Kyle woke up to the sound of persistent knocking on the door, as if the person behind it was determined to wake him no matter what. He opened his eyes sluggishly, dazed from deep sleep, and muttered under his breath, "Oh God, didn't I make it clear enough that I don't want to be disturbed?"
He lifted his head with difficulty, then called out louder, "Who's there?" Adele answered from behind the door in an apologetic yet firm tone, "Young master, it's me. Please, allow me to come in."
Kyle let out a deep sigh. He had planned to sleep for the rest of the day, escaping all the responsibilities and expectations that suffocated him, but it seemed this simple dream would not come true. He grumbled softly before speaking with annoyance while still rubbing his eyes, "Come in."
The door opened slowly, and Adele appeared, bowing slightly in a sign of respect before entering the room. She looked worried, which only irritated Kyle more. He spoke from his bed in a sharp tone, crossing his arms, "Didn't you hear what I said? Just three hours ago! I don't want anyone bothering me! Do I have to repeat myself every time?"
Adele responded with a low voice filled with respect as she bowed again, "My sincerest apologies, young master. I am prepared to accept any punishment you see fit, but... the head of the family is requesting your presence in his office immediately. You must be ready within ten minutes."
Kyle fell silent for a moment, trying to process what he'd heard. His face twisted in displeasure, and he muttered sarcastically under his breath, "If the old man wants something, let him come get it himself... and if he wants to see someone, he should come to their room..."
Adele tilted her head slightly and furrowed her lovely brows. "Pardon? What did you say, young master?"
Startled, Kyle quickly waved his hand and spoke, "Nothing! Don't put words in my mouth, Adele!" He looked at her for a moment, then lazily threw himself off the bed, heading toward his wardrobe. He opened it while still grumbling, "Ten minutes... as if I really need all that trouble."
Adele, who was used to Kyle's temperamental moods, chose to remain silent this time, but she stayed by the door, waiting for him to get ready. She knew well that this meeting would be just another one of those regular confrontations between Kyle and his father. From the side, avoiding eye contact with her master, she murmured, "Young master, if you need anything... I'll be here."
Kyle shook his head with boredom without turning around and began dressing, trying not to show the irritation he felt. Deep down, he was filled with anger and exhaustion, but he concealed it behind the mask of indifference he had perfected throughout his life.
He tossed his school uniform carelessly onto the chair beside the bed, then pulled out a comfortable yet elegant outfit suitable for the family estate, breaking slightly from the formality his father usually imposed. He wore black linen trousers and a white shirt with the collar buttons left open, giving him a look that balanced elegance with subtle rebellion. Over the shirt, he added a light gray jacket, adorned with barely noticeable fine lines, giving himself a practical yet understated appearance.
He stood in front of the mirror for a moment, intentionally tousling his coppery hair, and muttered sarcastically to himself, "Perfect. The ideal look for yet another interrogation party with the old man."
Kyle left his room with confident steps, accompanied by Adele, who wore a look of mixed concern and discipline. She walked slightly behind him, not daring to speak first. Kyle, without looking back, said as he walked down the long hallway adorned with golden chandeliers, "Adele, what does my father want now?"
Adele replied with a cautious look, careful not to share any unwanted information, "I'm not entirely sure, young master. He requested to see you immediately but didn't share any further details."
Kyle frowned in irritation, though he tried to hide his impatience. "Great. Isn't this the usual method? Keeping everyone in the dark until the last moment. Makes me feel like I'm playing chess with him all the time."
Adele didn't respond, but she lowered her head slightly, as if silently agreeing. As Kyle quickened his pace, he glanced at the paintings hanging on the walls, trying to kill some time. But his thoughts were spinning around what his father might be plotting now.
At the end of the hallway stood Edmund Pierce, the head butler, beside the entrance to the great lord's office. As usual, he looked like part of the house's decor in his elegant black suit. He raised his eyebrows slightly when he saw Kyle, then spoke in a tone laced with utmost politeness—though clearly hiding a subtle sarcasm. "Young master, I'm delighted to see you so well-dressed despite your wish to sleep the day away. It's rare to see the young master of the house up and about at this hour."
Kyle responded coldly, folding his arms across his chest, "Oh, Pierce, I'm sure today would be your favorite if you could take notes of your snide comments and deliver them to Father."
Edmund raised his brows and placed a hand on his chest as if offended. "Young master! You misunderstand me completely. I am here solely to serve the family with utmost devotion... and to relay accurate observations, of course."
Kyle shot him a fake smile. "Of course. How could I ever doubt your loyalty?"
In truth, he wanted nothing more than to punch Pierce until blood gushed from the old man's nose.
He glanced at him sideways before continuing his walk, muttering just low enough so Edmund wouldn't hear, "If Father didn't trust you so much, I would've thrown you out the window."
Edmund, who noticed everything with his ever-pleasant smile, stepped aside to allow Kyle entry into the office. But he added at last, bowing slightly, "I hope your meeting with the great lord proves satisfactory, young master. And if you ever need advice on how to speak with your father... I'm always here."
Kyle answered with a sharp tone before stepping through the doorway, "Thanks, Pierce. I'll be just fine without your advice."
He then turned his back and entered the office, doing his best to mask his irritation at Edmund's veiled remarks. Outside the grand office door, Adele remained standing beside the old head butler, eyeing him sharply and cautiously, even as he offered her a warm, fatherly smile.
She tried to maintain an outward calm, but she was struggling to hide her discomfort at being near Pierce. The head butler stood quietly, watching her with the trained gaze of a hunter studying his prey.
He spoke in a polite tone, as if trying to start a casual conversation, "Tell me, Miss Adele, the little pup seems rather worn out lately, doesn't he? Have you noticed?"
Adele replied evasively, averting her eyes and trying to hide her growing anger at that nickname she despised as much as she despised Pierce's face. "The young master works hard. It's expected of any heir to the Reynolds family."
Pierce nodded with a faint smile, stepping a little closer. "Of course. But I suspect there's something more. Perhaps something... out of the ordinary? Sometimes, an early return home tells more than one might imagine."
Adele remained silent, but Pierce knew how to choose his words to stir curiosity—or perhaps to make someone speak without realizing it.
He continued, feigning thoughtful curiosity, "Do you think it has anything to do with the recent events in the city? I've heard whispers about growing tensions between the major families. You know, when you're at the top of the pyramid... everyone wants to see you fall."
Adele raised an eyebrow slightly, realizing he was trying to lure her into conversation. But she remained cautious. She replied in a firm tone, "The young master isn't swayed by rumors, Mr. Pierce. He's stronger than people give him credit for."
Pierce smiled slyly, clearly pleased to have steered the conversation exactly where he wanted. "Of course. But strength is sometimes situational. Did he return today because he felt someone was following him? Just curiosity, of course."
Adele didn't respond immediately, but her grip tightened. She knew he was dangerously close to the truth, and she needed to tread carefully. She replied, dodging the question, "The young master has his reasons, and I don't question them. My duty is simply to serve him."
Pierce turned his back to her with a theatrical sigh, rubbing his temple before turning back again, hands on his hips. "Such loyalty—rare these days. But... sometimes, knowing a little helps us protect him better. Don't you think?"
Adele paused, but Pierce quickly seized the silence as an opportunity to press further, lowering his voice as though whispering a secret. "I'm only wondering... did he return today because he felt threatened? You know, it's no shame to be afraid. But for the heir of this family, fear can be... a fatal weakness."
At that, Adele found herself speaking before she could stop herself. "The young master doesn't frighten easily, but he's not foolish either. He knows that staying outside the estate after what happened recently could be dangerous. He was wise enough to return where it's safer."
Pierce's eyes gleamed for a moment, as if he'd just found what he was looking for. He clapped one fist into his palm with a serious expression. "Ah, so there was danger. That was quite obvious."
Adele realized her mistake immediately, but she tried to backpedal, pretending she hadn't said anything significant. "That's just my speculation, Mr. Pierce. I have no confirmed information."
Pierce responded with a soft voice that carried a distinct edge, "Don't worry, Miss Adele. That little pup is brave, no doubt—he has teeth, after all. But the heir of the Reynolds family, afraid of his enemies? That is never acceptable. The future head of this household must be a symbol of power and dominance—never fear or weakness."
His words made Adele burn with anger, but she knew he was simply asserting his superiority, as he always did. She replied as coldly as she could manage, "The young master knows his responsibilities well. And I'm confident he'll live up to expectations—regardless of what others may think."
Pierce smiled as if he had been waiting for that exact response. Then he gave a slight bow, as though the conversation had concluded for him. "Of course. Let's hope it stays that way. You're doing a wonderful job, Miss Adele. Keep it up."
He turned away, leaving her alone with her scattered thoughts. Adele felt angry at herself for letting him extract that information from her, but she was even angrier at him—at his sly little game.
Kyle entered the office with measured steps, casting a quick glance around the room before lowering his head in respect to his father, who sat behind the grand desk that radiated the overwhelming wealth of the Reynolds family. Of course, the respect wasn't genuine—it stemmed from the rigid rules he'd been raised under.
But his eyes quickly landed on the young man standing behind his father's chair. He appeared to be in his late twenties, dressed casually in jeans, a simple gray shirt, and a black sun hat pulled low over his hazel eyes, which were staring at Kyle with chilling indifference. His light blond—almost silvery—hair gave him a striking look, though it carried an air of wariness.
Kyle raised an eyebrow. Who is that? He had no clue who the man was.
Mr. Reynolds spoke with a sharp tone, skipping any form of greeting. "Kyle, why did you return home before the school day ended?"
Kyle responded in a calm but guarded voice, "Didn't you get a report from Pierce already? I'm sure he told you everything—"
Mr. Reynolds cut him off, setting his pen aside and fixing him with a stern look. "I don't want secondhand information. I want to hear it from you."
Kyle narrowed his eyes. He knew his father wouldn't let this go easily. But he wasn't in the mood to explain himself. Standing straight, with his hands behind his back, he addressed his father with quiet defiance. "I wasn't feeling well and decided to come back. Isn't the health of the family heir more important than a few classes?"
In truth, the lie had been enough to satisfy Pierce—but his father was different. The old man wasn't easily fooled.
Mr. Reynolds replied coldly, "That's not an excuse. You have responsibilities far greater than ones you can brush off because of a fleeting feeling."
Kyle felt the heat of anger bubbling under his skin but kept his expression composed. Instead of replying, he nodded slightly toward the man standing behind his father, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
He asked with feigned curiosity, "And who's this? Looks like something new has been added to the décor." The young man didn't move or change his expression. He simply stared back at Kyle with the same cold gaze.
Mr. Reynolds smiled, gesturing toward the young man with a slight nod. "This is Liam Hammer. He'll be your personal bodyguard from now on." Kyle raised an eyebrow even higher, unable to believe what he'd just heard.
He spoke with blatant sarcasm, "This guy? Are we serious? He looks like he walked out of a sporting goods store—not someone who could protect the heir to the Reynolds family!"
Liam didn't flinch or show any sign of offense, but his hazel eyes made it clear he heard every word.
Mr. Reynolds cut in sharply, "Don't judge him by his appearance. Liam trained under three of the world's top security institutions—Blackstone Global Security, Raven Center for Advanced Combat Defense, and the A.E.G.I.S. organization, known for training elite security operatives. On top of that, he completed three advanced courses in tactical combat and personal protection with the Falcon International team." He paused, making sure Kyle understood there was no room for argument, then continued with an even sterner tone, "Liam isn't here to impress you, Kyle. He's here to protect you. And if you doubt his capabilities, maybe you need to reevaluate yourself."
Kyle was silent for a moment, his eyes shifting between his father and Liam. "Well then, if he graduated from all those academies, maybe I should've asked for an autograph instead of complaining."
Despite his sarcasm, Kyle felt a wave of unease settle over him. As if the countless surveillance cameras around the estate weren't already enough—now this?
His father's sharp voice interrupted his thoughts, "This isn't up for debate. Liam will be at your side every step of the way. Get that into your head."
There was no escaping it. Kyle had no choice but to comply, though he clearly wasn't happy about it. He finally turned to face Liam, his gaze full of challenge. "I'll make sure this guy runs from me. Just watch..." Then added with bold confidence, "Hope you're ready for what's coming, Liam."
Liam finally spoke, his voice calm but firm, and his tone cold and indifferent. "It's my job. Don't worry, I'll always be ready." The sound of his voice echoed in the room like music. Kyle couldn't deny—it intrigued him.
Yet, something in Liam's tone felt off to Kyle. It was as if it carried a hidden message: You'll never escape me. But this was just the beginning.
Kyle was about to turn and leave the office when he heard his father's voice—quiet, but with that ominous calm that always preceded disaster. "Wait a moment, Kyle. There's one last thing."
Kyle froze in place, heart dropping to his stomach. Oh no... What now? He slowly turned back, masking his frustration, and found his father holding out a hand.
Mr. Reynolds said steadily, eyes sharp, just one word. One word that turned Kyle's world upside down: "Your phone."
Kyle's eyes widened, voice rising with disbelief and protest. "My phone? Why?"
Mr. Reynolds gave a faint smile and replied in a tone that brooked no argument, "Because you need a reminder that you are not above the rules, Kyle. You left school without my permission—that's a direct violation of what I expect from you."
Kyle froze for a moment, then felt the anger bubbling up inside him. He grumbled as he pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to his father. "Really? All this because I came home sick? I'd rather die at home than die surrounded by exam papers at school!"
His father showed no reaction, replying with a voice as cold as ice, "As the heir to the Reynolds family, if you must die, it's better to do so on the battlefield, not in your warm bed, just like our ancestors."
The comparison made Kyle want to scream, to punch his father, to do anything to get those words out of his head. But instead, he clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white, took a deep breath to maintain his composure, and replied sarcastically, his voice calm yet filled with tension, "Of course, Father. I'll try to die in a way that befits you."
Mr. Reynolds nodded nonchalantly at his sarcasm. "Now, your laptop. Give it to Pierce. He'll take it to my office later." Kyle's expression twisted. But his friends were waiting for him in their secret chat group shortly!
Kyle asked quietly, hiding his anger with the cold, indifferent expression he'd become accustomed to. "Anything else? Perhaps you want to confiscate my bed too?" His father didn't answer, only looked at him with an unspoken threat in his gaze. Kyle felt suffocated but forced himself to bow slightly. "As you wish, Father."
Then, he turned quickly, ignoring the overwhelming anger inside him, and left the office. Liam, who had been standing silently the whole time, pushed himself off the wall lightly and started walking behind Kyle, closing the office door behind them. "Do you need anything?"
Kyle crossed his arms in frustration, wanting to punch someone, and this well-trained scarecrow seemed like the perfect target...
Liam responded calmly and coldly, with a chill deeper and more real than Kyle's indifferent face, "It's my job to follow you." The cold, direct reply was enough to provoke even more annoyance in Kyle.
Kyle continued walking, muttering under his breath, "Great. Now I've got a human shadow." Liam heard him but didn't respond, continuing to walk steadily behind Kyle, making the latter feel like he was being watched with every step.
"Since when did my life become this complicated?" Kyle wondered, as he walked down the long hallway, wishing he could rid himself of the heavy title they called "Heir of the Reynolds Family."
Kyle walked quickly toward his wing, sparks flying from his eyes. Liam followed behind, walking quietly, watching the young man as if every movement was an open book. Adele walked slowly behind them, trying to keep a safe distance, but she didn't dare leave her young master alone with the new guard.
Liam cleared his throat and spoke lightly, trying to break the silence. "So... it seems you prefer to ignore everyone, even those who try to protect you." Kyle didn't respond, but he quickened his pace a little.
Liam smiled coldly and added in a calm but deliberate voice, "I just wanted to say that I'm here to help you, Kyle." Kyle suddenly stopped and turned to Liam angrily. "Young master! You will address me as young master, just like any other servant in this house!"
Liam stared at him for a long moment, his face expressionless. But in the end, he nodded slowly, showing his submission, saying dryly, "As you wish... young master."
Kyle turned away angrily and continued walking. When he reached the door to his wing, he gestured to Adele without looking at her. "Bring me a towel and clothes. I want to bathe again."
"Again? How many times do you bathe in a day?" Liam blinked seriously as he asked, excessive cleanliness is harmful too...
"Four times. You'll have to get used to it. Would you like me to write you a schedule?" Kyle replied with clear sarcasm, and Liam's face showed signs of annoyance as he muttered under his breath, barely audible, "Spoiled rich kid..."
That remark was enough to ignite a volcano of anger within Kyle. He suddenly turned, facing Liam, his voice rising sharply with every word. "Oh, really?! You think I'm spoiled? You know nothing about my life, or the pressure I live under! Everyone here acts like my life is a fairy tale, but it's hell! I don't need another person to envy me for something I hate!"
Adele quickly approached, trying to calm her young master with concern. "Young master, please... lower your voice." But Kyle was lost in his emotion and didn't notice, he didn't even notice Pierce's arrival due to the noise...
Pierce spoke calmly and annoyingly from behind them with a slight smile, "It seems that the young master has a lot to say today."
Kyle froze in place, and a hint of regret began to appear on his face. Adele quickly turned around, trying to ease the tension. "Mr. Pierce, my young master was just—"
But Pierce raised his hand to stop her, a small smile forming on his face. He spoke in his polite voice, which carried a hint of the usual sarcasm, "It's fine, Miss Adele. It's only natural for the young master to vent his anger. But perhaps he should learn that the heir of the family must exercise the highest levels of self-control."
Kyle spoke sharply as he turned toward Pierce, "I do that already, Pierce. But even patience has its limits." Yes, the only thing standing between Kyle staying calm and Kyle exploding, destroying every piece of furniture in the mansion, was a very thin hairline.
Pierce smiled coldly, "Limits? The Reynolds family knows nothing about limits, young master. Remember that." With a sarcastic, polite tone, he extended his hand to take the laptop from Kyle.
Kyle opened the door to his wing and entered a large hall. He grabbed his laptop from a nearby table and exited, scowling as he reluctantly handed it over. "Take it. But tell my father I'm tired of these games." Pierce took the laptop, bowed his head slightly in a false gesture of respect, and then left, leaving behind a tense atmosphere.
Adele spoke quietly, masking some relief that the situation had ended, "Young master, I'll bring the towel and clothes immediately." She quickly left, leaving Kyle and Liam alone.
Liam stared at Kyle coldly, "You're good at yelling, aren't you?" But Kyle responded with anger that had resurfaced, "If you want to keep your job, you should stop talking." The last thing he needed was that annoying guard!
Kyle entered his wing with angry steps, but quickly turned to find Liam right behind him. He gritted his teeth and pressed hard on the bedroom door, trying to slam it shut. But Liam, without hesitation, placed his foot between the door and the frame, stopping it from closing.
Kyle spoke sarcastically, filled with frustration, "Do you want to enter my bedroom too? What's next? Do you want to sleep with me as well?"
Liam replied with a provocative smile, "Tempting offer, young master. But according to Mr. Reynolds' orders, I'll keep my eyes on you nearly all the time." He added in a tone as if it were just a casual piece of information, "Also, Mr. Pierce was kind enough to tell me about the bedroom balcony incident... the one where a certain young master locked himself in the room and escaped through the window. Familiar, isn't it, young master?"
"You...!" Kyle's expression shifted between frustration and embarrassment, but he tried to keep his composure, stepping back a little.
Liam gently pushed the door with calculated effort, entering without further resistance. He walked into the room confidently, while Kyle stepped back, clearly uncomfortable.
Kyle muttered darkly as he threw himself onto his large double bed, "Believe me, scarecrow, if it were up to me, I would have kicked you out the moment you set foot in this house!"
Liam shook his head, deliberately ignoring the insult, "Good thing it's not up to you, but Mr. Reynolds..."
Liam paused for a moment, surveying the room, ignoring the hatred on Kyle's face. But the word "scarecrow" triggered a wave of memories in his mind, memories he had tried to bury long ago. That old memory from his childhood... the other child who used to call him that nickname when they played in the open fields.
But Liam quickly refocused on the present situation, swallowing those memories without showing them.
Kyle spoke in a dry tone as he turned his face to the wall, "If you're done staring, you can leave." But Liam just smiled and crossed his arms, "Unfortunately, I can't do that. Per orders, I'll stay here. I prefer to have a clear view of your movements, young master."
Kyle suddenly turned, glaring at Liam with eyes that promised a thousand threats. "I swear, if I could, I'd throw you out of this window." Liam responded with a small smile, waving it off nonchalantly, "Try it. It might be fun."
Kyle growled lowly and returned to lying on the bed, buried in his conflicting thoughts of anger and frustration. Liam, on the other hand, stood by the wall, watching Kyle without uttering a word, maintaining his calm like a trained guard. But his mind was not far from that old memory...