chapter1601

As a professional bodyguard, Wilbur had exceptionally sharp instincts and was more perceptive than most. Yet, despite having met Leonard several times, he had never sensed any killing intent from the supposedly dangerous man.

Now, seeing Joshua, Wilbur was surprised because Stella's attitude toward this man seemed different from how she treated others. On the surface, it didn't seem like much, but in her speech, gestures, and the look in her eyes, the difference was obvious.

Seeing Wilbur, Joshua raised an eyebrow meaningfully. He looked at Stella, his dark, deep eyes fixed on her. A smile still played on his lips, but it carried an unexpected sense of pressure.

"Star, this is...?"

Stella instinctively explained, "This is Wilbur. He's the bodyguard Abby found for me."

Wilbur had been chosen as Stella's bodyguard not just for his skills, but also for his quick wits. He immediately smiled and said, "Joshua, my name is Wilbur. You can just call me Wilbur, like Stella does."

Joshua's eyes flickered. "You know who I am?"

"Of course," Wilbur said. "I often hear Stella and Abby talk about your amazing accomplishments."

Abby did mention Joshua often. While Stella never stopped her, she rarely brought him up herself. Joshua knew Stella well enough to see that Wilbur was just being complimentary. He didn't call him out on it, instead asking with a smile, "You've never met me, have you? How were you so sure it was me?"

Wilbur scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Heh, well, not many people are as striking as you, Joshua. I recognized you at a glance."

Joshua gave Wilbur a long look before extending an invitation. "Star and I are about to get lunch. Want to join us?"

As Stella's bodyguard, Wilbur's duty was to ensure her safety. He was about to accept, but Stella spoke first.

"No, Wilbur isn't coming with us."

Wilbur quickly caught on and smiled. "Right, I have something else to do. I won't join you and Joshua for lunch."

With that, he tactfully excused himself.

After Wilbur left, Stella's nerves inexplicably relaxed. Though her relationship with Wilbur was strictly professional, having the two men together for some reason fel strange.

She asked Joshua, "Joshua, what do you want to eat..."

Stella's voice trailed off as she caught herself. Joshua was the

head of the Gardner family, net

no

longer her bodyguard. She couldn treat him as casually as before.

Stella corrected herself. "Uh... Mr. Gardner, what would you like to eat?"

Joshua looked at her. "I still prefer it when you call me Joshua."

Stella's eyes flickered for a moment before she nodded lightly.

"Okay, Joshua. What do you want to eat?"

"I haven't been to that bistro near here in a long time. How about we go there?" Joshua suggested.

The bistro he mentioned was a

simple, local place where he andet

Stella used to have lunch. It wasn't far from the office, only about a fifteen-minute walk.

"Okay," Stella agreed.

At the restaurant, Joshua ordered their food just like he used to.

Stella found herself in a daze for a moment. Joshua's voice brought her back.

"That Wilbur, is he your new bodyguard?"

Stella returned to the present. "... Yes."

Joshua remarked casually, "He's pretty good-looking."