Chapter 5

Ella leaned back in her chair, finally catching her breath after half an hour.

She glanced over at Raina and another man writhing on the ground in pain, frowning in confusion.

The man who had saved her had a buzz cut. He was now crouched in front of the other man, slapping him and demanding, "Have you done any other disgusting things?"

The man shook his head frantically, "No, I was just blinded by lust. I didn't know she was Mr. Johnson's girl. Please, let me go."

Beau punched him again, sending him sprawling on the ground. "What do you mean, someone's girl? People aren't property! What kind of outdated thinking is that?"

The man, bruised and battered, saw Ella glaring at him and crawled over in a hurry. "Ella, I know your brother. Help me out here, I swear I'll never do it again."

Beau turned to Ella and questioned, "Is that true?"

Ella shook her head and said, "I don't know him. I don't have a brother."

The man shouted, "Chase! I work with him!"

Hearing the name "Chase," Ella looked at the man again, vaguely remembering. Chase had mentioned working for a big boss flipping houses, so she guessed his request for money yesterday wasn't entirely baseless.

The man looked at Ella expectantly.

Beau also watched her, waiting for her decision.

"I don't know him." With that, the man's fate was sealed.

His screams filled the air, starting loud and desperate, then turning to whimpers, and finally, silence.

Beau, satisfied, wiped his hands and walked over to Ella. "Are you looking for a job?"

Ella eyed him warily.

Beau grinned sheepishly and said, "I'm not a scammer, I promise. I'm offering you a legitimate job, with room and board, a year-end bonus, and you can negotiate the rest."

Having just been deceived, Ella wasn't about to fall for it again. "Thanks, but no thanks."

"Don't be so quick to refuse. Look it up when you get home. If you're interested, send in your resume. You'll definitely get the job. It's called Vanguard Security Company," Beau quickly added.

The name sounded familiar.

Ella searched her memory. Wasn't that the company where the HR had insulted her?

She sneered, "No need. I've already experienced their 'hospitality.'"

Beau was stunned and questioned, "What do you mean?"

She briefly recounted the incident while starting her car. By the time she finished, she was ready to leave.

Beau was dumbfounded, muttering, "No way, Mrs. Johnson wouldn't do that."

As he tried to ask more, Ella had already gotten into her cab.

Beau quickly messaged Michael: [Michael, your mom just scared off your future wife. Want me to play mediator?]

Michael was in his office, negotiating with a new supplier for explosion-proof equipment. Seeing the message, he felt a headache coming on. He opened the recruitment app and saw the chat history from yesterday. Of course, it was her. No wonder he had seen her downstairs.

He had thought Ella was there for a random quality check and didn't ask because he feared Rhea would push for an introduction.

But Michael's eyes soon lit up with relief. It was her, after all.

The supplier noticed Michael's distraction and kindly reminded him, "Mr. Johnson, about our proposal..."

"Leave it for now. Our specialists will contact you in a few days," Michael said without looking up. "That's all for today."

The suppliers exchanged puzzled looks, unsure where this family-run company would find specialists, but they nodded, "Understood."

Michael ignored them and messaged Ella: [My mom didn't mean it yesterday.]

Ella was reconsidering Vanguard Security Company when she received a message from "that guy." She was puzzled and asked: [Have I met your mother?]

Michael: [My mom thought you were there because of my photo, so she said those things. It wasn't her intention. She actually likes your personality and work ethic.]

Ella took a moment to process the message.

Ella: [Vanguard Security Company is your company?!]

Michael: [Yes, I didn't have time to introduce myself properly the last two times we met. Can we talk? I'm available.]

Ella didn't respond for a while, still reeling from the shock.

Her phone buzzed again.

Michael: [Or I can come to you.]

Ella quickly replied: [No need, I'll come over.]

On the way, Ella felt like she was in a daze. The past few days had been so surreal, she was starting to question her staunch materialism.

Back in the familiar office, her mindset had completely changed.

She opened the same door, but instead of a stern face, she was greeted by a serious yet gentle one.

"You're here," Michael nodded at Ella.

Ella nodded back and inexplicably found herself sitting across from him.

Michael pushed a thick file towards her. "This is all the information about our company. Take a look."

Ella didn't really want to, but as soon as he spoke, she found herself agreeing. Before she knew it, she had read most of it.

So his name was Michael.

Seeing that Michael had been forced to retire due to an injury, Ella felt a pang of sympathy.

She realized she was feeling for someone she had only met a few times and had had one intimate encounter with. She quickly suppressed the feeling and put down the file. "It's a promising company."

She had thought it was just a bodyguard service, but the plans for future tool development aligned perfectly with her expertise.

Michael subtly relaxed, as if he had received her approval. "So, would you like to join us?"

Ella said, "But what about Mrs. Johnson..."

"It was just a misunderstanding. I've explained it to her. Don't worry, we'll increase your salary by ten percent each month as compensation," Michael generously offered, eager to dispel her doubts.

Ella was surprised.

Her current salary was already quite good, and now they were offering a raise?

A warning bell went off in her mind, and she asked cautiously, "Can I see the living arrangements first?"

"Of course." Michael led Ella up to the top floor via the company elevator.

Ella looked at the spacious apartment in disbelief. "This is employee housing?"

Michael replied, "Yes."

Ella couldn't help but look around until she saw a screen divider. Curious, she walked around it and found an identical setup on the other side.

Ella asked, "Are these two rooms combined?"

"Yes, I live here temporarily. It's convenient with all the work I have, but don't worry, I'm rarely here," Michael admitted openly.

Ella hesitated and then said, "This doesn't seem right."

Michael closed the screen and promised earnestly, "The place is fully monitored. You can feel safe. We're also in the process of becoming a state-owned enterprise, so all your expenses can be legally reimbursed."

With that assurance, all of Ella's doubts vanished. "When can I start?"

Michael's expression shifted slightly, and he seemed a bit embarrassed. "I have one more favor to ask. During holidays, could you pretend to be my girlfriend to deal with my family? Don't worry, you'll be compensated with double the year-end bonus."

One benefit after another overwhelmed Ella. Despite some hesitation, she finally agreed, "Okay, but only pretending."