After a night of intense thought, Malayah Smith decided to face the upcoming challenges head-on. Standing in front of a full-length mirror, she admired her reflection. Her all-black outfit was classy and chic, challenging the idea that "Men in black, women in white." The only thing that bothered her slightly was her height. At 5'2", she felt a bit smaller next to her male peers, even though it was an average height for women.

"Looking sharp, really sharp! I can’t believe I pull off this suit better than the old man does!" she said with a self-satisfied grin, turning to get a full view.

Just then, the door to her room opened a crack, and four curious eyes peered in.

"See, I told you she'd come around," a low voice whispered, the speaker's eyes positioned at the bottom of the door.

The pair of bright eyes above belonged to Malayah's mentor, Selena Stewart. She replied softly, "Aren't you worried at all, Master? You don't think she might run into trouble on her first mission?"

The old man chuckled quietly, "Don't worry. I have my reasons for sending Malayah out. I wouldn't risk anything happening to my favorite student."

As Malayah continued to admire herself in the mirror, she suddenly heard a faint rustling. She turned sharply, calling, "Who's there?!"

There was a sudden thud, and a small black-and-yellow striped kitten was tossed into the room. The kitten let out an indignant "Meow!"

"Ah, it’s just Whiskers come to see me off," Malayah's eyes brightened as she bent down to scoop up the kitten, stroking its fur as she laughed.

"Meow..." The kitten nuzzled against Malayah, seeming to share her enthusiasm despite its unceremonious entry.

Laughter filled the room as the kitten's soft whiskers tickled her face. "Haha, that tickles, Whiskers! Quit it!"

Meanwhile, outside, pressed flat against the walls, Adan Bradley and Selena Stewart heaved sighs of relief. Thankfully, Whiskers had strolled in just in time, sparing them a potentially awkward moment.

"Selena, you're getting sharper by the day. You’re the perfect candidate for my top student," Adan praised, flashing a thumbs-up.

"Who's there?!" Malayah shouted again from within the room.

Cradling Whiskers, Malayah stepped to the door and peered into the hallway. It was empty, with only a row of railings ahead.

"Strange, I thought I heard the old man," Malayah muttered, puzzled as she retreated and closed the door.

Before her call, Selena and Adan had made a hasty escape, swinging over the railing and hanging by a protruding brick on the second floor to avoid being seen.

They hung there, practically breathless, until Malayah went back inside. Relieved, they finally exhaled.

Their landing was almost silent on the carpet below. "Ouch," Adan mumbled, twisting his ankle slightly.

Selena quickly helped him to the sofa, asking, "Are you okay, Master? Should I grab some ointment?"

Adan waved her off with a laugh, "I'm not that fragile, Selena. I was once among the best bodyguards around. If anyone hears about this, they'd have a good laugh."

With respect, he turned to Selena, "Selena, you've truly become exceptional—your reflexes, your skills rival my peak days. You are indeed a natural; I wasn't wrong about you."

Selena massaged his shoulders, her features warm with affection. "Master, please don’t say that. You raised both Malayah and me. No matter what, we look up to you as the legendary Adan Bradley from back in the day."

He chuckled heartily, "I know you do, but I’m not sure Malayah feels the same. She probably thinks I'm sending her into the lion’s den."

Selena continued to rub his shoulders, worry in her voice, "Master, this mission is dangerous, and Malayah is up against seasoned assassins. I’m really concerned for her."

Adan reassured, "Don't worry. If things really go south, we'll step in. But if we tell her that now, she might not take the mission seriously. She needs this to grow."

Selena smiled warmly. "With you watching over her, there’s no one she can’t handle."

Adan's expression turned serious, "Remember why I live in seclusion. There is always someone stronger out there."

Selena fell into thoughtful silence, recalling the whispered rumors of a failed mission that had led Adan to live in seclusion—an encounter with an assassin who outclassed him. Details were scarce, but she suspected the foe had been a formidable one.

As these thoughts churned, Malayah's door creaked open. She emerged, cradling Whiskers. "Alright, Whiskers, time for me to head out. You be good, okay? I'll be back soon."

She placed Whiskers down and walked towards the railing, peering down at the empty foyer. "Really, they didn’t even come to see me off. Only Whiskers has any heart."

With a final adjustment of her sunglasses, she picked up her suitcase and headed downstairs, her departure marked by a somber sense of duty.

Watching her leave, Selena and Adan stepped out from behind the door, their expressions tinged with wistfulness. "Master, not seeing her off seems a bit harsh, don’t you think?" Selena whispered, her fondness for Malayah like that of a sister.

Adan sighed deeply, "How can a bird learn to fly if it never leaves the nest? She needs to discover her own wings." With that, he turned back to the villa, his steps a mix of pride and concern.

Selena watched Malayah's figure disappear, a soft sigh escaping before following Adan inside.

Though Malayah had seen many skyscrapers, the sight of the Eagle Wing International Hotel’s tower was awe-inspiring. The 100-story building was a marvel, a skyscraper truly reaching for the heavens. The name 'Eagle Wing' was fitting indeed.

"Looks like I’m protecting someone important. With all the bodyguards here, they probably won’t even notice me. Easy in, easy out!" The opulent sight lifted Malayah’s spirits, her grin wide.

After adjusting her slightly loose-fitting suit and sunglasses, she walked confidently toward the entrance with her suitcase.

But as soon as she stepped into the hotel, a security guard in uniform noticed her unusual outfit. Grabbing his radio, he called urgently, "Attention front desk, this is 032. We’ve got someone suspicious in the lobby! I repeat, suspect in the lobby!"

Malayah Smith approached the imposing facade of the Grand Alpine Resort with a confident stride, despite the ill-fitting black suit and oversized sunglasses that seemed to swallow her petite frame. She laughed inwardly at the absurdity of her situation, hoping the grandeur of the place would overshadow her anonymity. This was just another assignment, after all—one where blending in was key.

As soon as she set foot in the lobby, two brawny security guards intercepted her path.

The guards were towering figures, each nearly 6 feet tall, and Malayah had to crane her neck to meet their gaze, causing her sunglasses to wobble precariously on her nose. She felt a fleeting stab of embarrassment at her diminutive height—a rare sensation for her.

“Good afternoon, miss. May I ask who you're here to see?” one of the guards inquired, giving her a once-over.

Malayah attempted to square her shoulders, trying to offset the height difference with sheer attitude. “I'm here for Ricardo Patterson,” she declared with authority, using the CEO's first name to assert some semblance of control.

The guards exchanged a skeptical glance. One extended his hand, saying, “Miss, do you have an appointment with Mr. Patterson? We’ll need to see your appointment card.”

Malayah was momentarily stumped. Why would she need an appointment card? It wasn't like she was booking a dentist appointment. Cursing silently at her mentor’s oversight in not preparing her for this step, she hesitated. “I... don't have an appointment card.”

“I’m sorry, miss,” the guard replied. “Please register at the security desk first, then you can arrange an appointment at the front desk.”

The suggestion filled Malayah with dread. Registering could expose her identity as a woman—a risk she could not take. But without following protocol, she'd never meet Ricardo Patterson. Even if she could arrange an appointment, she’d be waiting for days, even weeks. The idea of retreating briefly crossed her mind.

Then inspiration struck. From her pocket, she retrieved a counterfeit check for a million dollars. “I don’t have an appointment card, but perhaps this can serve my purpose.” She presented the replica check to the guards.

The guards froze at the sight of the check, their demeanor shifting from dismissive to deferential, recognizing it as something that only the legendary bodyguard, Adan Bradley, could produce.

“Forgive us, miss. Let's escort you to Mr. Patterson immediately,” the guard said, his tone now respectful.

The significance of the check was beyond Malayah, but the change in attitude was a relief, a welcome departure from the guards' initial skepticism.

Inside the CEO's office at Grand Alpine Resort, Ricardo Patterson was deep in thought, concentrating on a document in front of him. Across the desk, Parker Franklin sat casually, absorbed in sketching something with a pen.

The repetitive scratching of Parker's pen prompted Ricardo to glance up, exasperated. “Parker, why are you in here instead of working? What's that you’re drawing?”

Parker ignored Ricardo’s irritation and snickered, “Finished!”

“What’s done?” Ricardo asked, curious.

“Your top-notch bodyguard,” Parker exclaimed, brandishing his sketch.

Ricardo looked at the drawing, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Parker, are you sure that’s a bodyguard and not a cartoon character?”

“A cartoon character? Take another look, it’s clearly human!” Parker defended.

Their friendly banter was cut short as Ricardo’s desk phone rang. He answered swiftly.

“Mr. Patterson, Mr. Adan Bradley has arrived. He’s outside your office now,” the secretary announced crisply.

The news made Parker jump, rushing to open the office door. “I don’t see anyone, Ricardo. Your secretary’s pulling a fast one,” Parker laughed, peering out.

Then, a voice both smooth and resolute sounded nearby, “I’m Adan Bradley.”

Parker recoiled in surprise, his eyes falling on Malayah—barely visible as she stood there, half-concealed by the door.

"I'm sorry, but I am Adan Bradley..." a soft, gentle voice whispered in Parker Franklin's ear.

Parker was taken aback. Moments ago, he had been alone, yet now a voice resonated beside him. If he hadn’t glanced down accidentally, he might have thought he was imagining things.

A petite figure stood in front of Parker—so small it was almost overshadowed by his towering six-foot frame.

Parker focused on the small person dressed in a sharp black suit and exclaimed, “Did you just say you’re Adan Bradley?!”

Malayah Smith nodded seriously, her voice barely above a whisper, “I am Adan Bradley…”

Before she could finish, Parker burst into laughter, grabbing Malayah’s arm and pulling her into the CEO's office.

Turning to Ricardo Patterson, Parker grinned mischievously, “Hey Ricardo, so this is your idol, the international martial arts champion and ultimate bodyguard, Adan Bradley? Pretty pint-sized, huh?”

Ricardo looked at Malayah, raising an eyebrow slightly. In a cool tone, he said, “Who are you? You’re not Adan Bradley!”

Malayah smiled kindly, replying calmly, “Of course, I'm not Adan Bradley. I'm his student, here to fulfill the contract as his substitute bodyguard.”

“Haha, you're a bodyguard too? That sounds adorable coming from you. Haha,” Parker laughed, almost doubling over. If it weren't for his chair, he'd be on the floor.

Parker's mocking tone about her height ignited a spark in Malayah's heart, yet she restrained her anger. Representing her mentor, she couldn't afford to lose face.

“Excuse me, sir, why are you laughing? Is it my height?” Malayah’s voice was steady, her dark sunglasses concealing the intensity in her eyes as she stared at Parker.

Parker straightened up upon Malayah’s question and then walked over to her, comparing their heights. Malayah’s head barely reached Parker’s chest.

“Hey, Mr. Bodyguard, what are you eating that’s not helping you grow? How can someone your size be a bodyguard? It's hilarious, haha!” Parker laughed, unable to contain himself.

Anger surged through Malayah as she snapped, “What’s wrong with my height? It’s none of your business, and my professionalism has nothing to do with my height or being a bodyguard!”

Parker chuckled, “Of course it matters. I want to see how impressive a bodyguard of your stature can be. Since your height isn’t much, maybe your other skills are great? Like your fighting skills?” His eyes glinted with mockery.

Malayah replied calmly, “Fighting skills aren’t for show. I’m a bodyguard, not an entertainer. If you want to watch a fight, you should try TV.”

Parker smirked at her retort, and then turned to Ricardo, saying, “Ricardo, I think you've been fooled. You’re paying a fortune for this ‘ultimate bodyguard.’ Doesn’t it seem like a bit of a waste? Haha, I'm mourning for your cash.”

Keeping her cool was tough for Malayah, who longed to put Parker in his place. Who was he to belittle her repeatedly? Malayah Smith was not one to accept such disrespect lightly.

Ricardo’s perceptive gaze scanned Malayah, a charming smile playing on his lips as he asked, “Miss, may I ask, are you really Adan’s trainee?”

“Of course. Do you think anyone would dare pose as Adan Bradley’s student?” Malayah replied confidently, pride tingeing her voice.

Ricardo nodded, knowing only the foolhardy would risk impersonating Adan’s student.

“All right, Miss, I believe you’re Adan’s trainee. However, I do need you to demonstrate your skills. Remember, I’ll be entrusting you with my life,” Ricardo said, polite but firm.

“Yes... I understand,” Malayah replied, her calm exterior masking the apprehension within. Was Ricardo influenced by that obnoxious man, doubting her skills and identity? He wanted her to prove herself, but she had nothing to showcase. Although she’d received some training, her dedication was lacking, leading her friends to jest that she was just a “three-legged cat.”

Facing Ricardo, Malayah asked softly, “All right then, Mr. Patterson, how do you suggest I prove myself to you?”

Ricardo, sensing Malayah’s tension, smiled as he inquired, “Miss, what are you most skilled at?”

Malayah thought hard, struggling to identify her strong suit. The only thing she’d picked up was knife throwing, and even that interest had dwindled quickly.

She looked to Ricardo and confessed, “Well… what I really like is… knife throwing!”

“Haha, knife throwing, like something out of a circus? I’d say ‘tiny knife thrower’ suits you better!” Parker couldn’t resist and burst into laughter once more, clutching his stomach.

Malayah’s face reddened with frustration. This man seemed intent on antagonizing her, finding fault with everything she said.

Even Ricardo, who had enough of the derision, spoke to Parker sharply, “Parker, enough. This bodyguard, no matter what, is Adan’s disciple. Show some respect for Adan.”

Parker, still amused, finally composed himself, nodding at Malayah. “Alright, alright, I’ll respect Adan’s esteemed trainee.”