The president of the Royal Falcon Hotel Group, Ricardo Patterson, had just returned from his overseas trip when he narrowly avoided being hit by a crystal chandelier that suddenly plummeted in the hotel lobby. Thanks to Parker Franklin, the deputy manager, Ricardo sidestepped the disaster. "If you can get to the bottom of what happened with the chandelier, maybe I'll play matchmaker for you," Ricardo said with a playful grin, his gaze fixed on Parker.

"Deal! That's a promise!" Parker exclaimed enthusiastically, slapping his hand on the ornate desk in front of him. "For Suzy's sake, I'll get to the bottom of this chandelier mystery, even if it means skipping meals and sleep!"

Seeing Parker's determination, Ricardo sighed lightly and said, "If you showed this much enthusiasm in your regular duties, it'd save me a lot of headaches."

Parker chuckled, "You know I perform best when I'm free. The more pressure there is, the less productive I become."

"Well, there's no pressure this time, but if you don't start investigating soon, I might reconsider what I said," Ricardo teased, his tone icy yet amused.

Parker quickly saluted and said, "Yes, boss! I'm on it, finding out why that chandelier fell. Expect my report soon!" With that, Parker dashed out of Ricardo's office.

Watching Parker's hurried departure, Ricardo shook his head slightly, realizing the influence Suzy had over Parker. He made a mental note to leverage this motivation in the future.

As Ricardo pondered ways to boost Parker's work ethic, a beeping sound filled the office from the plasma screen on the wall. He furrowed his well-groomed brows slightly before picking up the remote to turn on the screen.

An elegantly dressed middle-aged woman appeared, her expression tense and worried. "Ricardo, are you okay? I heard about the incident right after you got back—it scared me half to death!" she said, her kind eyes filled with concern as they locked onto Ricardo.

With a reassuring smile, Ricardo said, "Mom, don't worry about it. It's nothing serious, just a chandelier falling. I'm perfectly fine."

The woman on the screen was Lilah Patterson, Ricardo's mother and widow of the former president, Reginald Patterson. Sadly, Reginald had passed away due to health issues, leaving Ricardo as her only child. Lilah poured all her love and concern into Ricardo, constantly worrying about his safety.

"A falling chandelier is no small issue! It happened the moment you returned to headquarters—there must be some sinister plot afoot!" Lilah declared with anxiety. "Ricardo, please, just stay away from headquarters for a while, alright?"

Ricardo rose from his swivel chair and stepped closer to the screen. "Mom, I'm fine, as you can see. No harm was done," he reassured her with a smile.

"My dear son, waiting until something happens is too late," Lilah lamented. "There are people lurking in the shadows. You might dodge one incident, but you can't hide forever. Please, take some time off at home, okay?"

Ricardo maintained his smile, "Mom, you know I face challenges head-on. Retreating over a fallen chandelier would be out of character, and it'd become fodder for gossip among the staff."

"I couldn't care less about gossip! To me, these businesses are nothing compared to your safety. I only want you safe and sound, that's all," Lilah insisted emotionally. "You're my only child—what would I do if anything happened to you?" She quickly wiped away her tears with a tissue.

Ricardo felt the warmth of her care. "Mom, I've been through a lot and I'm still standing, right? This time won't be any different. I'll find out who's behind it and won't rest until I do."

Seeing his steadfastness, Lilah knew there was no changing his mind. She sighed, as she'd expected this. "Ricardo, since that's the case, I won't push further. But there's one thing you must agree to."

Aware that his mother's plans often led to awkward situations, Ricardo listened patiently. "Okay, Mom. What's your proposal?"

Wiping her tears, Lilah said, "I've arranged for a bodyguard to watch over you full-time."

Here we go again, Ricardo thought. He'd lost track of how many inept bodyguards she'd hired over the years. However, this time he chose not to dismiss her idea, having turned down her concerns too often before.

"Alright, I agree. But tell me more about this bodyguard so I can be prepared to work together," Ricardo replied warmly.

Surprised at his immediate acceptance, Lilah asked, "You really mean it, Ricardo?"

Ricardo nodded, "Absolutely, Mom. You're just looking out for me. Why would I object?"

Overjoyed by his agreement, Lilah's eyes filled again with tears, which she wiped away quickly. "So, about this bodyguard—tell me, who are they?" Ricardo prompted, keen to keep the conversation moving.

Lilah responded calmly, "This bodyguard is quite remarkable—a legendary figure and someone you've always admired."

Ricardo's eyes narrowed with interest. "You can't mean... Adan Bradley?"

"Yes, exactly!" Lilah confirmed with excitement.

The mention of Adan's name sparked excitement in Ricardo. As a child, he'd been captivated by martial arts, especially the combat skills of Adan Bradley, known for taking down notorious hitmen. Adan had retired after a mishap on a case and disappeared from the public eye.

"How do you know Adan Bradley, Mom? You've never mentioned him before!" Ricardo asked, his curiosity growing.

"Twenty years ago, your father and I found him unconscious on a raft during a yacht trip. We saved him, and he promised to help us if we ever needed it," Lilah explained. "I hesitated to trouble him, but you are too important to me."

Ricardo was moved by her words, realizing the extraordinary connection to his childhood hero. "When is he arriving? I can't wait to meet him!"

Lilah, relieved by his enthusiasm, replied, "We've arranged for him to come today. Make sure the staff treats him with the utmost respect."

"I will, Mom. I'll handle it," Ricardo assured her, his anticipation growing for Adan Bradley's arrival.

Ricardo Patterson felt a thrill of anticipation at his mother's revelation. He had never imagined his family had a connection with the legendary "Ultimate Bodyguard," Adan Bradley, a figure he had idolized during his childhood. This news sparked a burning desire to meet Adan. Patricia Patterson reminded Ricardo to ensure his staff treated Adan with the utmost respect. "Alright, Mom, I'll make sure of it," Ricardo assured her, as the excitement of Adan's impending arrival grew within him.

Understanding her son's hectic life, Patricia added reluctantly, "Okay, Ricardo, that's all I wanted to say. Take care of your work and remember to stay safe."

Ricardo nodded with a grin, "I know, Mom. No need to worry about me. I'll be careful. Goodbye."

As the screen dimmed, Ricardo softly repeated Adan's name, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Adan... things are about to get interesting."

Parker Franklin's voice suddenly echoed from outside the office, full of enthusiasm, "Ricardo, I found out why the chandelier fell!" Parker burst into the room unannounced, and Ricardo raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, couldn't you knock first?" Ricardo teased him.

"Okay, okay, I’ll step out and come back properly," Parker chuckled, pretending to leave.

With a slight eyebrow raise and a laid-back tone, Ricardo said, "Alright, just spill what you've found out."

Parker's demeanor turned serious as he explained, "I checked the chandelier. Someone messed with the top chain, removing a screw. It seems the cleaning crew was prepping the chandelier for your return, and that's when someone tampered with it."

Ricardo's expression grew serious. "Have you checked the list of cleaning personnel? Who was in charge of the chandelier?"

Parker shrugged. "I asked around, and they all claimed they didn't know each other well, assuming everyone was hired by the same company."

"Wasn't there a record of their personal details?" Ricardo was frustrated. It was mandatory for all staff to sign in at security due to the importance of the headquarters.

His frustration wasn't with his staff's oversight allowing an intruder, but their failure to follow protocol. Seeing Ricardo's irritation, Parker explained with a grin, "Don't worry. Of course, we have records. Who would dare ignore an order from Ricardo Patterson? But the culprit outsmarted us. They knocked out a legitimate cleaner after they’d signed in, then impersonated him to sneak in. We found the real cleaner in a dumpster, but luckily, he was just knocked out, not harmed."

Ricardo's tension eased a bit. He tapped his chin thoughtfully, "This assassin knows their stuff—not like those amateurs. But didn't anyone else notice something off?"

Parker replied, "No, everyone was busy with their tasks. The imposter was dealing with the chandelier, so nobody paid special attention."

With concern, Parker added, "You need to be cautious. This assassin isn’t just anyone. A simple slip could be deadly."

Ricardo waved off the concern with a casual smile, "Don’t worry. I’ve hired a professional bodyguard to tackle the assassin."

"A professional bodyguard?!" Parker was taken aback, rubbing his ear as if questioning his hearing. "Ricardo, am I hearing this right? You've always hated the idea of having someone guard you."

Ricardo's smile was self-assured. "You have to adapt to the situation. I don’t trust just anyone with my life, but this person is different. He’s the ‘Ultimate Bodyguard,’ someone I admire. I’m sure he can handle any so-called professional assassins."

Parker, who knew Ricardo well, was surprised at his decision to hire a bodyguard. "Someone trustworthy enough for that? Hard to believe."

Looking directly at Parker, Ricardo joked, "Aren't you someone I trust with my life?"

Parker laughed, "Hearing something like that from Ricardo Patterson? Are you buttering me up?"

Ricardo coolly replied, "If you don’t believe me, I can show you." Opening a drawer, he pulled out a sleek, ivory object resembling a small gun.

Parker's face drained. "Ricardo, is that what I think it is?"

Ricardo nodded, smiling. "Yes, it is. With the danger lurking, I need protection. Don’t worry, this weapon is registered legally."

Parker chuckled, "The Patterson influence can secure something like this in a city like London. Maybe I should get one too."

Ricardo's voice turned serious, "Do you think it's easy to get one of these? In a city with strict gun laws, you need strong connections."

"Just kidding," Parker raised his hands defensively, "I wouldn’t actually get one." Then, shifting back to the main topic, he asked, "So, who is this incredible bodyguard?"

Ricardo's face brightened, "He's supposed to arrive today. You'll see him soon—definitely unforgettable."

Ricardo gazed out the expansive glass window behind him, eyes narrowed with anticipation, eager for the dramatic moment to unfold.

At Adan Bradley's private residence, Malayah Smith awoke late, worn out from a sleepless night filled with worry. As she crawled out of bed, she noticed the pillow was damp. In the mirror, she saw her swollen, red eyes—a testament to the tears she’d shed and her deep frustration with the situation.

Stripping off her nightwear, Malayah stood bare, hoping the air would ease her tension. Resolving to face the day boldly, she decided to emulate Adan’s style if she was going to step into his shoes. She didn’t want to seem vulnerable or out of her element.

She rummaged through her bag, pulling out a black suit she had intended as a gift for Adan. Given yesterday’s events, she decided to keep it for herself. The suit fit reasonably well, even if a bit loose. Combined with shiny black shoes and sleek sunglasses, she finished her look with hair gel to keep her hair in place.

Though her hair wasn’t long, it did the job. After all, many artistic bodyguards these days embraced unique styles.

After a night of intense thought, Malayah Smith decided to face the upcoming challenges head-on. Standing in front of a full-length mirror, she admired her reflection. Her all-black outfit was classy and chic, challenging the idea that "Men in black, women in white." The only thing that bothered her slightly was her height. At 5'2", she felt a bit smaller next to her male peers, even though it was an average height for women.

"Looking sharp, really sharp! I can’t believe I pull off this suit better than the old man does!" she said with a self-satisfied grin, turning to get a full view.

Just then, the door to her room opened a crack, and four curious eyes peered in.

"See, I told you she'd come around," a low voice whispered, the speaker's eyes positioned at the bottom of the door.

The pair of bright eyes above belonged to Malayah's mentor, Selena Stewart. She replied softly, "Aren't you worried at all, Master? You don't think she might run into trouble on her first mission?"

The old man chuckled quietly, "Don't worry. I have my reasons for sending Malayah out. I wouldn't risk anything happening to my favorite student."

As Malayah continued to admire herself in the mirror, she suddenly heard a faint rustling. She turned sharply, calling, "Who's there?!"

There was a sudden thud, and a small black-and-yellow striped kitten was tossed into the room. The kitten let out an indignant "Meow!"

"Ah, it’s just Whiskers come to see me off," Malayah's eyes brightened as she bent down to scoop up the kitten, stroking its fur as she laughed.

"Meow..." The kitten nuzzled against Malayah, seeming to share her enthusiasm despite its unceremonious entry.

Laughter filled the room as the kitten's soft whiskers tickled her face. "Haha, that tickles, Whiskers! Quit it!"

Meanwhile, outside, pressed flat against the walls, Adan Bradley and Selena Stewart heaved sighs of relief. Thankfully, Whiskers had strolled in just in time, sparing them a potentially awkward moment.

"Selena, you're getting sharper by the day. You’re the perfect candidate for my top student," Adan praised, flashing a thumbs-up.

"Who's there?!" Malayah shouted again from within the room.

Cradling Whiskers, Malayah stepped to the door and peered into the hallway. It was empty, with only a row of railings ahead.

"Strange, I thought I heard the old man," Malayah muttered, puzzled as she retreated and closed the door.

Before her call, Selena and Adan had made a hasty escape, swinging over the railing and hanging by a protruding brick on the second floor to avoid being seen.

They hung there, practically breathless, until Malayah went back inside. Relieved, they finally exhaled.

Their landing was almost silent on the carpet below. "Ouch," Adan mumbled, twisting his ankle slightly.

Selena quickly helped him to the sofa, asking, "Are you okay, Master? Should I grab some ointment?"

Adan waved her off with a laugh, "I'm not that fragile, Selena. I was once among the best bodyguards around. If anyone hears about this, they'd have a good laugh."

With respect, he turned to Selena, "Selena, you've truly become exceptional—your reflexes, your skills rival my peak days. You are indeed a natural; I wasn't wrong about you."

Selena massaged his shoulders, her features warm with affection. "Master, please don’t say that. You raised both Malayah and me. No matter what, we look up to you as the legendary Adan Bradley from back in the day."

He chuckled heartily, "I know you do, but I’m not sure Malayah feels the same. She probably thinks I'm sending her into the lion’s den."

Selena continued to rub his shoulders, worry in her voice, "Master, this mission is dangerous, and Malayah is up against seasoned assassins. I’m really concerned for her."

Adan reassured, "Don't worry. If things really go south, we'll step in. But if we tell her that now, she might not take the mission seriously. She needs this to grow."

Selena smiled warmly. "With you watching over her, there’s no one she can’t handle."

Adan's expression turned serious, "Remember why I live in seclusion. There is always someone stronger out there."

Selena fell into thoughtful silence, recalling the whispered rumors of a failed mission that had led Adan to live in seclusion—an encounter with an assassin who outclassed him. Details were scarce, but she suspected the foe had been a formidable one.

As these thoughts churned, Malayah's door creaked open. She emerged, cradling Whiskers. "Alright, Whiskers, time for me to head out. You be good, okay? I'll be back soon."

She placed Whiskers down and walked towards the railing, peering down at the empty foyer. "Really, they didn’t even come to see me off. Only Whiskers has any heart."

With a final adjustment of her sunglasses, she picked up her suitcase and headed downstairs, her departure marked by a somber sense of duty.

Watching her leave, Selena and Adan stepped out from behind the door, their expressions tinged with wistfulness. "Master, not seeing her off seems a bit harsh, don’t you think?" Selena whispered, her fondness for Malayah like that of a sister.

Adan sighed deeply, "How can a bird learn to fly if it never leaves the nest? She needs to discover her own wings." With that, he turned back to the villa, his steps a mix of pride and concern.

Selena watched Malayah's figure disappear, a soft sigh escaping before following Adan inside.

Though Malayah had seen many skyscrapers, the sight of the Eagle Wing International Hotel’s tower was awe-inspiring. The 100-story building was a marvel, a skyscraper truly reaching for the heavens. The name 'Eagle Wing' was fitting indeed.

"Looks like I’m protecting someone important. With all the bodyguards here, they probably won’t even notice me. Easy in, easy out!" The opulent sight lifted Malayah’s spirits, her grin wide.

After adjusting her slightly loose-fitting suit and sunglasses, she walked confidently toward the entrance with her suitcase.

But as soon as she stepped into the hotel, a security guard in uniform noticed her unusual outfit. Grabbing his radio, he called urgently, "Attention front desk, this is 032. We’ve got someone suspicious in the lobby! I repeat, suspect in the lobby!"