Viktor stood beside Olivia’s father, his back straight, eyes cold and calculating. His presence was deliberate, every muscle in his body alert, but his expression remained impassive. He didn’t need to look at the woman in front of him to know how this moment would unfold. She would be guarded, skeptical, maybe even irritated.

But Viktor was used to it.

“Olivia,” her father’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and commanding, “This is Viktor. He’ll be your new bodyguard.”

Viktor’s gaze shifted, locking onto Olivia for the first time. She was standing at the other side of the room, her posture tense, eyes flicking between him and her father. She didn’t say anything. Of course, she wouldn’t. People like her didn’t welcome a new protector into their lives with open arms. They didn’t need anyone watching over them. Viktor understood that more than anyone.

“Viktor will be staying with you from now on,” her father continued, unaware of the silence thickening between them. “It’s for your own safety."

Viktor watched Olivia’s expression. She didn’t hide her disdain. It was as clear as day, the way her lips barely parted, her stance stiff as though she was bracing herself for something she couldn’t avoid.

The tension hung in the air like smoke, but Viktor was unfazed. He had done this a thousand times before. The silence was loud, but he remained focused. His job was to keep Olivia safe. He didn’t care about the hostility, the silent judgments.

As he moved to step forward, ready to take the next action, he felt Olivia’s eyes on him again. He didn’t flinch, didn’t respond to the coldness in her gaze.

But inside, something flickered. Something deeper than duty.

There was no turning back now.

Viktor remained silent, his eyes scanning Olivia once more, assessing her, waiting. But he knew better than to expect her to warm up to him. Not yet. Not until he proved that he could protect her—not just with his strength, but with his presence.

For now, he had to be what she needed, whether she liked it or not.