Sydney hurried out of the shop, tucking his wages into his pocket after finishing his shift. His sister had no idea he was working, and he intended to keep it that way. She was already covering his tuition, and she didn't approve of him taking on a job while studying at university. But the truth was, the money she sent wasn't always enough, and he couldn't bear to add to her burdens.
As he made his way back to campus, a blur of movement caught his eye—a young woman on a bicycle speeding towards him. He barely sidestepped in time to avoid a collision.
"Careful," he muttered, shaking his head as he walked on.
A few steps later, a strange feeling prickled at his senses. Someone was following him.
He turned sharply, eyes narrowing when he saw the same girl from the gate standing there, grinning at him.
"Are you following me?" he asked, frowning.
She hopped off her bike, her expression playful. "You're Sydney Jones, right?"
His frown deepened. "Yeah… How do you know my name?"
She chuckled. "My dad's a lecturer here. He pointed you out once—said you make his practical sessions interesting."
Sydney blinked in surprise. "Your dad teaches here? Are you a student too?"
"Not exactly. I study at Oxford, but I visit often." She tilted her head slightly. "Actually, I could introduce you to my mum. She runs an organization that might have a job for you."
He hesitated. "I don't know…"
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you really in a position to turn down work?"
His muscles tensed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Her gaze swept over him—assessing, but not unkind. "You don't look like someone who can afford to be picky." Then, with a smirk, she got back on her bike and pedaled away before he could respond.
Sydney exhaled sharply. Who did she think she was, handing out opportunities like that? Just because she had connections didn't mean she could waltz up and offer jobs to strangers.
But then again…
Maybe he was overreacting.
A steady income would ease his sister's worries. Was his pride really worth rejecting help?
Before he could second-guess himself, he took off running. He caught up to her just as she reached the edge of the city.
She turned, laughing. "What changed your mind?"
"Realization," he admitted, a playful glint in his eyes.
She held out her phone. "Go on, put your number in. I'll call you with the details."
He typed in his number and handed it back. "Saved as S. Jones."
She rolled her eyes. "I could've done that myself."
"Nah. Didn't want to risk being 'Sydney from Uni.' That's what I name all my course mates."
She laughed, the conversation feeling oddly effortless now. "You know, I've noticed you since first year."
Sydney's eyebrows shot up. "You've been watching me all this time?"
She nodded. "I've never seen you with a girl. You're always either alone or with the lads."
He grinned. "I'm here to make my sister proud."
Her expression softened. "She's the one paying your tuition, isn't she?"
"Yeah. She works hard to keep me here. I can't mess that up."
She studied him for a moment. "Is that why you're always working? Even during exams?"
Sydney chuckled. "What, are you spying on me?"
She smirked. "Funny enough, I might end up in that field someday—because of you."
An awkward silence stretched between them.
"Uh… I have a study group tomorrow," Sydney finally said. "Maybe we could talk another time?"
She nodded. "Sure. Another time."
As she rode off, Sydney found himself wondering—had she been nervous just now? The way she avoided his eyes, the way she bit her fingers… Was she actually interested in him?
But no. He wasn't about to fall for someone like her. That would be a mistake. Definitely.
***
Meanwhile…
Vanessa tossed her phone onto the couch and crossed her arms. "He didn't even ask for my name," she grumbled.
"Who?" Paula asked, carefully spreading clotted cream on a scone.
"Sydney Jones."
Melissa scoffed from the counter. "For three years, we've been hearing about Sydney. Now you've finally spoken to him, and we're still hearing about him."
Vanessa rolled her eyes. "I just want him to have a good life, like Dad did after meeting Mum."
Paula smirked. "And how do you know he won't just take advantage of you?"
Vanessa's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I caught him admiring me."
Melissa sighed. "Can we just have our tea?"
With that, the conversation shifted, and the tension melted away over scones and laughter.
***
Elsewhere…
Sophia's first day started early. She had been hired as a full-time bodyguard, assigned to the youngest son of the Smith family. Though her priority was Anthony, she would be expected to protect anyone in need.
The grand estate was intimidating—far more luxurious than the smaller building where her interview had taken place.
Inside, she met the woman in charge. Cold. Calculating.
"You'll be a full-time worker," the woman said. "Anthony is your priority, but you must be available for others."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Have you worked as a bodyguard before?"
"No, ma'am."
"Then how did you learn to fight?"
Sophia's expression darkened. "Life. My father was killed by robbers. I had to learn to survive."
The woman studied her, nodding slightly. "And why did you save my son from that gang?"
Sophia's jaw tightened. "Because I could. I protect those who can't protect themselves."
For a moment, the woman seemed almost impressed. "Good. You'll be watched closely. Do your job well."
"Yes, ma'am."
Later, as Sophia arranged her belongings, she met Catarina, a seasoned housekeeper.
"The Smith Group is massive," Catarina shared. "They own everything—from restaurants and supermarkets to banks and airlines. They're richer than most people realize."
Sophia was stunned. "Then why don't they have better security?"
Catarina smirked. "They live in secrecy. No social media, no flashy cars. Their drivers double as bodyguards. Even Tony's school is about to change for security reasons."
Sophia frowned. "Tony?"
"The boy you saved."
Sophia sucked in a breath. "Those attackers… were planted?"
Catarina nodded. "The Smiths don't trust easily."
A memory surfaced, making Sophia's stomach drop.
"Oh no…"
Catarina raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Sophia hesitated. "I… I almost punched one of the sons in the elevator."
Catarina burst into laughter. "Raymond? Oh, he's lethal. But don't let his looks fool you."
Sophia exhaled. "He must be every girl's dream."
"Obviously. Including yours?"
Sophia shook her head, smiling. "I love someone else."
Catarina looked intrigued. "For how long?"
"Twelve years."
"Wow. And he still hasn't asked you out?"
Sophia shrugged. "He's shy."
Catarina grinned. "You're patient. But are you sure you'll never change your mind?"
Sophia only smiled, but deep down, she wasn't so sure.