An Ex-Thug Chased by Enchanting Billionaire Women

Chapter 7: Roles and Hidden Tears

“We need a brief meeting before you head to dinner,” Rose said.

She was currently sitting with Indah and her four bodyguards on the sofa in the pavilion where Samson and his team resided.

“Forgive my insolence earlier, Miss. To be honest, I just couldn't hold back my emotions,” Samson admitted, feeling guilty about what had transpired at the dinner table.

Rose remained silent and expressionless. The beautiful young woman always maintained a cold facade, making it impossible for others to read what she was thinking.

“Moving forward, you do not need to join us at the dining table for dinner. Simply stand guard along the path leading to the main house. Furthermore, Indah will only be staying overnight tonight to help you get settled here,” Rose explained.

“Understood, Miss,” they answered in unison.

Rose then looked toward Samson. “Samson, I know you wanted to defend your men. But I expect you not to interrupt or act disrespectfully like that again. You must be able to restrain yourselves and control your emotions. Ignore their words and save your energy for more urgent matters,” Rose said, her tone calm yet commanding.

Samson nodded slowly, absorbing every word. He could feel that the authority of the woman before him wasn't just because she was a CEO but because of her composure in facing the storms within her own home.

“I understand, Miss. Once again, I apologize,” Samson answered sincerely.

Rose exhaled, her gaze softening slightly even though her face remained rigid. Her eyes then shifted toward Bejo, who had been standing at the very end of the line.

"Bejo," Rose called out flatly.

"Y-yes, Boss?" Bejo straightened his back immediately, his heart pounding.

"You heard it yourself, didn't you? Imel specifically requested you to be her personal bodyguard for the school run. She said she’s bored with the old driver." Rose paused for a moment, looking at Bejo intently. "I won’t force you. So I’m asking now, are you willing? If you object, I will station you at specific posts around the house and this pavilion instead."

Bejo glanced at Samson, then at Ucok and Gopar, who were struggling to hold back their laughter. Guarding a little girl with a tongue as sharp as a razor was certainly not the dream job for a former thug. However, seeing the traces of exhaustion on Rose’s face, Bejo felt it would be wrong to refuse.

"Well, Miss, for the sake of the mission and since the young lady has already chosen, I'm willing. Besides, I'm used to dealing with naughty brats at the market," Bejo finally answered with a tone of resignation masked by courage.

Rose gave a slight nod. "Good. In that case, starting tomorrow, your duties will be split. Bejo will focus on Imel. Ucok and Gopar will secure the outdoor areas and ensure my travel paths are clear. Occasionally, you will all escort me together for major or specific events."

Rose then looked at Samson with a more intense gaze. "And Samson, you will be my personal bodyguard. You will follow me wherever I go. Meetings, business trips, and other matters outside the office. You must always stay within my reach. Understood?"

Samson was stunned for a moment. Becoming the shadow for someone like Rose was no small task. It meant he would be entering a corporate world full of intrigue. "Ready, Miss. I will make sure not a single strand of your hair falls because of a bad person."

“Good,” she said, her face still an expressionless mask. She then looked toward Gopar. “And Gopar.”

Gopar, who had been looking down while clutching his growling stomach and his buttonless jacket, looked up in a panic. “Y-yes, Boss?”

“Do not let your stomach make that noise again while on duty,” Rose said, and for the first time, Samson saw a faint glint of amusement in her eyes. “Indah has ordered plenty of food for you all at the pavilion. Finish it all so you have full energy for tomorrow.”

“Yes, Boss! I’ll polish the plates until they’re sparkling!” Gopar exclaimed enthusiastically, causing the tension in the room to thaw slightly.

“And Indah, prepare another suit that actually fits Gopar,” Rose added.

“Right away, Miss.”

“Alright, it’s late. I won’t disturb your dinner any longer. Rest well; I’ll see you tomorrow,” Rose said as she stood up, followed by Indah.

Rose looked back at Samson, who was already standing alert near her. “One more thing. Tomorrow morning, Soraya’s son, my stepbrother, Rio, will be returning from Singapore. He is much more troublesome than his mother. Prepare yourselves mentally.”

After Rose and Indah left the pavilion, Bejo threw himself onto the luxury sofa. “Man, that brat's older brother is coming? It won't just be Gopar’s buttons popping off; our patience is going to snap piece by piece.”

“Oh, don’t be soft, Jo,” Ucok chimed in, undoing his jacket buttons with a sigh of relief. “The priority now is food! I’m hungry at a god-tier level. Where’s the food the boss promised?”

Right then, several servants arrived carrying large trays filled with special roasted chicken, various side dishes, sambal, and even chocolate pudding for dessert. The delicious aroma instantly filled the pavilion.

If Samson's muscular arm hadn't held him back, Gopar would have charged at the food.

“Patience. Let’s head to the dining area first. Don’t bowl over the servants; you'll scare them,” Samson warned.

“Hehe, sorry Boss,” Gopar chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.

The night grew deeper. After finishing an incredibly delicious dinner, where Gopar truly proved his word about making the plates sparkle, Samson’s three subordinates were sprawled out in their respective rooms.

Gopar’s snoring could be heard all the way downstairs, alternating with Bejo’s mumbles as he dreamed about being chased by Little Miss Imel.

Samson, who wasn't sleepy yet, decided to step out of the pavilion to perform a solo patrol, ensuring the security around Rose’s private area. The cold night air bit deep into the bone, but Samson, wearing only a tight black t-shirt, seemed unfazed. His heavy yet silent footsteps traversed the path illuminated by the dim garden lights.

As he passed the path connecting the main house to the pool area, a sound stopped him in his tracks.

Sob... sob...

It was a suppressed cry, soft yet full of anguish. Samson sharpened his hearing. His instincts immediately went on high alert. He approached the pool cautiously, the water shimmering like silver under the moonlight.

At the edge of the pool, he saw a woman sitting huddled up.

Madam Itari? Samson thought.

The woman who had appeared so seductive and confident that afternoon now looked incredibly fragile. She was still wearing her thin silk gown, but her shoulders were shaking violently. She was crying while hugging her knees, her back turned to the path where Samson stood.

***