With lightning-fast movements, Samson lunged at the shadow. He locked his arm around the figure's neck from behind and pinned him against the concrete pillar, while his right hand stood ready to muffle any scream."S-shh! Boss! It’s me, Boss! Ucok!" a strained voice wheezed through Samson's grip.Samson immediately loosened his hold. He studied the man’s face in the dim glow of the garden lights. It was Ucok, one of the men he had brought into the household staff."Ucok? What the hell are you doing out here at this hour?!" Samson whispered fiercely, his eyes scanning the perimeter to ensure no other guards had been alerted.Ucok rubbed his reddened neck, gasping for air. "Sorry, Boss. I was checking the back perimeter and accidentally bumped into this pot when I heard your voice and the madam's. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, Bang."Itari, who had been holding her breath, gathered the courage to step closer. Her face grew even paler as she realized someone else knew of their secret plan.

Instead of sitting idly, Samson headed toward the small pantry located in the corner of the executive floor. Ignoring the inquisitive glances from several staff members, he began brewing Rose's favorite jasmine tea. He did it meticulously, ensuring the water temperature was just right so the soothing aroma of the tea leaves could bloom perfectly.A few minutes later, Samson tapped gently on Rose’s office door."Miss, it’s me, Samson," he said in a low voice.Receiving no answer, Samson took the risk of opening the door. He found Rose still slumped in her chair, her head resting heavily in the palms of her hands."Forgive my intrusion, Miss. I’ve made some warm tea for you; I thought it might help clear your mind," Samson said.Rose slowly lifted her head. The lines of exhaustion on her face were no longer hidden, and her hair was slightly disheveled. She looked at the cup of tea Samson placed before her; the calming scent of jasmine immediately filled her senses."Thank you, Sam," Ros

"Is this your house?" Rose asked, scanning the simple, modest room."Um, yes, Miss. I apologize for having to bring you here last night. I was worried something might happen if I forced us to return directly to your residence," Samson explained."It’s okay, Sam. I should be the one thanking you for helping me. I must have been quite a handful last night, wasn't I? I’m sometimes unaware of my actions when I’ve had too much to drink," Rose said as she took a spoonful of her porridge."Man, how would she react if she knew she 'woke up' Joni from his deep slumber last night? That would be dangerous; she’d think I’m some kind of pervert," Samson thought to himself."Not at all, Miss," Samson replied, forcing a smile."Well, that’s a relief," Rose smiled back, continuing to enjoy her meal.Samson felt his throat go dry at the sight of Rose's genuine smile that morning. The image of her sitting on his lap the night before, infused with the intoxicating scent of alcohol and perfume—flashed th

Samson took a step back until his back hit the doorframe. The scent of jasmine soap from Rose’s freshly showered body was completely wreaking havoc on his brain's defense system. Moreover, that yellow duster, despite its simplicity, made Rose look incredibly dangerous to the sanity of any normal man."That's, uh, Miss—I mean, Rose," Samson stammered, his eyes darting toward the ceiling as if the answers were written there. "I like both. But if I’m being honest, this one makes me forget that I’m just a bodyguard."Rose wore a triumphant smile. Growing bolder, she took another step until only a fist's width of space remained between them. She could see Samson’s Adam’s apple bobbing rapidly."Why, Sam?" Rose whispered in a low, sultry tone, her eyes locking onto his as his focus began to crumble."Miss, please don't play around. I’m an ordinary man, not a concrete wall," Samson groaned softly. He fought the urge to wrap his hands around her slender waist.At that moment, Joni began to re

"Fine, I will speak, but please, not like this. I’m worried someone might come and misunderstand the situation," Samson said, gently moving away from Itari."Forgive me, Samson. I simply feel so at ease when I’m near you," Itari confessed honestly.Samson remained silent, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Listen, Madam. Miss Rose said it is best for you to be patient a little longer. She wants to help you, but the current situation just isn't right yet," he explained.Itari’s expression instantly darkened. "Samson, I can’t stand living here anymore. Every day is nothing but torture after torture. I want to get out of here now," she cried, tears streaming down her face. "If Rose said that, does it mean she really can't help me?"Samson let out a heavy sigh at the sight of her tears. On one hand, he felt a deep pity for this woman, trapped between Baskoro’s cruelty and Soraya’s cunning. On the other hand, he couldn't go against Rose’s wishes; after all, he worked for her."It’s not that s