90. New Captain

Chapter 90

New Captain

Clarissa's cousin, Barlyn, had arrived.

Barlyn, incredibly handsome with a smile, sauntered around with a carefree demeanor, giving off the air of a playboy.

However, Osborne knew that beneath Barlyn's playboy facade, there must be hidden strength.

Donna's trust in Barbyn to protect Clarissa indicated that his abilities were definitely not inferior to Paul's

As Osborne observed Barlyn, he pondered, "Is he also a metahuman?

Innate abilities are often hereditary, like my Satan's Eye inherited from Godfather. Donna is an earth elemental metahuman, so Barlyn is likely one too.

But Isa mentioned that elemental metaliumans have bodies as fragile as glass shards! Quite amusing"

"Barlyn, let me introduce you. This is Osborne Augustine, the man who saved me fifteen years ago," Clarissa said as she approached Barlyn.

Barlyn looked at Osborne in surprise, extending his hand. "Hello, I'm Barlyn Clarissa has been talking about you for fifteen years, urging me to help her find you. You saved Clarissa and thus, you saved me. I'll show you my gratitude through my

actions."

"Barlyn, what are you talking about?"

Clarissa blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Seeing Clarissa blush, Barlyn was momentarily stunned, his expression turning serious as he scrutinized Osborne.

"Alright, let's have a meeting," Donna interjected.

In the meeting room, Donna, Clarissa, and Barlyn sat on one side, while Osborne, Harris, Violet, and Sharon, the four deputy heads, sat on the other side.

"Id like to introduce Barlyn, my son. Starting today, he will temporarily assume the position of the head of the security team. I hope for everyone's cooperation," Donna announced.

Harris, Violet, and Sharon, who didn't covet the position, applauded warmly, earnestly assessing Barlyn.

Barlyn stood up, wearing a warm snile

"Thank you for your support. You all are true elites, experts. I'm just a playboy, forced into this position. If I don't perform well, I ask for your forgiveness and assistance."

Donna shot him a glare at his words, though her eyes held a hint of indulgence.

She then rearranged the assignments

Harris remained in charge of the Bodyguard Unit Two, which was composed of members from various security companies.

Sharon and Violet continued leading Bodyguard Units Three and Four, respectively.

As the newly appointed deputy lead, Osborne was assigned to Bodyguard Unit One, which was now left with only three members as most had betrayed with Paul

Donna promised to replemish it to ten members

Barlyn took charge of the Personal Guards, adding a dozen members he brought from the Radcliffe family to exceed twenty members.

Despite Paul's betrayal, Clarissa's security team not only maintained its size but expanded.

Excluding the Surveillance Group, the number of bodyguards would exceed sixty.

Under Barlyn's arrangement, Bodyguard Units Two, Three, and Four would take turns collaborating with the Personal Guards to protect Clarissa in eight–hour shifts.

However, Bodyguard Unit One, with only four members, had no immediate security duties.

In other words, Osborne suddenly found himself with free time until new members were added. He could choose to work or rest as long as he remained on call.

"Well, that's the temporary arrangement. Any objections? If not, let's get to work," Barlyn said with a smile.

Harris, Violet, and Sharon nodded, then turned and left.

Osborne was also eager to leave, as he hadn't forgotten about the money Davy had hidden in the villa. With the Aberrants assassination attempt foiled, he could now go and collect it.

"Osborne, wait up!"

Barlyn caught up with Osborne, familiarly draped hisarm over Osborne's shoulder, and grinned, "This is my first time in Mayby City. I want to go out, explore the town, and grab a few drinks. Wanna join me?"

Osborne was taken aback, looking at Barlyn curiously.

"Captain Barlyn, you have time to go drinking? Don't you need to protect Ms. Radcliffe?

Barlyn waved his hand dismissively. "Relax, everything's under control."

He lowered his voice and said, "Our elders were furious when they heard about the assassination attempt on Clarissa. They pulled some strings and spent a fortune on an advanced warning system from the Draco Group. I've already had it installed.

"From now on, no assassin will ever be able to sneak into the manor and attempt to kill Clarissa unnoticed. Besides, with the Personal Guards, the Bodyguard Unit, and my mom around, Clarissa's safety is guaranteed.

"We can drink in peace.

"But this time, you're buying. My mom's been keeping a tight leash on me and froze all my credit cards. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken this bodyguard captain gig. I'll pay you back when I get my paycheck

Upon hearing this, Osborne felt a bit speechless, thinking, "Barlyn doesn't have any money?

He took this job as the head of the bodyguard because his cards were frozen and he needs to earn some cash?"

This revelation sparked an idea in Osborne's mind.

"Captain Barlyn…"

"Don't call me Captain Barlyn, it's too formal. You're Clarissa's savior, my savior, just call me by my 'name."

Osborne nodded. "Alright then"

In a low voice, he asked, "Barlyn, Ms. Donna Radcliffe froze your credit cards? You became the head of the security team to make money?"

"She is really strict with you, huh?"

Barlyn sighed, "Tell me about it. Sometimes, I even doubt if I'm really her biological son. Life is tough, you know?

"People think I'm a rich playboy from an ancient family, living a life of luxury, driving fancy ears, dating supermodels and celebrities. But that's not true at all!"

"I just like to drink, but my mom controls my finances Now, if I want a drink, I have to shamelessly ask you to treat me. How pathetic is that?"

After expressing his thoughts, Barlyn looked hopeless.

Osborne was taken aback by his words and couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic towards Barlyn.

He thought, "This is indeed a tough situation

But it might be beneficial for me

If Harlyn only became the head of Clarissa's security team because he needed money, would he quit if he had money?

But giving him money directly is out of the question.

Otherwise, Parlyn would suspect my motives.

So, I must help Barlyn make money!"

After some thought, Osborne said, "Earlyn, drinking is not a problem, but there's no rush I'm about to do something to make money, it's a bit risky and I'm not very confident about it. How strong are you?"

Barlyn's eyes lit up at his words. "I'm pretty strong, I may not be as powerful as my mom, but I'm at least a Class Cearth elemental metahuman."

Osborne nodded in response.

"Well then, that's settled! With your help, I'll have a shot at success. Want to join me for a big score? If we succeed, I'll split the earnings with you, three to seven!"

Barlyn was completely intrigued, asking, "Three to seven? How much is that?

"And what exactly are we doing?"

Osborne smiled, "I'm not entirely sure about the amount, but at least tens of millions? And if it's less than 100 million dollars, I'll make up the difference for you."

100 million?

Barlyn's eyes widened in excitement.

"I'm in count me in! With 100 million, I won't have to worry about my mom freezing my credit cards anymore. Haha, Osborne, you're my bro now!"

Barlyn was beyond excited.

Osborne was speechless, thinking, "Just the promise of 100 million has gotten Barlyn, the scion of an ancient family, this excited. How strict can Donna really be with him?

Even heirs like Ophelia and Wesley aren't affected like this."

"Osborne, what are we doing exactly? To make 100 million? I can't wait, let's get moving!"

Barlyn was eager.

Osborne smiled, "Don't rush, we'll talk as we go."

The two of them left the Radcliffe Manor side by side.

Unbeknownst to them, in a distant attic, Donna frowned tightly as she watched the two of them leave shoulder to shoulder.

"What is Barlyn so excited about? Is Osborne leading him to do something nefarious?"

Clarissa, hearing this, couldn't bear it and retorted, "Aunt Donna, why do you think it's Osborne leading Barlyn into trouble, and not the other way around?"

Donna sneered, saying, "Because Barlyn doesn't have money! "

Clarissa was speechless and somewhat helpless, but she had a hint of empathy for Barlyn deep in her eyes.

"I trust Osborne, he wouldn't do anything bad!"

Donna turned and stared at Clarissa seriously.

She said sternly, "Clarissa, even though Osborne saved you multiple times, you must not develop feelings for him! You should know the huge gap in your identities!"

Clarissa was taken aback and bit her lip.

"I.. I won't!"

Donna said calmly. "It's better if you don't

"Do you know why I chose Barlyn to be your head bodyguard instead of Osborne to replace Paul?*

Clarissa asked curiously, "Why?"

"Aunt Donna, Osborne has saved me three times already. You should know that he would never harm me. Why do you still distrust him?"

Donna furrowed her brow and replied, "I do believe now that Osborne wouldn't hurt you. My issue is that I still don't understand why he's protecting you so fiercely!"

"You know, Osborne doesn't need money. The amount we could offer lum wouldn't be enough to explain why he's going to such extremes for you!"

"What's his real motivation?

"The only explanation as that he's purssing you, trying to win you over."

"Wh… what? That's impossible! We've already asked him before, and he denied it. Plus, my meta–ability tells me he wasn't lying "

Clarissa's voice faltered as she spoke, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment

Donna, however, remained serious. "Clarissa, your ability to detect lies isn't infallible. Remember? Paul managed to lie right to your face for a long time, and you didn't catch on."

Clarissa was taken aback, and then a flicker of realization crossed her face .