"I'm sorry, but I am Adan Bradley..." a soft, gentle voice whispered in Parker Franklin's ear.
Parker was taken aback. Moments ago, he had been alone, yet now a voice resonated beside him. If he hadn’t glanced down accidentally, he might have thought he was imagining things.
A petite figure stood in front of Parker—so small it was almost overshadowed by his towering six-foot frame.
Parker focused on the small person dressed in a sharp black suit and exclaimed, “Did you just say you’re Adan Bradley?!”
Malayah Smith nodded seriously, her voice barely above a whisper, “I am Adan Bradley…”
Before she could finish, Parker burst into laughter, grabbing Malayah’s arm and pulling her into the CEO's office.
Turning to Ricardo Patterson, Parker grinned mischievously, “Hey Ricardo, so this is your idol, the international martial arts champion and ultimate bodyguard, Adan Bradley? Pretty pint-sized, huh?”
Ricardo looked at Malayah, raising an eyebrow slightly. In a cool tone, he said, “Who are you? You’re not Adan Bradley!”
Malayah smiled kindly, replying calmly, “Of course, I'm not Adan Bradley. I'm his student, here to fulfill the contract as his substitute bodyguard.”
“Haha, you're a bodyguard too? That sounds adorable coming from you. Haha,” Parker laughed, almost doubling over. If it weren't for his chair, he'd be on the floor.
Parker's mocking tone about her height ignited a spark in Malayah's heart, yet she restrained her anger. Representing her mentor, she couldn't afford to lose face.
“Excuse me, sir, why are you laughing? Is it my height?” Malayah’s voice was steady, her dark sunglasses concealing the intensity in her eyes as she stared at Parker.
Parker straightened up upon Malayah’s question and then walked over to her, comparing their heights. Malayah’s head barely reached Parker’s chest.
“Hey, Mr. Bodyguard, what are you eating that’s not helping you grow? How can someone your size be a bodyguard? It's hilarious, haha!” Parker laughed, unable to contain himself.
Anger surged through Malayah as she snapped, “What’s wrong with my height? It’s none of your business, and my professionalism has nothing to do with my height or being a bodyguard!”
Parker chuckled, “Of course it matters. I want to see how impressive a bodyguard of your stature can be. Since your height isn’t much, maybe your other skills are great? Like your fighting skills?” His eyes glinted with mockery.
Malayah replied calmly, “Fighting skills aren’t for show. I’m a bodyguard, not an entertainer. If you want to watch a fight, you should try TV.”
Parker smirked at her retort, and then turned to Ricardo, saying, “Ricardo, I think you've been fooled. You’re paying a fortune for this ‘ultimate bodyguard.’ Doesn’t it seem like a bit of a waste? Haha, I'm mourning for your cash.”
Keeping her cool was tough for Malayah, who longed to put Parker in his place. Who was he to belittle her repeatedly? Malayah Smith was not one to accept such disrespect lightly.
Ricardo’s perceptive gaze scanned Malayah, a charming smile playing on his lips as he asked, “Miss, may I ask, are you really Adan’s trainee?”
“Of course. Do you think anyone would dare pose as Adan Bradley’s student?” Malayah replied confidently, pride tingeing her voice.
Ricardo nodded, knowing only the foolhardy would risk impersonating Adan’s student.
“All right, Miss, I believe you’re Adan’s trainee. However, I do need you to demonstrate your skills. Remember, I’ll be entrusting you with my life,” Ricardo said, polite but firm.
“Yes... I understand,” Malayah replied, her calm exterior masking the apprehension within. Was Ricardo influenced by that obnoxious man, doubting her skills and identity? He wanted her to prove herself, but she had nothing to showcase. Although she’d received some training, her dedication was lacking, leading her friends to jest that she was just a “three-legged cat.”
Facing Ricardo, Malayah asked softly, “All right then, Mr. Patterson, how do you suggest I prove myself to you?”
Ricardo, sensing Malayah’s tension, smiled as he inquired, “Miss, what are you most skilled at?”
Malayah thought hard, struggling to identify her strong suit. The only thing she’d picked up was knife throwing, and even that interest had dwindled quickly.
She looked to Ricardo and confessed, “Well… what I really like is… knife throwing!”
“Haha, knife throwing, like something out of a circus? I’d say ‘tiny knife thrower’ suits you better!” Parker couldn’t resist and burst into laughter once more, clutching his stomach.
Malayah’s face reddened with frustration. This man seemed intent on antagonizing her, finding fault with everything she said.
Even Ricardo, who had enough of the derision, spoke to Parker sharply, “Parker, enough. This bodyguard, no matter what, is Adan’s disciple. Show some respect for Adan.”
Parker, still amused, finally composed himself, nodding at Malayah. “Alright, alright, I’ll respect Adan’s esteemed trainee.”
