"All right, I understand. It's late, and I appreciate it. You should head back now." Gordon hesitated. "Do you need me to stay here overnight? We still don't know who entered the house." "That's true ... It could still be dangerous." "Then I'll set up a room for you too ... " Before Addison could finish her sentence, Gordon was already gone. She blinked in confusion, spinning around to look for him, but he was nowhere in sight. When she finally reached the window and looked outside, she spotted him leaning against a tree in the courtyard. He stood there like a vigilant sentinel from ancient times, watching the surroundings with unwavering focus. Addison was stunned. It was as if Gordon had flown there. She hadn't even finished speaking, yet he was already standing guard. That was ridiculous. Is he planning to stand there all night? She frowned.She wasn't the kind of boss who mistreated her employees. Letting him stand out there the entire night felt excessive. After tidying up her bedroom, she tiptoed downstairs to check on him. The villa community was sparsely populated, with houses spaced far apart. The night was silent, save for the soft murmur of a stream flowing behind the villas. It was the heart of winter, and the stillness made the cold air feel even more biting. As Addison approached, Gordon immediately straightened his back at the sound of footsteps. His sharp gaze swept toward her, but when he recognized who it was, his rigid stance softened slightly. "You ... " Addison hesitated, searching for the right words. "Why don't you go inside? I'd feel guilty if you stood out here all night." "The security system at Pendomium Heights is pretty solid. It's not like we're in immediate danger." "If the security system is so great, then how did someone get in?" Gordon asked a hint of amusement in his voice.Moonlight filtered through the fence, casting sharp shadows across his lean frame and cropped hair. Addison fell silent. Gordon studied her for a moment, his expression calm and unreadable. Then, he said, "You don't have to feel guilty." "I'm used to standing guard. Back in the military, I once stood watch for three days straight ... " "Gordon." Addison interrupted him abruptly, looking him in the eye. "This isn't the military. This is my home. You don't have to push yourself so hard here." She stood before him, her long dress flowing gently in the night breeze. Her voice was soft, almost coaxing, her gaze warm and sincere. For a brief moment, Gordon wavered. But then he straightened his stance. "It's my principle." "My job is to protect my employer to the best of my ability." Addison sighed. "If you're this dedicated to every client, won't you work yourself to death?" Gordon remained as still as a tree, unwavering.She gave up, muttering in frustration, "Fine, suit yourself. If you freeze to death out here, it's not my problem." "No problem," he replied flatly. Addison turned to leave, annoyed, but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to just walk away.