Who Do You Think You Are Dealing With?

Marigold, long before arriving at Nut Alley, discovered herself being trailed by several individuals.

Having served in the military overseas, though not as a frontline commando, she had undergone formal military training and maintained a soldier's unique vigilance even in special environments.

Nut Alley happened to be her mandatory route back home. Over two weeks ago, in order to swiftly escape the vexing residence of her ex-fiancé, she opted to move out early and settled for the cheapest apartment available. The consequence was residing in an area with subpar security. In such a neighborhood like Nut Alley, it wouldn't be surprising for the individuals tailing her to engage in any kind of unsavory behavior.

Soon, several figures closed in—a group of ruffians. Their bulging waists hinted at concealed firearms.

"Miss, care to have some fun?" spoke the leader, a man donning a black leather jacket and sporting metallic earrings, with a menacing demeanor.

"A rare sight, a blonde beauty. Tsk, tsk, this deal is profitable."

"Boss, spare the chatter and get to it directly."

Marigold keenly sensed that something was amiss. This wasn't an ordinary case of tailing and robbery. It seemed more like premeditated crime.

She paused and calmly inquired, "Who paid you to come here?"

The man with the earrings whistled and frivolously replied, "Impressive, you have a bit of wit. However, even if you knew, it wouldn't be of any use at this moment. Behave yourself and let me have some fun, and maybe I'll spare you. Otherwise..."

The man with the earrings suddenly closed in, cornering Marigold in a narrow alley, drawing a gun from his pocket and pressing it against her waist.

"Don't even think about resisting. My bullets don't discriminate."

"Bullets? Don't be ridiculous."

The man with the earrings only heard a confident, cold laughter near his ear, and his soul seemed as if gripped by an unseen force, suddenly chilled. He instinctively tried to seize the seemingly feeble woman in front of him, attempting to silence her screams, but the next second, he couldn't even react to what had happened. His body flew up into the air, completing a 360-degree rotation, before crashing heavily onto the ground.

"AAAAHHHH!!!" The man bellowed with excruciating pain, his spine seemingly on the verge of snapping. He instinctively reached for his gun, but as he squeezed the trigger, he realized that the firearm had been kicked away and arced through the air, landing in a distant trash bin.

Everyone was stunned. Then, a tall and muscular man lunged at Marigold, attempting to subdue her.

"This bitch won't learn her lesson until she's taught!"

"Brothers, attack!"

However, Marigold remained undaunted, maneuvering through the crowd with agility, employing her graceful Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques. Since she had focused solely on preparations for her impending marriage to David, she hadn't practiced martial arts in a while. Although a bit rusty, that familiar sensation surged through her veins once again, coursing through her limbs and body.

It was that feeling—the sensation of attack, the sensation of taking a life.

In the blink of an eye, several burly men were swiftly incapacitated by her."

Marigold gazed at the writhing ruffians on the ground and coolly inquired, "Who hired you?"

The man with earrings, clutching his head, replied haltingly, "You've caused someone's downfall, haven't you? Aren't you without fault yourself?"

After careful consideration, Marigold deduced it was likely Jenny. "Indeed? Please convey my gratitude to your employer for sending you here to keep me in shape."

The statement held true. Ever since her breakup with David, although it had only been a few weeks, she felt lighter and more vibrant, completely transformed.

Without looking back, she prepared to head home. Suddenly, a group of police officers arrived, apprehending the fallen ruffians. One officer approached Marigold to inquire about the situation.

"Madam, are you alright? We received a report of an assault here and rushed to the scene."

The stout officer surveyed the wailing ruffians on the ground, his brow furrowing. At first glance, Marigold appeared more like the assailant.

Marigold waved her hand dismissively. "I am fine. I can handle myself. Feel free to investigate their mastermind while you're at it."

Suddenly, she was forcefully pulled by a pair of large hands, caught off guard as she fell backward, landing in the embrace of a muscular figure.

"Mary, are you injured?"

It was Brian. Marigold had suspected it was him from the moment the police arrived.

"I'm unharmed. Merely a glance reveals who fared worse."

Marigold struggled to extricate herself from Brian's embrace, attempting to maintain the appropriate distance. Brian displayed a hint of surprise at her actions but out of respect, he released her.

"I was worried sick. I..." He suddenly realized his voice sounded feeble and promptly elevated his tone with a command. "You mustn't refuse my offer to escort you home next time! It's too dangerous!"

"Protecting you is already part of my job as your bodyguard. I cannot be easily toppled."

"This task is now removed from your professional duties. It takes effect immediately."

Marigold looked at him helplessly. Ever since she tried to create distance between herself and Brian, he had been like a child, constantly orbiting around her. It was akin to a clingy dog, persistently licking you, even after being kicked away countless times.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of pity if left unattended.

After the police took away the ruffians, Marigold accompanied Brian to the police station for her statement. He remained highly anxious throughout the process and personally drove her back home. Assertively, he requested to accompany her upstairs. When Brian saw Marigold's small apartment, he scoffed lightly through his nose.

"People can live in such slums? Tomorrow, I'll arrange a new house for you. Let Stephen come and pick you up for work every day. It's on the way."

Marigold glared at him and retorted with a touch of irritation, "Thank you, but I don't want the entire company suspecting our relationship."

"You are my bodyguard, and it is your duty to protect me."

"Moments ago, you mentioned revoking my bodyguard responsibilities."

Brian stumbled over his words. After a pause, he sniffed, exhaling a sigh.

"I apologize, Mary. But the mere thought of you being targeted because of me, because of Jenny, I cannot bear it. My mind feels like it's about to explode. I am not a mature CEO, am I? I always find it impossible to remain composed regarding matters concerning you. I'm sure you're laughing at me deep down."

"I? I wouldn't. But if the esteemed CEO cannot control himself, you're welcome to dismiss me. Of course, could I request a more substantial compensation? I am in need of funds."

Marigold proceeded to engage in a lengthy conversation with Brian, dismissing his suggestions, including the proposition of spending the night at her place. Eventually, she reluctantly watched him depart from her home, filled with lingering affection.

At the other end of Coral City, within the opulent platinum villa district, David desperately pressed the doorbell next to Jenny Whitehouse's grand Roman archway.

After a considerable wait, a well-dressed butler in a tailcoat emerged to open the door.

David's delight was evident as he exclaimed, "Sebastian, it's me, David."

The sighing butler named Sebastian welcomed him in, saying, "Please, Mr. Collar, come in. However, do not have any expectations regarding Miss Whitehouse."

Following Sebastian, David entered the palatial mansion, akin to a royal palace. They ascended to the second floor and arrived at a terrace garden. There, Jenny lay on an exquisite Oriental divan made of sandalwood, completely intoxicated. Upon hearing someone enter, she inquired hazily, "I don't recall granting permission for journalists to come in. Who is it?!"

David swiftly placed a bag filled with cosmetics into Jenny's lap.

"It's me."

Jenny glanced at him and forcefully pushed him to the ground, exclaiming sternly, "What are you doing here? Get lost! I don't want to see you."

Suppressing his anger, David tried to persuade her kindly, saying, "Dearest Jenny, you are currently without a companion. Why don't we continue our relationship? Can we make our connection public?"

As he spoke, he opened the bag and revealed expensive skincare products, eyeshadow palettes, foundation, and vibrant lipsticks.

"Look, during the time I've been away, your skin has become rough. That mermaid-inspired makeup may be beautiful, but is that truly the style you want to pursue? Perhaps the hairstyles I used to create for you are more suitable. Look, I've bought you the latest makeup from Tidi, would you like to give it a try?"

"Get lost!" Jenny's anger intensified upon hearing about the mermaid makeup. She clenched the cosmetics in her hand and walked to the terrace railing, tossing all the makeup over the edge.

"Splash!" The sound of money falling into the swimming pool echoed. David's heart bled.

"I will never reconcile with you! You, a wretch, I only sought your cheap thrills, and even if we had a fling, it would never elevate your status. How dare you think you can be my legitimate boyfriend? Dream on! Isn't it better for you to be locked in with your fiancée?"

And so, David was forcibly expelled. As he walked out through the grand gate, he gritted his teeth and spat at the Whitehouse plaque, "Pah! If it weren't for your wealthy background, you'd be nothing more than a prostitute! Did you think I wanted to be with you?! Just wait, I'll make you regret this!"

With that, he pulled out his phone and dialed the all-too-familiar number.

The call was answered. It was indeed her. She hadn't changed her phone number, thank goodness. Was she still waiting for him to come back? Yes, she must be unwilling to truly be angry with her fiancé of seven years. She had become the assistant to the CEO now, a sign of her success. Maybe if he sincerely apologized, she would return, bouncing around like she used to.

"Hello, Mary, um..."

"This is the last time, David Collar. There won't be another call after this. I'll be changing my number. Please stop contacting me. We're done, completely finished. Do you understand?"

The voice on the other end was icy cold. David suddenly realized he had truly been abandoned.

"Ah... alright, I'm not the type to persist relentlessly. I just wanted to ask, when should you come to collect your things that are still with me?"

Marigold paused for a moment. There wasn't anything particularly important left, but perhaps it was better to clarify some things. She softened her stance.

"I'll come to your place on Friday evening after work to retrieve them."