The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride

Laney was finally about to be discharged from the hospital. It was late winter by now and the first heavy snow fell in Seacisco.
Early that morning, Janet took Ethan to the hospital to pick Laney up. The ground was covered with a thick layer of snow. People
sank into the snow with every step.
“How about you stay in the hospital for a few more days? Your wound’s still wrapped in gauze.” Janet glanced at Laney’s injury
worriedly. She had many misgivings as she packed up Laney’s things. She was a petite girl after all. What if she got hurt again?
Although Laney’s wound hadn’t completely healed, this didn’t stop her from going about her daily activities. Perhaps it was
because she practiced martial arts all year round that her body recovered faster than that of ordinary people.
Laney stretched her legs and shook her head firmly. “I’ve been on leave for a whole week! If I stay any longer, I’ll lose all of this
month’s salary.”
She could go back and clock in. After all, her job was to protect Janet.
While they were chatting, they heard a commotion outside the ward.
“It seems I’m the last one to arrive!” Garrett loudly knocked on the door to the ward two times before pushing it open.
He was dressed in a black overcoat, with a few clumps of snow clinging to his broad shoulders. Pushing a pair of silver-rimmed
glasses up the bridge of his nose, he looked elegant yet gentle.
Janet looked at him in surprise. “Mr. Harding, what brings you here?”
Upon taking a closer look at Garrett, she felt that he looked a little different today, but she couldn’t tell how.
Garrett’s eyes landed on the gauze on Laney’s arm. “This is my capable secretary. It’s only right that I come pick her up from the
hospital!”
‘Are all the leaders of the Larson Group so concerned with their subordinates? Is this part of their corporate culture?’ Janet
wondered with a click of her tongue.
Unexpectedly, Laney turned her head aside and snorted coldly.
Janet thought, ‘Garrett’s the boss. If he came here in person to pick Laney up, it might be impolite of me to refuse his offer.’ Out
loud, she said, “Mr. Harding, thank you in advance for taking Laney home.”

Janet linked arms with Ethan and smiled playfully. “I suppose we’ll get going.”
After the couple left, Garrett asked his assistant to bring the car around. Then he gathered Laney’s luggage and led the way out
of the ward. Of course, Garrett wanted to act gallantly. But Laney gave him the cold shoulder the whole time and didn’t let him
get close to her.
Laney reluctantly followed Garrett out of the hospital and waited for the car.
Glancing at the woman who was pretending to be fine, Garrett asked with concern, “How’s your wound?”
Laney shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s no big deal. But, for the sake of Janet’s safety, I’ll wait until I’ve completely recovered before I
resume my duties as her bodyguard.”
“Don’t worry. Ethan would never let his wife get into any sort of danger. While you were in the hospital, he already made
arrangements for another bodyguard to secretly protect Janet.”
As he spoke, Garrett looked at Laney’s delicate face. Then, he added, “But we all think that your ability is outstanding. It’d be
best if you be the one to continue protecting Janet. Ethan said that after you recover, you will continue to be Janet’s bodyguard.”
“Of course. I’m better than most male bodyguards.” Laney was pleased to hear such words of praise and she couldn’t help but
smile slightly.
But as soon as she finished speaking, her expression suddenly changed as she whipped her head and stared at somewhere
intently.
Confused by her strange behavior, Garrett followed her gaze curiously and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Laney eyed the wide-view mirror in the parking lot and murmured, “I just heard something. It sounded like it was behind us.”