Chapter 25: Giving Up Bodyguards.

The store employee then giggled once more and asked,

"Do you two want to purchase anything else? In addition to clothes, our store also sells leather shoes and accessories. If you spend over ten million, our store can offer a discount and a free pair of socks..."

Hearing the employee's continuous chatter, Benjamin wanted to pay and leave quickly. However, Isabella felt that more than merely buying a suit was needed. So, after listening to the employee's recommendations, she decided to buy some additional accessories. Moreover, since Benjamin was still wearing sandals, she insisted he replaces them with shiny leather shoes.

As they paid and left the store, the cheerful voice of the store employee could still be heard behind them.

"Please remember to come back and support our store next time!"

Seeing Benjamin standing dumbfounded in front of the car, Isabella suddenly teased him.

"What's the matter? Can't bear to part with the money?"

Hearing her question, Benjamin shook his head and responded,

"What do you mean, can't bear it? I'm just feeling a bit regretful about spending so much at once. Isn't it a bit excessive?"

"What do you know? Today's party is crucial for my company. So, whoever is by my side cannot be disrespectful and must be dressed properly. Otherwise, why would I need you to accompany me?"

Being scolded by Isabella, all Benjamin could do was let out a bitter laugh. Then, he adjusted his tie and spoke with a hint of discomfort.

"Really, wearing these clothes isn't comfortable at all. What if we get into a fight later, and get torn? What would we do then?"

Although Benjamin spoke the last part softly, Isabella could still hear it. She couldn't help but become angry and glare at him.

"What did you just say?"

"Ah, nothing... nothing at all!"

Seeing Isabella's explosive demeanor, Benjamin immediately behaved, not daring to say another word.

Arriving at the hotel's grand lobby, Benjamin and Isabella followed the staff's guidance and slowly entered. Upon seeing the magnificent scene inside, Benjamin's eyes widened in surprise. He didn't expect a casual meet-and-greet party to be held in such a luxurious place.

Moreover, there were already many guests attending the party. Most of them were people of significant status in the city. As soon as Isabella appeared, quite a few people greeted her. Among them, some young men showed her their sweet smiles.

However, at that moment, Isabella noticed Benjamin's astonished expression as he continuously looked around, observing his surroundings.

"Hey, be careful not to embarrass me later!" Isabella whispered a warning to Benjamin. He earnestly nodded in response.

"Don't worry. Without your permission, I'll be well-behaved and won't start any fights."

"What?"

Hearing his words, Isabella couldn't help but snap. Immediately, numerous gazes focused on them. Seeing this, Isabella's face flushed red. At the same time, she didn't forget to give Benjamin a warning glare.

"If you dare to mess around, watch how I'll deal with you!"

"Relax, relax! I'll behave. I promise I will!"

At this point, they exchanged glances, and no one knew what they were discussing. After a while, as Isabella approached a group of five or six people, a young man walked up to her, slightly bowed, and smiled.

"Isabella, long time no see. How have you been? You look even more beautiful than before!"

"Who is this guy?"

Standing next to Isabella, Benjamin couldn't help but wonder who the enthusiastic man was, and he asked her in a low voice.

"He's an old classmate of mine, and his name is Beckham, the son of the city's secretary."

"Oh!"

Benjamin was quite surprised by the man's identity. However, to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, Isabella added further details.

"In the past, he pursued me, but I rejected him several times. So, we last met a long time ago. It makes sense for him to be here since there's a big project happening in the city."

Hearing Isabella's explanation, Benjamin couldn't help but feel a bit strange. Afterward, Isabella didn't pay attention to him anymore, walked straight towards Beckham, and smiled.

"Beckham, you're quite the joker. There's no way I could be as beautiful as your fiancée. Right, Heulwen?"

With a pointed glance, Isabella looked at a beautiful woman beside Beckham as she spoke. Hearing this, the woman named Heulwen smiled in response.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare. After all, you've always been the top beauty in school. How could I ever compare, right, Beckham?"

While chatting, Heulwen playfully glanced at her boyfriend. At that moment, Beckham's face showed a hint of awkwardness as he hesitantly nodded. Realizing his mistake, he quickly raised his glass and spoke loudly.

"Come on, my friends. It's been a long time since we've met, and after this reunion, I'd like to invite everyone out for a feast. Additionally, I would like to invite you all to Heulwen's and my wedding next week. No objections, right?"

Seeking an escape, Beckham generously looked at his old friends at the party. Immediately, the others started to respond, continuously offering congratulations.

At this point, the tension between Heulwen and Isabella had considerably lessened. However, for some reason, Heulwen intentionally looked at Benjamin, who was still standing behind Isabella and asked:

"Isabella, who is that handsome man behind you? I heard that you got married a few months ago. Is he your fiancé?"

Hearing the question, Isabella's face momentarily showed discomfort, but she quickly shook her head.

"No, he's just my bodyguard!"

Standing behind, Benjamin felt disappointed upon hearing Isabella's answer. However, he knew his place and remained silent, despite feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Heulwen, noticing his expression, seemed to find something interesting and approached Isabella with a smile.

"Oh? I thought he was your husband. Such a handsome man working as a bodyguard seems like a waste, doesn't it? Could you let me have him as my personal bodyguard?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was astonished. Even Isabella was taken aback, while Beckham's face turned sour.

"Heulwen, what are you trying to do?"

In truth, Isabella's marriage was a half-secret among her classmates. Most of them knew that she was married, but no one knew the identity of her husband. Beckham also agreed to marry Heulwen, letting go of his long-held feelings for Isabella.

"Nothing, I'm just teasing Isabella a little!"

Upon seeing her boyfriend's expression about to turn angry, Heulwen cleverly flashed a sweet smile. However, just as she was about to turn and walk away, she suddenly looked at Benjamin and said with a grin,

"Handsome, if you ever decide not to be Isabella's bodyguard anymore, you can come to find me at Ruby XH Corporation. The benefits and compensation there will be better than what you currently do!"

After saying this, she teasingly winked at Benjamin, leaving him slightly flustered and unsure how to respond.

Seeing this scene, Isabella grew even more furious. She knew Heulwen's character all too well. Back in their school days, they were once best friends. However, once Heulwen discovered that Beckham had feelings for Isabella, she immediately turned against her. Moreover, she had repeatedly bad mouthed and harmed Isabella, causing her to lose face among their classmates.

Isabella didn't hold much of a grudge for these past actions. However, after becoming On The Peak Corporation's CEO, she gradually realized that Heulwen's hatred was not simple. She even harbored a scheme to swallow up the company her father had worked so hard to build.

At this moment, witnessing Heulwen blatantly provoking her in front of her face, Isabella's anger soared. However, there was a sudden commotion outside the hotel's grand hall just then. A cheerful voice soon followed:

"Ha ha ha, greetings to all our esteemed guests! Today, I warmly welcome everyone to attend the launch party of my son, Beckham. If there are any shortcomings, please kindly forgive us."

The speaker was a middle-aged man with a slightly plump figure and intelligent eyes. He continuously smiled and clasped his hands toward the guests.

Suddenly, the grand hall of the hotel was filled with murmurs and discussions. At the same time, everyone quickly reacted and greeted the man with handshakes.

"Who is this person?"

Seeing this man's warm reception, Benjamin couldn't help but feel curious. He looked at Isabella, seeking an answer.

However, before Isabella could respond, Heulwen stepped forward with a smile and said:

"That man is Mr. Radley, the host of today's party and one of the top 500 richest people in the world. For some, he's an untouchable figure that they can only admire from afar. Isn't that right, Isabella?"

As she spoke, Heulwen remembered to glance at Isabella. At this moment, Isabella's body trembled slightly, and her hands clenched tightly.

"Benjamin, you have to help me later. We need to find a way to talk to Mr. Radley."

While Heulwen was still gloating and teasing Isabella, she whispered to Benjamin and hurriedly walked towards Radley.