As Ian’s usation against L spilled forth, Laney found herself deeply imp**ssed by his remarkable


    expertise as a personal assistant. The relentless barrage of queries from Ian left L flushed with


    embarrassment.


    However, she couldn’t deny the truth in his words, for even she recognized her own carelessness.


    But she drew strength from the fact that she had been personally hired by Leo, while Laney was merely


    a bodyguard, not held in high regard by the Harding family. With renewed vigor, she straightened her


    posture and spoke up.


    “Regardless, Mr. Harding has employed me to look after you. Furthermore, I received Miss Gibson’s


    gifts today under his directive. As a daughter-inw of the Harding family, you ought to honor the


    elders’ views and ept Miss Gibson’s contrition.”


    Ian, however, was unfazed by L’s employer. As Laney’s personal assistant, her wishes were his only


    concern. He nced towards Laney, anticipating hermand.


    While Laney had always revered the Harding family’s elders, she refused to bend her will to theirs. Her


    exp**ssion stoic, she dered, “I will neither ept Kailee’s gifts nor her apology.”


    “But…” L’s patience waned, and she sought to interject.


    “I’ll discuss it personally with Mr. Harding. Take the gifts back and return it,” Laney cut her off, putting


    an end to the debate. Reluctant as she may have been, L dared not defy Laney’s wishes.


    She spun around indignantly, intending to snatch the gift and depart, only to be halted by Laney’s terse


    command, “Clean up the water and dispose of the shattered remnants in the trash bin.”


    Fury surged within L, but she bit her l*p in resignation.


    After a brief silence, L obediently retrieved a mop, dried the water stains, and emptied the trash can


    before taking her leave.


    As Lpleted her tasks and withdrew, Laney’s seething anger began to subside. She offered Ian a


    gracious smile, saying, “So, I’ll be relying on you henceforth.”


    “It is my honor and duty, Mrs. Harding,” Ian responded with due respect.


    Laney scrutinized Ian’s ID card as well as his resume meticulously.


    Despite his exceptional resume and performance, she couldn’t shake an underlying unease. It seemed


    somewhat unconventional for a pregnant woman to hire a male personal assistant.


    Laney rang Natalie to verify the situation, “Natalie, just to confirm, is Ian the assistant you procured for


    me?”


    Beaming with pride, Natalie confirmed, “Indeed he is. What do you think? Quite the consummate


    professional, right? It took me some effort to find such a qualified personal assistant.”


    “Yes, very professional,” Laney agreed. She nced awkwardly at Ian before adding, “But, why did you


    find me a male assistant?” Natalie was a little surprised.


    “Sorry, I didn’t know that you had a problem with this.”


    Natalie rifled through Ian’s file. His capability and quality were impable. But if Laney had misgivings


    about hiring a male personal assistant, Natalie would respect her wishes. “I’m so sorry, Laney. You


    know what? I’ll find you a recement,” assured Natalie.


    Laney couldn’t help but appraise Ian once more.


    He stood poised, an unwavering smile upon his face, betraying no reaction to the exchange bet**en the


    two women.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Considering Ian’s earlierposure and expertise, Laney chastised herself for her prejudice.


    Was there truly an issue with a man in this role? Competence, not gender, was the paramount criterion


    for a personal assistant.


    After all, she had faced her own share of skepticism as a female bodyguard but had risen above it,


    proving her worth and earning her status as one of the most skilled professionals in the field.


    Ultimately, Laney resolved to retain Ian as her personal assistant.


    “Thank you, Natalie. But there’s no need for a change now. Ian has demonstrated his professionalism


    as a personal assistant. His gender, being male, shouldn’t matter. I trust that he can take excellent care


    of me,” Laney affirmed.


    Ian was unsurprised by Laney’s choice. He was certain that Laney wouldn’t let anyone take his ce


    just because of his gender. “Mrs. Harding, this will be one of your wisest decisions ever,” he said.


    Laney couldn’t help but smile at Ian’s confidence and replied, “Looks like you’re very sure of yourself.”


    “I carefully examined all the information on you when I learnt that I was going to serve as your


    assistant,” remarked Ian.


    Despite his apparently modest demeanor, Ian couldn’t hide the air of self-assurance that came with his


    words. “That’s why I’m well aware of your allergies and your situation, Mrs. Harding.”


    “Really?” Ian’s confidence gave Laney relief and she took a deep breath to rx.


    Ian smiled slightly and said, “I believe I’ll be able to serve you well. Of course. I’m also skilled in taking


    care of children.”


    Laney,ughed out loud, amused by Ian’s words. Thest bit of bias she had towards Ian’s gender


    disappeared with his words. “You are a very interesting person.” Laney couldn’t help praising him.


    In the past, people also questioned her ability as a bodyguard just because she was a female. In


    reality, she was better than her male counterparts in many aspects.


    Therefore, as she put herself in his shoes, Laney decided not to dismiss Ian based on his gender.


    Meanwhile, while the two were talking, Garrett came in with Laney’s favorite snack. He eximed,


    “Honey, look what I brought you…” Before Garrett could finish his sentence, he saw Laney smiling and


    talking to a stranger, and his handsome face immediately darkened. He approached Laney while on


    high alert and questioned, “Who are you? What are you doing in my wife’s ward?”


    Ian slowly bowed his head in respect and said, “Hello, Mr. Mrs. Larson specifically hired for Mrs.


    Harding.”


    “Personal assistant? A man?” Garrett looked at Ian in disbelief, scanning him up and down and asked,


    “Does Natalie know what she’s doing?” Laney nudged Garrett with her elbow and chided,


    “Ian is a very professional personal assistant. I believe he can take good care of me and our baby.”


    Garrett felt a bit uneasy, but after seeing Laney’s satisfied exp**ssion, he didn’t say much.


    Unfortunately, he had to supp**ss his feelings of annoyance at Natalie for hiring such a good-looking


    man as Laney’s personal assistant.


    “I assure you, Mr. Harding, that I willke good care of Mrs. Harding,” Ian said confidently. Noticing


    Garrett’s doubt, he added, “I have received professional training and I have plenty of medical


    experience. Rest assured, I can provide the best service for Mrs. Harding.”


    Although Garrett still had some doubts, he didn’t want to say anything more upon seeing Ian’s


    professional manner. He simply patted Ian’s shoulder and said, “Well, then, do your job well and take


    good care of my wife. I’ll give you an extra bonus if you’re good enough.”


    Ian’s exp**ssion remained indifferent, showing no signs of happiness at Garrett’s promised bonus.


    “Mrs. Harding’s well-being is at the top of my priority. I will work hard to keep her happy,” he said


    calmly.


    “And you don’t have to worry about giving me any bonus, Mr. Harding. I was hired by Mrs. Larson to


    take care of Mrs. Harding. So, Mrs. Harding is the only person I serve. There’s really no need for you to


    worry,” added Ian.


    Garrett didn’t expect Ian to decline him, and he was unable to counter Ian’s exnation since it made


    sense.


    “I’m Laney’s husband,” he said, looking somewhat displeased.