MIDNIGHT Bride The CEO's TEMPTATION

James looked a bit uncomfortable when Hazel questioned him.

"He's undercover," Joshua said bluntly.

"My identity cannot be exposed." James's face changed instantly.

"It doesn't matter. You didn't expose it, I found out after I investigated."

Joshua was very composed. "Hazel nor I would reveal your identity."

James still looked uncomfortable, but even if he continued to argue, it wouldn't change anything.

"The organization that Simon was in completely disbanded and withdrew from Country Z. However, they never gave up after they left. Especially in the last few years since Simon came into power. The organization's activities in Country Z have become more and more frequent." Joshua explained.

He continued to say, "Country Z has always been wary of the organization, so of course, it has many ways to deal with it. James is an undercover agent who has been tasked to infiltrate it."

"It is amazing that you have agreed to do such a dangerous job," Hazel said as she looked at James with respect.

James had been a little angry with Joshua when he was telling Hazel about his assignment, but when he heard Hazel's compliment, he relaxed.

"It's not as dangerous as you think," he explained, a little uncomfortable. "The organization is very wary of undercover agents, so I didn't become core staff. Plus, Simon is very careful and has clean hands, so I still haven't been able to get anything on him. I have had a couple of fights with him, but I couldn't get the better of him."

"You're great. After all, you're alone, but Simon has an entire organization behind him. Under such circumstances, I think you won," Hazel continued praising him.

He felt a bit shy and then shook his head. "No... By the way, Joshua, what the hell did you want to see me for?"

"For Hazel's safety, I want you to get her a bodyguard who is dependable and strong. They must be qualified to protect Hazel from the organization. Joshua added, glancing at James. "Gender…female."

Hazel was in a daze. It turned out Joshua asked James to come for her. Since she was Simon's target and she didn't want to be locked up in Denmark Residence, Joshua came up with a way to find her a powerful bodyguard.

Whenever she made a strong-willed request, Joshua always accommodated her, even if his main concern was her safety.

James said in a deep tone. "I know what you mean, but I have to ask my superiors about this."

"I can't wait too long for this." Joshua's eyes were serious.

"I see. I'll contact you as soon as possible," said James with a grave expression.

After James left, Hazel took a deep breath and repressed her upset, confused thoughts. "Joshua, I can stay at Denmark Residence all the time. That way, I will be safe…."

"But you won't be happy." He looked at her quietly. Then he continued, "Don't think too much about this. It's not a difficult request for James. We only need to wait for his reply. Besides... even at Denmark Residence, I can't guarantee that you will be completely safe."

He didn't want to experience the same incident that occurred in Country F again. 

Hazel's eyes twinkled, and she suddenly realized she needed to talk to Joshua about any doubts she had. She knew that he treated her so kindly, and if she didn't trust him, then she wasn't good enough for him.

"Joshua, I have something I want to talk to you about," she said seriously.

"Mmm." A smile appeared on Joshua's face.

It was not easy for Hazel to stay positive and calm while she spoke. She took a deep breath and said, "I was actually there when they brought Mandy to the warehouse and when you arrived…" She continued to tell him everything that she saw and how she was feeling.

He frowned slightly, but he was clearly not very interested.

"So, do you think Mandy is more likely Denmark's daughter?" With a little hesitation, she finally spoke up.

"Impossible," he said without hesitation. "She may have found out that it was a trap, or she may have been absorbed in the role, but it's impossible that she is the daughter."

"... Why are you not willing to face that possibility?" She was a bit helpless. "There's nothing wrong with her identity. She has had the birthmark since she was a child, and she had the necklace. Besides, she didn't change her story even when the kidnappers threatened her.

Either way, she is more likely to be the daughter of your family."

His eyes were a bit deep. He spoke after thinking for a while, "Hazel, I have a few things I'm not sure about right now. However, if Mandy's identity is disturbing you so much, I will clarify it as soon as possible…."

"You don't understand my heart at all!" Her anger could no longer be repressed, and her eyes were a little red. "I don't care if Mandy is the daughter of your family. I don't care who the daughter is! What matters to me is whether you like the daughter or me! Don't say that I am the daughter, just tell me, what you will do if I am not her?"

He looked a little startled, he watched Hazel tremble and stepped forward to hold her in his arms.

"Let me go..." She struggled hard.

He hugged her a little more tightly, his chin resting on her forehead lightly. She struggled for a moment before finally leaning against his arms.

"Hazel, this question has been bothering you for a long time, eh?" he asked in a low voice. He knew she wouldn't get upset if it hadn't been bothering her. He also knew that it was his fault because it was not the first time she asked him, but he didn't seem to care about it and just thought she was overreacting, so he answered in his own way.

He realized that he had ignored the fact that even though Hazel was very sensible, she was also emotional, and her way of thinking was different from his. He had wondered why she was distant, he thought it was Simon, but it was him. She must have been struggling with her thoughts every day.

"Hazel, maybe you won't believe anything I say now." After letting her go, Joshua's eyes were very serious. "But I just want you to know that I love you, not the Denmark family's daughter."

"Really?" Hazel saw him through a mist of tears. She had waited for an answer for a long time, but she felt that it wasn't true when she heard it.