An Ex-Thug Chased by Enchanting Billionaire Women

Chapter 3: The Golden Contract and The Red Lady

"Take it easy, Jo. We're here to find a job, not a fight," Samson said, pulling Bejo back.

Though his voice was calm, his sharp eyes locked onto Bambang’s. The natural aura of leadership from the former king of thugs surged forth, making the arrogant guard suddenly feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

Bambang cleared his throat, trying to mask his fear. "Yeah, listen to your boss. Now, leave quietly or I’ll call a whole company of guards to drag you out!"

"Go ahead, Sir. While you're at it, call the fire department too. I’m afraid this building will get a bit too hot if I actually lose my temper," Samson countered, his bass voice vibrating the receptionist's desk.

"How dare you!" Bambang signaled his three colleagues. "Drag them out!"

Just as the security guards were about to grab Samson’s arms, the firm click of high heels echoed across the marble lobby floor. The chaotic atmosphere fell deathly silent.

"What is all this commotion?"

Every head turned. Rose stood there looking incredibly high-class, wearing a cream-colored business suit that perfectly hugged her slender frame. Beside her, an assistant was busy holding a tablet.

"Ms. Rose!" The receptionist stood up straight, her face twisted into a mask of feigned distress. "These men, Ma'am... they claim to be your guests and started being violent with us. Mr. Bambang was just trying to secure the situation."

Rose glanced at Bambang, who was still clutching Samson’s arm, then shifted her gaze to Samson, whose batik shirt was now slightly rumpled. Rose let out a long sigh.

"Bambang, let him go," Rose commanded, her voice brief and cold.

"But Ma'am, they—"

"I said let go," Rose interrupted, her tone sharpening.

Bambang pulled his hand back instantly as if he had just touched white-hot iron.

Rose walked toward Samson. She looked at his batik shirt, then glanced at Ucok, who was busy straightening his turquoise suit; Gopar, who was silently clutching his bag; and Bejo, who still wore a fierce scowl.

"Are you all alright? My apologies for my employees' behavior," Rose said with a faint, lethal smile.

The receptionist gasped. "I-I’m sorry, Ma'am, so they really are your guests?"

Rose didn't bother answering her. Instead, she turned to her assistant. "Cancel all my meetings for the next hour. I have guests to receive." She then looked at Samson. "You all, follow me to my office."

Bejo let out a low whistle. "Hear that? 'Guests,' Mr. Bambang! G-U-E-S-T-S!" he mocked as he strutted past the guard.

Once they arrived in the vast, luxurious office, Samson sat on a leather sofa so plush he felt like he was sinking into it.

"Let’s get straight to the point," Rose said, opening a folder on her desk. "I need personal bodyguards who can protect me 24/7. You and your three friends will live at my family mansion. I will provide full facilities, meals, and pay your first month's salary in advance today.

"Whoa, seriously, Miss?" Gopar almost dropped his bag.

"I’m serious. But remember, in that house, you won't just be dealing with external criminals. There is a lot of internal drama you’ll have to handle," Rose said with a meaningful look. "Including dealing with my two stepmothers who are a bit unique."

"Two-two stepmothers?" Ucok blurted out. "Whoa, did the beautiful boss's father have three wives?"

"Hush! Watch your mouth, Cok," Samson scolded.

Rose offered a sweet smile. "Yes, exactly. But my mother passed away a long time ago," she answered calmly.

"Forgive my man's behavior, Miss." Samson felt a pang of guilt.

"It’s no problem. It’s not a secret," Rose replied. "Alright, let’s talk about the contract. Indah, please give them the documents."

Indah, Rose’s assistant who had been standing stiffly in the corner, stepped forward and handed four thick, gold-embossed documents to Samson and his friends.

"This is your exclusive contract," Rose explained, leaning back in her chair. "Your monthly salaries will be sent to your personal accounts. Specifically for Samson, since your role is head of security, you have full authority to manage your three friends."

Samson flipped through the pages, his brow furrowed. His eyes nearly popped out when he saw the string of zeros in the salary column. "Miss... are there too many zeros here? Is this really a monthly salary or a budget to build a bridge?"

Bejo and Ucok peeked over. "Holy cow! Boss, we could buy a whole fried-snack cart every single day with this!" Bejo exclaimed hysterically. Gopar was already busy calculating how many bowls of meatballs he could buy with the down payment.

"That is a fair price for my life," Rose replied with a sudden seriousness that chilled the room. "My enemies are not playing around. They could attack anytime, anywhere. That is why I want people like you, who don't look like typical bodyguards, so my opponents let their guard down.

Samson grew quiet for a moment. He remembered the promise he made to his late mother. Helping people? Check. Honest work? Check. Huge salary? Bonus. Okay, Mom, this is what you wanted, Samson thought, smiling inwardly.

"Alright, Ms. Rose. I accept," Samson said, signing the paper with a firm hand, even though his massive grip made Rose’s luxury pen look like a toothpick.

"Excellent. Indah will take you to the basement. A car is ready to take you to the mansion," Rose said. "I’ll follow later this evening. Let the head butler there show you to your rooms."

"Thank you, beautiful boss. We are ready to protect you with our lives!" Bejo shouted, followed by nods from Gopar and Ucok.

"You're welcome," Rose replied.

"Remember one thing," Rose chimed in as they were about to head out. "Those two stepmothers of mine have their own way of welcoming guests. Don't lose your focus, and just stay calm."

Samson just nodded confidently, though in his heart he wondered, how hard could it be to deal with two wealthy housewives? Relax, Miss. I’m an ex-thug; I wouldn't blink facing a hundred men with machetes, let alone a little family drama, Samson thought pridefully.

Two hours later, a luxury MPV entered the giant iron gates of the Roseland estate. Samson, Bejo, Gopar, and Ucok pressed their faces against the car windows like children visiting a theme park for the first time.

"Boss, is this really a house? It looks more like a bus terminal because it's so huge!" Gopar muttered in awe at the sight of the perfectly manicured green lawn.

When the car stopped in front of the grand main porch, they were greeted by a middle-aged man in a crisp butler uniform.

"Welcome, gentlemen. I mean, Mr. Rahman, the head butler here. Please, come in."

The four of them walked in awkwardly, even taking off their sandals at the door.

"Please, keep your sandals on," Indah said.

"But we might get the floor dirty, Ms. Assistant," Bejo remarked.

"It’s fine, just wear them," Indah said with a friendly smile.

"Rich people always wear sandals inside the house," Ucok noted, immediately putting his back on.

Samson nodded, trying to look dignified even though he felt intimidated stepping onto a floor that was shinier than his future. They had just passed through the main doors, which were as high as palm trees, when a woman appeared from behind a marble pillar.

She wore a long, maroon silk gown. She was beautiful, but her gaze was sharp and commanding, the kind of woman who could make a man shrink with a single look. This was Mrs. Soraya, Rose’s second stepmother, known for being the most stern.

"Who are these people, Indah? Why have you brought beggars into our home?" Soraya asked with a biting tone and a look of pure disdain.

"Hah? Did she just call us beggars carrying around proposals?" Bejo hissed, feeling his temper flare.

"Control yourself, Bejo. Remember what the beautiful boss said," Samson warned as Bejo prepared to strike back.

***