. At the same moment, she felt a sudden weight drop into her shoulder bag.

Something had been placed inside.

Zelo was already walking away.

Mia Grant clutched her bag, scanning her surroundings.

Travelers rushed past. Zelo and his men had blended seamlessly into the crowd, as if they had never been there at all.