As Ian’s accusation against Lola spilled forth, Laney found herself deeply imp**ssed by his remarkable expertise as a personal assistant. The relentless barrage of queries from Ian left Lola flushed with embarrassment.
However, she couldn’t deny the truth in his words, for even she recognized her own carelessness.
But she drew strength from the fact that she had been personally hired by Leo, while Laney was merely a bodyguard, not held in high regard by the Harding family. With renewed vigor, she straightened her posture and spoke up.
“Regardless, Mr. Harding has employed me to look after you. Furthermore, I received Miss Gibson’s gifts today under his directive. As a daughter-in-law of the Harding family, you ought to honor the elders’ views and accept Miss Gibson’s contrition.”
Ian, however, was unfazed by Lola’s employer. As Laney’s personal assistant, her wishes were his only concern. He glanced towards Laney, anticipating her command.
While Laney had always revered the Harding family’s elders, she refused to bend her will to theirs. Her exp**ssion stoic, she declared, “I will neither accept Kailee’s gifts nor her apology.”
“But…” Lola’s patience waned, and she sought to interject.
“I’ll discuss it personally with Mr. Harding. Take the gifts back and return it,” Laney cut her off, putting an end to the debate. Reluctant as she may have been, Lola dared not defy Laney’s wishes.
She spun around indignantly, intending to snatch the gift and depart, only to be halted by Laney’s terse command, “Clean up the water and dispose of the shattered remnants in the trash bin.”
Fury surged within Lola, but she bit her l*p in resignation.
After a brief silence, Lola obediently retrieved a mop, dried the water stains, and emptied the trash can before taking her leave.
As Lola completed her tasks and withdrew, Laney’s seething anger began to subside. She offered Ian a gracious smile, saying, “So, I’ll be relying on you henceforth.”
“It is my honor and duty, Mrs. Harding,” Ian responded with due respect.
Laney scrutinized Ian’s ID card as well as his resume meticulously.
Despite his exceptional resume and performance, she couldn’t shake an underlying unease. It seemed somewhat unconventional for a pregnant woman to hire a male personal assistant.
Laney rang Natalie to verify the situation, “Natalie, just to confirm, is Ian the assistant you procured for me?”
Beaming with pride, Natalie confirmed, “Indeed he is. What do you think? Quite the consummate professional, right? It took me some effort to find such a qualified personal assistant.”
“Yes, very professional,” Laney agreed. She glanced awkwardly at Ian before adding, “But, why did you find me a male assistant?” Natalie was a little surprised.
“Sorry, I didn’t know that you had a problem with this.”
Natalie rifled through Ian’s file. His capability and quality were impeccable. But if Laney had misgivings about hiring a male personal assistant, Natalie would respect her wishes. “I’m so sorry, Laney. You know what? I’ll find you a replacement,” assured Natalie.
Laney couldn’t help but appraise Ian once more.
He stood poised, an unwavering smile upon his face, betraying no reaction to the exchange bet**en the two women.
Considering Ian’s earlier composure and expertise, Laney chastised herself for her prejudice.
Was there truly an issue with a man in this role? Competence, not gender, was the paramount criterion for a personal assistant.
After all, she had faced her own share of skepticism as a female bodyguard but had risen above it, proving her worth and earning her status as one of the most skilled professionals in the field.
Ultimately, Laney resolved to retain Ian as her personal assistant.
“Thank you, Natalie. But there’s no need for a change now. Ian has demonstrated his professionalism as a personal assistant. His gender, being male, shouldn’t matter. I trust that he can take excellent care of me,” Laney affirmed.
Ian was unsurprised by Laney’s choice. He was certain that Laney wouldn’t let anyone take his place just because of his gender. “Mrs. Harding, this will be one of your wisest decisions ever,” he said.
Laney couldn’t help but smile at Ian’s confidence and replied, “Looks like you’re very sure of yourself.”
“I carefully examined all the information on you when I learnt that I was going to serve as your assistant,” remarked Ian.
Despite his apparently modest demeanor, Ian couldn’t hide the air of self-assurance that came with his words. “That’s why I’m well aware of your allergies and your situation, Mrs. Harding.”
“Really?” Ian’s confidence gave Laney relief and she took a deep breath to relax.
Ian smiled slightly and said, “I believe I’ll be able to serve you well. Of course. I’m also skilled in taking care of children.”
Laney, laughed out loud, amused by Ian’s words. The last bit of bias she had towards Ian’s gender disappeared with his words. “You are a very interesting person.” Laney couldn’t help praising him.
In the past, people also questioned her ability as a bodyguard just because she was a female. In reality, she was better than her male counterparts in many aspects.
Therefore, as she put herself in his shoes, Laney decided not to dismiss Ian based on his gender.
Meanwhile, while the two were talking, Garrett came in with Laney’s favorite snack. He exclaimed, “Honey, look what I brought you…” Before Garrett could finish his sentence, he saw Laney smiling and talking to a stranger, and his handsome face immediately darkened. He approached Laney while on high alert and questioned, “Who are you? What are you doing in my wife’s ward?”
Ian slowly bowed his head in respect and said, “Hello, Mr. Mrs. Larson specifically hired for Mrs. Harding.”
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“Personal assistant? A man?” Garrett looked at Ian in disbelief, scanning him up and down and asked, “Does Natalie know what she’s doing?” Laney nudged Garrett with her elbow and chided,
“Ian is a very professional personal assistant. I believe he can take good care of me and our baby.”
Garrett felt a bit uneasy, but after seeing Laney’s satisfied exp**ssion, he didn’t say much. Unfortunately, he had to supp**ss his feelings of annoyance at Natalie for hiring such a good-looking man as Laney’s personal assistant.
“I assure you, Mr. Harding, that I will lake good care of Mrs. Harding,” Ian said confidently. Noticing Garrett’s doubt, he added, “I have received professional training and I have plenty of medical experience. Rest assured, I can provide the best service for Mrs. Harding.”
Although Garrett still had some doubts, he didn’t want to say anything more upon seeing Ian’s professional manner. He simply patted Ian’s shoulder and said, “Well, then, do your job well and take good care of my wife. I’ll give you an extra bonus if you’re good enough.”
Ian’s exp**ssion remained indifferent, showing no signs of happiness at Garrett’s promised bonus. “Mrs. Harding’s well-being is at the top of my priority. I will work hard to keep her happy,” he said calmly.
“And you don’t have to worry about giving me any bonus, Mr. Harding. I was hired by Mrs. Larson to take care of Mrs. Harding. So, Mrs. Harding is the only person I serve. There’s really no need for you to worry,” added Ian.
Garrett didn’t expect Ian to decline him, and he was unable to counter Ian’s explanation since it made sense.
“I’m Laney’s husband,” he said, looking somewhat displeased.