Nathaniel ca out of his trance and scrutinized him warily, searching for cuts, bruises—anything. But there was no trace of blood, no flicker of pain on his face.
"You okay?" he asked suspiciously.
"I am absolutely fine," replied Ian with a confident smile. "I retrieved the phone."
Nathaniel was relieved that Ian wasn’t hurt. But that relief soon transford into rage.
"You fool," he scolded. "That man was ard. He could have attacked you and injured you severely. Yet, you ran after him without caring about your safety – just for a phone!"
"It’s not just a phone," Ian said seriously. "It’s your phone, full of important information. How could I let a small thug like that guy snatch it away from you? Don’t worry. I taught him a lesson. He will never ss with you again."
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes. The more he looked at his frail boy, the more curious he grew.
"What are you?" he muttered, dazed.
"Your new assistant. Co, let take you to the hospital." Ian ushered Nathaniel into the car, carefully fastening the seatbelt around him before walking toward the driver’s seat and settling behind the wheel.
Nathaniel glanced at him, intrigued to peel every layer of him and get to know him well. One thing he realized was that Ian’s frail and unimpressive appearance was only a disguise. This man was more capable than he could ever imagine.
"How did you deal with that man?" he asked curiously.
Ian didn’t reply instantly, his expression shifting. He had recognized that man with one glance – it was a local thief. Several cris, like pick-pocketing, snatching bags, phones, and other valuable items, were registered against him. But this was not his area. The man had co here for one purpose: to get Nathaniel’s phone.
Ian was certain it was a targeted attack. He had run after him and nabbed him. He didn’t have to threaten him—just a few bills pressed into his hand, and the phone was returned.
In fact, the thief confessed that soone had paid him to steal it. Although he didn’t know who it was, he had promised to help Ian uncover the truth. It was only a matter of ti before Ian found out who was behind the attack.
"I know that guy. He is a local thief," Ian replied casually as he pulled the car out of the parking area. "I just bought the phone back from him."
He didn’t tell him the whole thing. The truth might make Nathaniel furious and act recklessly. His boss, Kelvin, had warned him repeatedly to stay low and not do anything that could alert Zachary.
However, he couldn’t help but warn him.
"You can’t use that phone," Ian said. "I’ll bring a new one for you."
"A new phone?" Nathaniel grew confused and intrigued. He quickly inspected the device—aside from a few scratches from the fall, it looked perfectly fine. Why replace it?
He scowled at Ian. "If I have to use a new phone, why did you go after him and bring this phone back?"
"Because I won’t allow so petty thief to walk away after targeting you," Ian replied evenly.
Nathaniel huffed. He wanted to laugh, but the rising frustration in his chest made his throat burn. "You always have an answer ready, don’t you?"
Ian smirked with amusent in his eyes. He glanced at him. "Are you saying I am better than your previous assistant?"
Better?
Nathaniel rolled his eyes. In just a few hours, this guy had made him furious more than anyone else, testing his patience. If it were up to him, he’d have dismissed him on the spot. But circumstances left him no choice but to endure him. The thought only soured his mood further.
’How the hell am I going to put up with him every day?’
"I am serious," Ian continued. "You can’t use that phone. You can’t trust that thief. He simply handed the phone. Maybe he had sneakily slipped sothing into it."
"What?" Nathaniel snapped his head toward him, his brows pinching with disbelief as he checked the phone yet again. He didn’t trust a word Ian had said. "Stop overreacting. I’m not changing the phone.
"Please, I insist," Ian said.
"You..."
"Why are you so obsessed with one phone?" Ian scoffed sarcastically, deliberately jabbing at his pride. "It’s just a phone. Have a new one. You don’t lace money."
Nathaniel ground his teeth, helplessly infuriated. "This boy really knows how to piss off."
"So are you ready for a new phone?" Ian glanced at him with a smirk.
Nathaniel wished to punch him and break those lips so Ian could never smirk like that.
"Okay, don’t murder with your gaze," Ian taunted. "Just use a new phone temporarily until I check this one properly and rule out my suspicions."
"Whatever," Nathaniel muttered and turned to the outside.
~~~~~~~~~
At the Grant family mansion...
Zara arrived with Zane just as the sun sank below the horizon.
Paulina greeted them warmly. "You have arrived."
"Great-granny, I missed you," Zane chirped, clinging to her legs.
Paulina laughed heartily. "I missed you, too." She patted his head.
"But you seem to have forgotten about us," Vincent’s voice bood.
Everyone turned and saw Vincent and Gracie coming over.
"Grandpa," Zane shouted with delight as he hurried to Vincent.
Vincent crouched to scoop him into a hug, laughing. "Well, look at you—growing more handso every day."
While they were busy with each other, Paulina turned to Zara. "Where is Nathaniel? Is he coming or not?"
At the ntion of Nathaniel, Zara’s expression faltered slightly. But she quickly regained her composure and replied, "He will be here soon."
"This boy," Paulina shook her head in dismay, sighing audibly. "I called him so many tis, but he didn’t answer. He didn’t have the decency to call back. He should have brought his wife and son. But no...He let you two co on your own. Uh..."
She grimaced, clearly displeased. "What am I to do with this boy? When will he learn to give ti to his family?"
"Why scold him for that?" Gracie interjected, approaching them. "He is a busy man. Running such a big business empire is not an easy job. He has packed schedules. Don’t always bla him. It’s not his fault."
Gracie cast Zara a cold look. "Sotis, you should make the effort to coax him, persuade him. But you...you are as cold as ice, no spark. Look at yourself. What are you wearing?"
She glanced at Zara with disdain. "A simple top and skirt? Aren’t you a designer? Can’t you put on sothing stylish? More fashionable? If you can’t attract your husband’s attention, why will he be willing to co ho early?"
"Gracie," Paulina muttered, grimacing. "Do you have to say such harsh words always?"
"Am I saying anything wrong? I’m not her enemy."
Paulina opened her mouth to protest, but Zara held her wrinkled hand and interrupted her. "Grandma, don’t be upset. I talked to him. He was busy in an important eting and had kept his phone on silent. He didn’t hear the rings. That’s why he hadn’t answered your call. And maybe he is still busy. But don’t worry. He promised he’d be here on ti."
Pauline nodded, though a trace of disappointnt lingered in her features. However, she forced a smile. "You ca with Zane early, that’s enough for . Co and sit with ."
She took her to the sofa. Once they settled down, Paulina revealed delightfully, "The Lawson family sent a marriage proposal. After discussions, both sides have agreed—Riya and Liam’s marriage has been finalized."
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