One of the men, trembling with fear, replied, "It's a misunderstanding, Miss Zephany. Detective Reynold Draven sent us to protect you."
"Brother?" Zephany questioned.
As if fearing disbelief, they answered in unison, "Yes, it was Detective Reynold Draven who sent us."
They bowed their heads, afraid to meet her gaze, awaiting her response.
After a tense silence, Zephany finally spoke. "Why?"
"We... we don't know. Detective Reynold only instructed us to protect you discreetly," they stammered cautiously, their fear of not being believed evident.
With no immediate response from Zephany, they spoke together again, their voices filled with trepidation. "It's the truth, please believe us."
Zephany's expression remained cold and emotionless as she looked down at them.
"Don't follow me anymore. Instead, I want you to protect someone."
The five men exchanged nervous glances before one of them asked in a shaky voice, "W-Who?"
A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Kendrick Montclair."
