?<strong>Chapter 926:</strong>


    The man met her gaze, his tanned face flushing slightly with embarrassment. “I was supposed to consult with Mr. Hampton, but after his incident, I had to find you.”


    “What do you need from me?” Alicia inquired.


    The man replied, “I was used of moonlighting, and the hospital let me go. Ms. Bet, I really need this job. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”


    “Is that the whole story?” Alicia asked.


    The man nodded, his expression somber.


    Alicia then noticed a sizable bruise peeking from under his cor, reminiscent of a boxer’s injury. “What was your side job?”


    Openly, the man said, “I was involved in illegal boxing.” Illegal boxing was fraught with danger but offered quick financial returns.


    Alicia observed his hands, spotting the callused knuckles that wrapped around his long fingers. The signs of a tough life were unmistakable. Having supported numerous underprivileged children, Alicia could sense a deep-seated despair in him, as though he were constantly battling for breath.


    An idea suddenly urred to her. “How long have you been fighting?”


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    He exhaled heavily. “For three years.”


    “What’s your record like?”


    “I’ve won nine out of ten fights.”


    “Given the concrete evidence against you, I cannot justify keeping you on here. However, you can take a position as a bodyguard,” Alicia exined,ying out the instructions clearly. “You’ll be escorted tomorrow morning to start. If you provepetent, yourpensation will match or exceed your current earnings.”


    The man paused, uncertainty etching his features. Caden’s scrutiny intensified, his gaze piercing as he observed the man.


    “Ms. Bet, could you tell me more about who I’ll be protecting?” the man asked.


    Alicia answered, “Corey’s sister—hardly some infamous boss.”


    Lowering his gaze, the man clenched his hands and said, “Thank you, Ms. Bet.”


    Alicia departed from the hospital, walking alongside Caden toward the parked car.


    Caden swung the car door open for her.


    With a cold touch, Alicia pushed the door back, saying, “I can manage on my own. You don’t need to drive me.”


    Caden’s lips tightened. Under the warm May breeze, his miserable expression deepened, contrasting sharply with the weather. “I made a special effort toe see you. Is this really how you respond?”


    Alicia replied, “Thanks for making the trip just to frighten me.”


    She sidestepped Caden and climbed into the car.


    Caden, not yet ready to leave, held the door open, his voice gentle. “I came here hoping for a pleasant visit, but you’re here because of Corey. That doesn’t exactly fill me with joy.”


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