The Replacement He Never Wanted
"Yeah, if you're looking for reliable bodyguards, the Zimmers in Halton are your best option," Keith said confidently. "The Zimmers are a well-known mafia family, and Halton is more or less one of their outposts." "If they're as famous as you say, how come I've never heard of them?" Addison furrowed her brows. The Zimmers—she had never heard of them before. Keith smiled slyly, his voice teasing. "You're too busy with that Lance kid. You'd probably try to pluck the stars out of the sky for him. How would you have time to care about things like this? It's no surprise you've never heard of them!" Although Keith hadn't seen Addison in three years, the scandal involving the Johnstons had already spread throughout the high society of Halton. Everything Addison had done for Lance had become gossip and a joke for the rich elites, often discussed over dinner. He had once tried to shut them up, but that had only been a temporary fix. Keith sighed inwardly. How did a womanizer like him, who had never been attached to anyone, end up with such a devoted and stubborn friend? Didn't they say people are influenced by those they spend time with? How had Addison, who had spent so much time with him, never learned any of his qualities? Instead, she was so clumsy and dart when it came to love. Addison rolled her eyes and muttered, "I wouldn't pluck stars for Lance." She could still clearly remember the wish she had made that dazzling night. "I hope Harvey will be my star, my eternal star." That shooting star had been a memory between her and Harvey, but now her star was gone. Addison later realized Harvey was right. Wishes on shooting stars never come true. How could a starless person wish to pluck stars for someone else? Keith didn't catch Addison's soft rumblings. But he didn't need to. He knew exactly what she was talking about—defending that annoying Lance. Keith glanced at Addison with a teasing look. "Still not convinced? Even after your divorce, you still care about him?" Some people just couldn't be helped. Addison didn't answer. There was something in her eyes that was hard to describe—something heavy and exhausted, something that made it painful to look at for too long. Keith noticed it at last. He quickly became flustered. "I won't bring it up again. I'm sorry," he said, thinking Addison was upset about him mentioning Lance. Addison met his gaze. "Let's talk business." Keith nodded, relieved. "Don't be upset. It was my mistake to bring up those bad memories." After making sure she was fine, he cleared his throat and continued, "The Zimmers are a mafia family—just a few words and they could control an entire city. But recently, they've been quieter, not acting as high-profile as they used to." He still admired the way the Zimmers get things done. "So where do I find them?" Addison wondered how to find them if they were laying low. "The Zimmers' illegal activities are underground. Without the right connections, it's impossible to find them, but their bodyguard services are open; hiring a bodyguard is pretty easy." Now it made sense. Keith smiled lightly and returned to his usual carefree demeanor. "I'll send you the contact info for the Zimmers' branch in Halton. Just mention my name when you call. "They'll owe me a favor for that," he added with a wink. Addison nodded. "Send it to me. I'll head over right now." After the video call ended, Keith worked quickly. A few minutes later, Addison received the details. She checked the address, got a sense of the location, and started her car to go. Addison was always decisive. Once she had a plan, she followed through without hesitation. The car stopped at the southern coast of Halton. Addison looked out the window and frowned. The Zimmers' company ... Why was it built here? She got out of the car, and in front of her stretched an endless horizon of sea and sky. The vast ocean created white waves that sparkled as the sea breeze passed over them, with golden sunlight drifting across the water like shimmering stars. Addison walked quietly along the shore. The Zimmers had built their company in such a scenic place, which seemed to contrast with their criminal nature, Addison thought with a sense of wonder. She entered the building smoothly. It was a tall structure, mostly decorated in black, giving off a subdued yet powerful vibe. Armed guards were stationed throughout the building. Addison took out her phone and dialed the number Keith had sent her. The call connected almost immediately, and she spoke concisely, "Hello, I'd like to hire some bodyguards. Keith recommended me." "It's you! Mr. Dean already informed me. I'll come down to meet you." The voice on the other end was warm and welcoming. Before long, someone came to greet her. The person was a man with a cold, hard face, dressed in black tactical gear, radiating an aura of deadly precision. He was intimidating. "Please follow me," he said in a calm, low voice. Addison looked up at him. Her instincts told her that this man had a dangerous air about him, though she couldn't quite describe it. "Alright," she said, keeping her expression neutral as she followed him. The elevator doors opened, and they entered the office. After she entered the office, the man stepped back. Addison glanced at his retreating figure. An adjective suddenly popped into her head. Pure black. Dangerous, yet comforting. "Please take a seat," the man in the office said. His demeanor unusually kind, which seemed to contrast with the dark decor of the room. "Thank you." Thanks to Keith's recommendation, the CEO seemed to cater to her every request, and everything was settled smoothly. She signed the contract and handed it over."Shall I escort you out?" the CEO asked. "No, I'll go by myself. I remember the way," Addison said, giving a soft, graceful smile. He didn't insist. Addison opened the door and stepped out, walking to the elevator. Just as the doors opened, a figure dressed in black brushed past her. She frowned. That figure was so familiar. She squinted, watching the man in front of her. The way he walked, his overall silhouette—everything about him seemed so familiar. Could it be Ryan? Addison blinked and thought back to Ryan's posture. Comparing it with the man's figure, it really did look like him. She hurried to catch up, but the man was walking quickly, as if in a rush. Even though she took long strides, she couldn't catch up. Addison thought he was headed for the exit, but the man suddenly turned into another hallway on the first floor. This hallway was hidden, and unless someone knew where to look, they would have missed it. The hallway was even more heavily guarded than the rest of the building. Addison frowned. She couldn't follow him. As she hesitated whether to call out to him, the man had already disappeared without a trace. Addison stood still. That figure really did look like Ryan. She thought she wouldn't mistake his silhouette, but now, seeing him here, she wasn't so sure. Ryan was usually working with drugs, so what was he doing here? This place had nothing to do with his research. Could he have come to hire a bodyguard? But she had just signed the contract and knew how expensive the Zimmers' services were. Ryan worked at Raven and had a high salary, but there was no way he could afford a bodyguard. Plus, with his sunny, friendly personality, he didn't seem like someone who would make enemies. He had no need for a bodyguard. Addison was baffled.Could it be not Ryan?
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