Zacharias sighed softly, his actions not entirely clear in purpose, but he proceeded nevertheless. He


    intended to make Cole understand that he was actively pursuing Shirley. If Cole were willing to


    withdraw from thispetition, it would be best for him.


    She returned to her room and checked her phone, only to be met with disappointment when she found


    no message from Cole inquiring about the morning’s events. This left her wondering if there had been a


    misunderstanding.


    However, only Cole was privy to the truth of the matter. At noon, the housekeeper prepared lunch,


    though Shirley’sck of appetite kept her from descending to partake. Nheless, the servant was


    diligent and delivered a meal to her room. Gratefully, she epted the tray and expressed her thanks.


    “Don’t mention it. This was an order from Mr. Flintstone himself.”


    Shirley was speechless. Dining on the second floor, she pondered the purpose of her current role. It


    seemed less like being a bodyguard and more like apanion to Zacharias, who spent his time idly


    at home.


    In the afternoon, she went to the underground level, where the man had a training room for boxing.


    Today, she turned the punching bag into an image of Zacharias, unleashing her pent-up frustration with


    fast and precise punches and kicks.


    After an intense series of strikes, she heard apuse from the side and immediately turned into a


    defensive stance. Zacharias was standing there, watching her. Shirley, who was drenched in sweat,


    lowered her guard, removed her gloves, and walked out.


    “I guess you were treating the punching bag as if it were me,” he said with a smile.


    “You guessed correctly,” she replied, not denying her intentions. She had indeed wanted to take her


    frustration out on him.


    He grinned. “Once my injury has fully healed, we can have a rematch. She felt a sense of relief after


    her release, realizing that harboring anger toward him was ultimately fruitless. She simply needed to


    endure for another three months, at which point she would regain her freedom. She could then choose


    to minimize her interactions with him.


    “Mr. Flintstone, I apologize for my behavior this morning. I will strive to fulfill my professional


    responsibilities,” Shirley said calmly, adopting a more professional attitude. However, Zacharias didn’t


    seem pleased with this change.


    Sweating and drained, she passed by him, heading for a much-needed shower.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    “Shirley, am I truly that intolerable?” His voice carried a hint of frustration.


    She turned to look at him, her eyes falling upon a wless figure under the dim lighting. However, her


    heart was already spoken for, and no matter how impressive the man was, she couldn’t ept his


    pursuit.


    As she contemted the idea of easily forsaking her feelings for someone she cared about in favor of


    falling in love with someone else, Shirley couldn’t help but wonder what sort of person she might


    be. Would she bebeled as fickle, shifting affections so readily? Such a thought troubled her


    deeply, and she realized that she wouldn’t even like herself if she allowed her heart to waver and her


    attention to be divided. She wanted to maintain a steadfast and seriousmitment to the person she


    cared for.


    With determination, she turned to him and said, “I must be honest, Zacharias. I do appreciate your


    qualities, but the person I have feelings for is Cole. I cannot entertain the pursuit of anyone else.” After


    delivering this firm statement, she left. He was grappling with a sense of helplessness and gripped the


    railing behind him.


    In the realm of love, favoritism was elusive. Love didn’t y favorites, and even the strongest


    individuals had to endure the painful facets of love.


    After taking a shower, Shirley made her way downstairs. Unexpectedly, as she passed through the


    living room, a familiar male voice resonated, “Pretty, did you miss me?”


    She looked up and found Tony sitting on the couch, prompting her to smile and greet him, “Long time


    no see, Mr. Tony.”


    However, he was somewhat annoyed. Initially, he could have lived here and seen her every day, but


    Zacharias didn’t allow it.


    Shirley had just finished washing her hair, and her long, wet tresses cascaded over her shoulders. Her


    uniform somehow added to her allure. Just then, the elevator door nearby opened, revealing Zacharias,


    who emerged from the underground floor.


    “Uncle Zacharias! I’vee to see you.” Tony, who was initially slouching, suddenly sat up straight


    while trying to appear more dignified.