Chapter 717 As Ianâs 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 couldnât 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.
âRegardless, Mr. Harding has employed me to look after you. Furthermore, I received Miss Gibsonâs gifts today under his directive. As a daughter-in-
law of the Harding family, you ought to honor the eldersâ views and accept Miss Gibsonâs contrition.â
Ian, however, was unfazed by Lolaâs employer. As Laneyâs personal assistant, her wishes were his only concern. He glanced towards Laney, anticipating her command.
While Laney had always revered the Harding familyâs elders, she refused to bend her will to theirs. Her exp**ssion stoic, she declared, âI will neither accept Kaileeâs gifts nor her apology.â
âBut...â Lolaâs patience waned, and she sought to interject.
âIâll discuss it personally with Mr. Harding. Take the gifts back and return it,â Laney cut her off, putting an end to the debate. Reluctant as she may have been, Lola dared not defy Laneyâs wishes.
She spun around indignantly, intending to snatch the gift and depart, only to be halted by Laneyâs terse command, âClean up the water and dispose of the shattered remnants in the trash bin.â
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, Laneyâs seething anger began to subside. She offered Ian a gracious smile, saying, âSo, Iâll be relying on you henceforth.â
âIt is my honor and duty, Mrs. Harding,â Ian responded with due respect.
Laney scrutinized Ianâs ID card as well as his resume meticulously.
Despite his exceptional resume and performance, she couldnât 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, âNatalie, just to confirm, is Ian the assistant you procured for me?â
Beaming with pride, Natalie confirmed, âIndeed he is. What do you think? Quite the consummate professional, right? It took me some effort to find such a qualified personal assistant.â
âYes, very professional,â Laney agreed. She glanced awkwardly at Ian before adding, âBut, why did you find me a male assistant?â Natalie was a little surprised.
âSorry, I didnât know that you had a problem with this.â
Natalie rifled through Ianâs file. His capability and quality were impeccable. But if Laney had misgivings about hiring a male personal assistant, Natalie would respect her wishes. âIâm so sorry, Laney. You know what? Iâll find you a replacement,â assured Natalie.
Laney couldnât 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 Ianâs 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.
âThank you, Natalie. But thereâs no need for a change now. Ian has demonstrated his professionalism as a personal assistant. His gender, being male, shouldnât matter. I trust that he can take excellent care of me,â Laney affirmed.
Ian was unsurprised by Laneyâs choice. He was certain that Laney wouldnât let anyone take his place just because of his gender. âMrs. Harding, this will be one of your wisest decisions ever,â he said.
Laney couldnât help but smile at Ianâs confidence and replied, âLooks like youâre very sure of yourself.â
âI carefully examined all the information on you when I learnt that I was going to serve as your assistant,â remarked Ian.
Despite his apparently modest demeanor, Ian couldnât hide the air of self-assurance that came with his words. âThatâs why Iâm well aware of your allergies and your situation, Mrs. Harding.â
âReally?â Ianâs confidence gave Laney relief and she took a deep breath to relax.
Ian smiled slightly and said, âI believe Iâll be able to serve you well. Of course. Iâm also skilled in taking care of children.â
Laney, laughed out loud, amused by Ianâs words. The last bit of bias she had towards Ianâs gender disappeared with his words. âYou are a very interesting person.â Laney couldnât 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 Laneyâs favorite snack. He exclaimed, âHoney, look what I brought you...â 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, âWho are you? What are you doing in my wifeâs ward?â
Ian slowly bowed his head in respect and said, âHello, Mr. Mrs. Larson specifically hired for Mrs. Harding.â
âPersonal assistant? A man?â Garrett looked at Ian in disbelief, scanning him up and down and asked, âDoes Natalie know what sheâs doing?â Laney nudged Garrett with her elbow and chided, âIan is a very professional personal assistant. I believe he can take good care of me and our baby.â
Garrett felt a bit uneasy, but after seeing Laneyâs satisfied exp**ssion, he didnât say much. Unfortunately, he had to supp**ss his feelings of annoyance at Natalie for hiring such a good-looking man as Laneyâs personal assistant.
âI assure you, Mr. Harding, that I will lake good care of Mrs. Harding,â Ian said confidently. Noticing Garrettâs doubt, he added, âI have received professional training and I have plenty of medical experience. Rest assured, I can provide the best service for Mrs. Harding.â
Although Garrett still had some doubts, he didnât want to say anything more upon seeing Ianâs professional manner. He simply patted Ianâs shoulder and said, âWell, then, do your job well and take good care of my wife. Iâll give you an extra bonus if youâre good enough.â
Ianâs exp**ssion remained indifferent, showing no signs of happiness at Garrettâs promised bonus. âMrs. Hardingâs well-being is at the top of my priority. I will work hard to keep her happy,â he said calmly.
The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband ï¤Chapter 716 The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife (Joanna)
ï¤Chapter 1329 Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen ï¤Chapter 1187 âAnd you donât 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. Thereâs really no need for you to worry,â added Ian.
Garrett didnât expect Ian to decline him, and he was unable to counter Ianâs explanation since it made sense.
âIâm Laneyâs husband,â he said, looking somewhat displeased.