chapter 35 Protection ===

At that moment, Humphrey captured everyone's attention, his actions and words leaving everyone stunned. Gasps could be heard all around. At this moment, everyone had one thought - never cross paths with the girl named Vicky! Who said Vicky was fatherless? She indeed had a father! And not just any father, but one not to be trifled with! After scanning the crowd once more, satisfied that his demonstration had the desired effect, Humphrey's tone softened, "Alright, nothing to see here. Let's get back to work." He then pulled Ian back to Jini's side. Releasing Ian's hair, Humphrey continued, "Now that this issue is settled, let's discuss our matters." Ian felt tears welling up, all he wanted was to save his family and leave, far away from Humphrey! With a grim expression, he couldn't help but ask, "Is there something else between us?" Humphrey inquired calmly, "Did your Youngblood family assist Fitch in acquiring Galaxy Clothing Company from the Herbert Family?" Ian's demeanor shifted abruptly, his eyes flashing momentarily as he responded, "I am unsure of your insinuation. Our Youngblood family has no ties to Galaxy Clothing Company, and we are not acquainted with Fitch." "Is that so? I overheard your brother boasting yesterday that Fitch is merely a pawn for your Youngblood family. Was he exaggerating?" Ian cursed Kirk silently and replied with partial honesty, "Our Youngblood family operates on a large scale. My brother and I oversee different ventures. He might be familiar with Fitch, but I have limited knowledge of him." Humphrey gazed intently into Ian's eyes for a brief moment and stated slowly, "Whether you choose to disclose the truth or not is inconsequential. I believe our paths will cross again soon. When that time arrives, do you envision yourself kneeling before me, confessing everything, and pleading for mercy?" Ian bowed his head slightly and remained silent. Humphrey smirked, turned to Jini, and remarked, "Sister-in-law, let us depart." Ian stood transfixed, watching Humphrey walk away, a profound sense of bitterness evident in his gaze. He had already decided that once Humphrey left, he would dispatch individuals to the kindergarten to apprehend Vicky! Opening the door of the Audi A6L, Humphrey, who was about to enter, abruptly turned towards Ian and uttered in a frosty tone, "Henceforth, if any harm befalls my daughter, even a strand of hair is lost, regardless of the cause or culprit, I will hold you accountable. Your entire family will face my wrath first. Pray fervently for my daughter's well-being and peace of mind." Ian sensed as though Humphrey had glimpsed into his soul, leaving him petrified and unsettled. Upon boarding the car, Humphrey refrained from driving off immediately, opting to make a phone call first. "Instruct two reputable guards to secure Baylor Kindergarten promptly for Selena's safety. Emphasize that this duty may be indefinite and should be undertaken willingly," he directed. Claude, on the other end of the line, drove attentively and responded deferentially, "Rest assured, Sir, there will be no lack of volunteers. If I were to implement this, they might vie for this responsibility to the death. Based on my team's feedback, let the two guards nearest to Baylor Kindergarten proceed. The selection will be based on proximity." "Very well, proceed as you see fit," Humphrey concurred before ending the call. Myron, seated in the Hummer's co-pilot seat, clenched his teeth as the call concluded, gathering the courage to inquire, "Guardian, could you include me among those two individuals?" Claude glanced at Myron with a flash of appreciation in his eyes, his expression turning serious. Suddenly, he hit the brakes, parked the car, and spoke solemnly, "Do you understand the importance of Selena to sir? Any harm to her is a failure on your part!" Myron stood tall, declaring, "I will fulfill this mission even at the cost of my life! If any harm befalls sir's child, consider me gone!" Claude firmly interjected, "No! Even in death, Selena must remain unharmed!" Myron nodded decisively, "I comprehend!" Claude's demeanor softened as he smiled, patting Myron's shoulder, "You may proceed." "Thank you for your protection!" Myron's eyes sparkled with gratitude. Exiting the car, he saluted Claude and Cora with a powerful warrior's gesture before swiftly running towards Baylor Kindergarten. Observing Myron's departure. Cora remarked with a smile, "He might just catch up with him." Claude concurred, "Indeed, there are countless warriors from the North eager to serve you." The transfer of their war team to Lymelathe City made them envious of the other 119 teams. Tonight, not only did he dine with his husband, but he also received the task of protecting his husband's children—a true blessing. Cora smiled and remarked, "Had he not sought help himself, this opportunity wouldn't have come his way. He fought for this." Claude is nodding and beamed, "Aren't we quite alike?" In the Audi, Humphrey, after ending the call, glanced at Ian, and then started the car. Jini was concerned and asked, "What if Ian seeks revenge on Selena after we depart? Shouldn't we wait for your contact to arrive before leaving?" Humphrey reassured her, "He's too frightened to act recklessly. I'll send someone to guard him. It's not him we're wary of." Humphrey's words in the car completely dispelled any lingering thoughts Ian had. Before Humphrey's arrival, Ian seemed to have it all—a life of success, wealth, power, and family. Yet, with abundance came anxiety. Anger is only temporary for individuals like him. After Humphrey finished speaking, he became concerned and refrained from taking any further risks. Even if Humphrey injured one of his legs, he would be publicly humiliated. Yet, deep down, he still believed in his nobility and the value of his life. He refused to jeopardize himself just to release his anger. As the saying goes, those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. Ian is the type of person who wears golden shoes. He will undoubtedly strategize once he confirms that Humphrey is not a threat. Humphrey understood this, so he decided to depart. Mobilizing the respected guards to protect the kindergarten was a choice he had made long ago. Whether Ian shows up or not, he will continue to issue such instructions. Selena is his child. She desires to attend school make friends and live in a normal environment. Humphrey would not confine Selena or isolate her from the world just to keep her safe. He wants Selena to grow up secure, carefree, healthy, and happy. The best course of action is to have people around her. Eventually, when she matures and can defend herself, she will start to voice her discontent with Humphrey's arrangements. Naturally, Humphrey will then rescind the directive.