"I don't really have a plan," Bryan said. "Like I told you before, Kim's heading to college in a year. I just want to spend as much time with her as I can." He paused. "Besides, I'm not exactly suited for handling business matters."
Bryan wasn't that old—just barely past 50. But years of working in harsh conditions had left deep lines on his forehead and around his eyes.
Compared to the flashy and charismatic former CIA agent Joe Mason or the easygoing bald giant Frank, Bryan had a more somber, low-profile aura.
The kind of man who could blend into a crowd without drawing any attention.
Guys like him were perfect for two things: assassins or bodyguards for high-profile individuals.
Jack figured Bryan was equally good at both.
"So what about after that one year?" Jack asked. "Retirement on the beaches of L.A.? I know your pension must be pretty generous, but don't you think it's a bit too early for that?"
Jack gestured toward the stage, where Joan Jett was rocking out to I Hate Myself for Loving You.
"Look at her—she's gotta be over 60 by now, and she's still setting the stage on fire."
Getting backstage access to watch performances up close was one of the few perks of this bodyguard gig.
Jack wasn't a huge music guy, but he respected Joan Jett.
She was a true legend—a woman who fought her way through the male-dominated rock industry of the '70s and '80s, leaving an impact on multiple generations.
Most people in China might not recognize her name, but they'd definitely heard the song Andy Lau famously covered as I Hate Myself for Loving You.
"You could start by building a team," Jack continued. "Lyla's involvement with Shangrila is only gonna grow. Situations like tonight—where one man alone isn't enough—will become more common."
He turned, watching Bryan's expression closely.
"And you want to spend more time with Kim, right?" Jack added casually.
"But what about Lyla?"
As expected, Bryan's face shifted. His usually calm, detached demeanor flickered with something more personal.
Jack smirked.
Gotcha.
It was obvious—Bryan didn't just see Lyla as his employer.
He treated her like a daughter.
Hell, he even looked at Reid with the same overprotective dad expression.
Jack pressed further.
"Didn't you say Kim wants to be a star?" he asked. "You've seen the entertainment industry up close. You really want her diving into that shark tank alone?"
Jack leaned in slightly.
"You know how we operate. Shangrila won't guarantee that Kim becomes an A-list star—but we can keep her away from drugs and scumbags."
Bryan's jaw tightened.
He looked down for a moment—then exhaled slowly.
"What exactly do you need me to do?"
Jack grinned.
Bryan was hooked.
"Don't worry about business operations," Jack reassured him. "Just run the security team however you see fit."
Bryan hesitated for just a second. Then, with a nod, he said:
"I'll seriously consider it, boss."
Jack beamed.
The fact that Bryan had just called him boss meant he was already mentally on board.
"Just call me Jack," he said. "Chris is the real boss. I'll get everything set up with him ASAP.
In the meantime, you might wanna call Kim—let her know the good news. Chris will assign her a manager and proper training."
Jack wasn't worried about Kim's talent.
Her original movie counterpart had been played by Maggie Grace—who had starred in Lost, Twilight, and even had a lead role in Lockout.
She definitely had the looks and acting potential.
Seeing Bryan's usual serious expression soften as he grabbed his phone, Jack chuckled to himself.
"Parents… always the same."
The concert was still going strong.
Thousands of fans filled the venue, but Lyla was only a guest performer—she wasn't staying for the whole show.
A small commotion in the backstage area caught Jack's attention.
At first, he thought it was Lyla getting ready to leave, but when he turned, he spotted two familiar faces.
"Castle! Alexis! Over here!"
The famous writer lit up with a smile and—flanked by his daughter and another girl—made his way over.
"You?!" they both said at the exact same time.
Jack laughed.
"I'm just here playing bodyguard. What about you guys?"
Castle looked disappointed, shaking his head.
"Alexis and her new friend wanted to get autographs from Joan Jett and Lyla. So I pulled a few strings to bring them backstage."
Jack smirked.
Castle was clearly hoping for a murder mystery—not just a casual celebrity event.
Jack greeted Alexis, then turned to the girl standing beside her.
She looked familiar.
"Alexis," he asked, "who's your new friend?"
"Kim Mills," Castle answered for her. "Stepdaughter of oil tycoon Stuart St. John. Her mom brought her to New York for a—"
Before Castle could finish, a startled gasp sounded behind them.
"Kim!"
Bryan had just exited the dressing room—and now, he was hugging Alexis's friend like a long-lost daughter.
"…Dad?!"
Castle blinked.
"Uh… what?"
Jack couldn't help but chuckle.
He had just been talking to Bryan about his daughter—only for her to suddenly appear backstage like fate was playing a joke on him.
After a round of introductions, everything became clear.
Castle had a wealthy oil tycoon friend named Stuart St. John—who had married Bryan's ex-wife.
Kim, being Bryan's daughter, now lived with her mother and her rich stepfather.
She had heard about her real dad working as Lyla's bodyguard, so she had begged her mom to take her to New York Fashion Week—using it as an excuse to visit him.
Since Stuart couldn't personally escort them, he had asked his old pal Castle to look after his wife and stepdaughter.
And since Alexis and Kim were similar in age, they naturally hung out together.
Jack shook his head in disbelief.
"The sheer amount of coincidences in this world never ceases to amaze me."
He glanced at Bryan—who was beaming as he talked to his daughter.
Jack made a mental note.
"If Kim ever wants to visit Paris, I should make sure Bryan doesn't let her go alone."
Or better yet—if Jack ever took Alexis on a trip to France, he might as well bring Kim along too.
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