PAMPERED

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240 She’s only 54

Meanwhile, in the Skyline Plaza…

Men in suits stood quietly in the corners of the room, holding their breaths and keeping their eyes down. Tension hung in the air, and the only sound they could hear was their own breathing.

In the middle of the room, a set of couches held a few seated individuals, including medical professionals tending to the man on the couch. They carefully adjusted his IV drips and treated the scratches on his temple and arms with such precision and care, as if they were handling a complex transplant.

Despite their efforts, the nervousness in their eyes lingered.

“Cousin!!!”

The still air was suddenly broken by a loud call and a bang as the door swung open.

Everyone instinctively turned to the door, only to see a tall man holding it open. Even though some of the bodyguards inside had never met him, they quickly recognized the natural white streak in his hair on one side.

“Cousin!”

The slightly injured man on the couch glanced at the newcomer rushing inside. “Ray. Tone down.”

Ray, now 29, zipped his mouth but still bolted to the couch where his cousin was. “Renren- He bit his tongue when a sense of dread crept up his spine.

“Hehe…” He laughed awkwardly. “I mean, Zoren, my dearest cousin, what happened?! I thought you died!”

Zoren peeled his eyes away from his cousin to look at the doctors working on his IV. “Ray, don’t. move around. They might have to redo it if you do.”

The ones administering Zoren’s IV gulped, only to hear Zoren’s next remark.

“It will hurt then.

“Right…” Ray cleared his throat and froze, letting everyone finish their work first. When they finished, he saw the medical team heave a sigh of relief. “I feel sorry for them.

He shook his head and quickly jumped to Zoren’s side. “Cousin, what happened?”

The IVs were a normal occurrence and a familiar sight to Ray, even from their childhood.

However, the new scratches on Zoren’s temple and arm were very new.

“This looks bad,” murmured Ray, now worried. “What did your uncle do again?”

“It’s not him. O

Ray scrunched up his nose. “Not him? And you believed him?”

“That’s what he said, but I didn’t say that’s what I believed.” Zoren leaned back and glanced up at

12:25

240 She’s only 54

the liquid bag hanging from the pole. “Just let them be.”

“Let them be?! How can you say that? The First Branch of the family regained their confidence and is now growing even more cocky when Dean returned!” Ray hissed, his remarks reflecting the strained relationship he now had with his cousin, whom he used to be so fond of. “You keep letting them off the hook! Cousin, don’t tell me you actually want them to succeed?”

“No, but since they were able to do this, the fault is mine.”

Ray frowned. “How is that your fault?”

“It means my security is lax. Zoren glanced at the men standing around the room. “Get out.

You’re all fired.” z

“Cousin, you gasped, making the bodyguards look at him with

can’t just fire all of them!!” Ra hope. But their hope was short–lived when they heard Ray’s next words. “You have to replace them first before firing them!”

Their hearts sank as they cast their eyes down once more.

“I’m not firing them because I’m angry, but because this incident proved they’re not equipped to handle this type of danger. Nothing personal” Zoren glanced at them, his expression unchanged. “Go. My assistant will write a letter of recommendation for your next employment.”

The bodyguards slowly looked up at Zoren, a little taken aback. They were the umpteenth security team employed by the current master of the Pierson Family. They had heard many vile things about him, and despite guarding him day and night, they only had one impression of the

man.

Ruthless.

Zoren wasn’t the type to mingle or talk to them. Their relationship was purely professional- employer and employee. From what they had witnessed so far, they could say that Zoren was simply ruthless.

“You may go,” Zoren waved his free hand, prompting everyone to leave the room.

Soon, the room was empty, with only Zoren and Ray inside. Even the medical team left to give the two men some privacy.

“So, what now?” Ray sighed. “When is your own team coming back?”

“I deployed them somewhere

so it’ll take a while.”

“So until then, you’ll ke

hiring new bodyguards? Tsk. Why did you even send them away when you know the main branch of the family only wants to take you down?” Ray nagged as he glanced at the bandage over Zoren’s temple. He sighed. “Cousin, I’ll look for a reliable security firm to look after you until your team returns.

S

“No need

Ray’s brows rose. “Why? Did you already find an agency?

“I received a tip that Prime Group is branching out and will build an office in the city, Zoren said, casting him a meaningful look. “Benjamin already reached out, and hopefully, they’ll

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“Prime Group…? Oh… that one, huh?” Ray nodded before fils

you want their services?”

“Many people I know trust them.”

Ray’s face showed a mix of emotions. “But cousin, that security firm has insane requirements, and they select their clients based on the boss’s mood. Why choose such a fickle person for your security?”

“… I need Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

“Because…” Zoren blinked, looking at Ray as if wondering if he even needed to answer. “… protection, and they offer the services that I need.”

“Cousin.” Ray covered his mouth while he mentally wept. “Everyone is so scared of you your own family is scheming behind your back. But they don’t know you’re actually such a precious and innocent person.”

even

Zoren kept a flat expression, watching Ray lament. “Get out.”

“Cousin, why are you kicking me out?”

“I’m disgusted watching you.” I

Ray, who was already numb to his cousin’s innuendos, dramatically wiped the corner of his eyes. “Fine, I’ll go.

But cousin, if you need anything or if you feel sad, just call me. Or no, I’ll stay in the residence. If anyone tries to hurt you, just call me, and I’ll be there for you.”

As Ray dramatically expressed his pure heart, he slowly rose from his seat.

“Don’t stay,” Zoren uttered as Ray stood.

“Huh?” Ray looked back at him, confused. “But with what happened, I can’t just leave you alone!”

“I’m going to your place tomorrow.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Thursday”

Ray’s mouth opened, and his face instantly showed resentment. “Cousin, will I ever get a life on Thursday?! Why do you keep coming there every Thursday when she’s not even showing up!? It’s been how many years–she’s probably bedridden now!”

Zoren chose to ignore him until Ray got tired and left. When he was alone, he gazed at the tubes in the back of his hand and sighed.

“She’s not bedridden,” he whispered. “She’s only 54. The worst she could have is back pain and diabetes.