Chapter 169: Most Unwelcome Task
Elion's office was a sanctuary of order, a stark contrast to the chaos he had just endured. In his grip was none other than Reinhart, being dragged along like a child.
"Let go, damn it! I can walk!" Reinhart grumbled, jerking his arm in a half-hearted attempt to free himself.
Elion didn't so much as glance at him. His grip was firm, unyielding, as he pulled his younger brother through the hallways of the towering corporate building.
The walk from the entrance to the private elevator felt longer than usual—mostly because Reinhart made sure to slow them down at every opportunity.
"Oh, hello, gorgeous," Reinhart called out, flashing a playful wink at a passing receptionist. "And you, my dear, looking radiant today," he added, smirking at another woman who nearly dropped the folder in her hands.
Elion's expression remained cold, unaffected, but his patience thinned with every second.
"Move faster," he ordered, yanking Reinhart forward with a rough tug.
Reinhart winced but still had the audacity to grin at a group of assistants walking past. "Ladies," he greeted smoothly, bowing his head slightly.
One of them giggled before quickly looking away.
By the time they reached the elevator, Elion exhaled sharply, shoving Reinhart inside before stepping in himself. The doors slid shut, enclosing them in the quiet, reflective space.
Reinhart huffed, rolling his shoulders dramatically. "You didn't have to drag me like a damn sack of potatoes, you know."
Elion ignored him, pressing the button to his private floor. When walked to his office, Kade was the first thing Elion saw.
Kade had been leaning against his desk, arms crossed, his usual cool and composed demeanor intact. But the moment his eyes landed on Elion, there was a visible shift—a flicker of relief, brief but undeniable.
However, that relief vanished the instant he noticed Reinhart stepping out beside him.
"Don't tell me…" Kade sighed, pushing himself off the desk. His gaze flickered between the two brothers. "You're not seriously considering handing the company over to him, right?"
Elion arched his brow.
Kade placed a hand on his chest, his tone dry. "Because if that's the case, I'd like to formally submit my resignation immediately."
A faint smirk ghosted across Elion's lips. "Relax. I'm not bored of this company yet."
Kade let out a breath, shaking his head. "Thank the gods."
The younger one rubbed his wrist dramatically. "You could've just asked me to come instead of dragging me through the building like some criminal."
"I wouldn't have had to drag you if you didn't stop every three seconds to flirt with my employees."
Reinhart grinned. "You know me."
"That's the problem."
Kade, who had been listening with an amused smirk, suddenly turned serious. "So, why is he here?" he asked, jerking his chin toward Reinhart.
Reinhart raised a brow. "Right. Good question. Why the hell did you bring me to the most boring palace in the whole damn world?"
Kade's lips curled slightly as he leaned against his desk again. "Funny. As far as I remember, you were in this 'most boring palace in the whole world' just yesterday."
Reinhart's expression twitched. "Tch."
Elion ignored them both and started walking toward his office. "Because I need you to stay out of trouble."
Reinhart scoffed, following him inside along with Kade. "Oh? Or is it because the woman is there and you're afraid I'll charm her?"
Elion didn't even pause. "Stay away from her."
Reinhart chuckled, falling into step beside him. "So protective."
Elion lowering himself into his chair with a quiet sigh. He leaned back slightly, fingers steepled beneath his chin as his gaze locked onto Reinhart.
"Behave," he said, his tone cool and measured. "Don't do or say anything stupid."
Reinhart sat down in the chair across from him, slouching comfortably. "You hurt me," he said, placing a hand over his heart.
"I'm serious."
Reinhart waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah. So? What's this all about?"
Elion's gaze sharpened. "Raelynn doesn't know about me. Or about us."
Reinhart blinked. "Wait." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You're kidding, right?"
Elion didn't respond.
Reinhart let out a short, moking laugh. "Hold on. You're telling me she's living under your roof, carrying your kid, and she doesn't even know what you are?"
Elion remained silent. Reinhart whistled lowly. "Damn. That's cold, even for you."
Kade crossed his arms, watching them closely. "She'll find out soon enough."
Elion exhaled slowly. "I know."
Reinhart tilted his head. "So what's the real issue here? You just called me all the way here to tell me you're keeping secrets from your woman?"
Elion's golden eyes darkened slightly. "That shitty organization is moving again."
That wiped the smirk off Reinhart's face. His expression sobered, his posture shifting as tension rippled through the room.
"Huh," he mused, his voice quieter now. "It's been a while since I've hit someone."
Elion nodded slightly. "That's why I need you to do something for me."
Reinhart narrowed his eyes. "What."
Elion's gaze was unwavering. "I want you to be Raelynn's bodyguard."
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
"What?" Reinhart shot up from his chair. "Oh, hell no."
Elion didn't flinch. "You'll watch over her, make sure she's safe."
Reinhart pointed at himself. "You want me to babysit?"
Elion's expression remained cold and composed. "You're the only one I trust to handle this properly."
Reinhart let out an exaggerated groan, dragging a hand down his face. "Ugh. This is the worst."
Kade smirked slightly. "Well, at least it won't be boring."
Reinhart shot him a glare. "You shut up."
Kade chuckled, shaking his head.
Elion leaned back in his chair, watching Reinhart with an air of finality. "It's not up for debate."
Reinhart crossed his arms. "I better get a damn good reward for this."
Elion didn't answer.
Reinhart sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just great." He shot one last glare at Elion before collapsing back into his seat. "Fine. But if she falls for me instead, that's on you."
Elion's golden eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "That won't happen."
Reinhart grinned. "Guess we'll see."