Center Base

"Are the kids asleep yet?" Evelyn inquired, glancing at her husband as he entered the study.

"Yes. You mentioned wanting to talk. Is this about Matilda again?" he asked, his voice laden with concern.

Evelyn gestured for him to sit. As they settled in their chairs, she rose to pour the pre-prepared tea. The comforting aroma filled the room, calming their nerves.

"Haven't you noticed how much Matilda has changed this past year?" Evelyn began. Before her husband could respond, she continued, "We both know she's always been a feisty child, one to get into scraps and mischief. But lately, she's taken up smoking and started wearing rather revealing clothes."

John hesitated, searching for the right words. "We've both seen the changes. We want to help her. She's a resilient girl; she'll pull through," he said reassuringly.

Evelyn sighed, "I sometimes wonder if a heartbreak triggered this transformation."

His protective instincts flaring, John retorted, "If someone dared hurt our girl, I'd want to..." He paused, catching himself.

Evelyn chuckled lightly, "Calm down. I was half-joking. But haven't you also picked up on the scent of blood around her and her peculiar behavior? It wouldn't surprise me if she's gone for certain... extremes."

John snorted, "So, what if she has? Let's not act like we haven't done similar things. Remember our younger days? We were no saints."

Evelyn smiled, a mixture of nostalgia and concern in her eyes. "True, we did have our share of wild moments back then. But times have changed, John. The world she's navigating is far more dangerous than the one we knew."

John leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. The challenges she's facing are different, and I worry about how she's handling them."

Evelyn reached across the table to place a reassuring hand on his. "We can't control everything, John. But we can be there for her, support her, and guide her when she's willing to listen."

He gave her a grateful smile, their shared understanding bringing them closer. "You've always been the one with a level head, Evelyn."

The couple sat in silence for a moment, contemplating their daughter's situation. It was true that they had their own rebellious moments in their youth, but they also knew that times had changed, and the dangers their daughter might face in today's world were much greater.

Meanwhile on the other side, Matilda arrives outside the edge of the city in a mansion that overlooks that city. While her company shieldpro was in the center of the city, it was only for the deal with clients that were actually looking for bodyguards. While the main base is located at the edge of the mountain where it is surrounded by gang members with guns 24 hours a day, everyone usually lives in the mansion and it also has several small houses surrounding it.

As soon as Matilda stepped out of her car and the gate closed behind her, she was greeted by a line of her loyal team members. They stood on either side of the entrance, their expressions a mix of respect and camaraderie. "Welcome back, boss," they chorused in unison.

Matilda nodded, acknowledging their greetings with a slight smile. "Thank you, everyone. It's good to be back."

As she enters the mansion, her group of Six Guardians greet her. These men are the one that mostly oversee every operation and report to her.

The three people on the right were Nichola, Jacob and Ryan. Nicholas, a figure of authority and respect. His tall, commanding presence is accentuated by his close-cropped dark hair and piercing gray eyes, which reflect a deep commitment to the security of the organization.

Jacob's lean and agile frame suggests a skill set built around stealth and precision. He possesses a unique proficiency as a Firearms Specialist, his dark, curly hair creating a striking contrast to his perceptive blue eyes that miss nothing in their surroundings.

Ryan exudes charisma, navigating social situations with ease. His blond hair and hazel eyes contribute to an approachable and friendly demeanor that belies his deeper role within the group.

Standing beside Matilda on the left side is Anthony, a figure of strength much like his counterpart. His shaved head and neatly trimmed beard reflect a readiness for action, while his brown eyes hold a focused intensity, ready to respond to any challenge.

In contrast, Christopher exudes a quiet confidence. His dark hair and warm eyes contribute to an approachable aura, suggesting a deeper layer of understanding beneath the surface.

And then there's Matthew, an enigmatic presence within the group. His black hair and striking blue eyes hint at his ability to blend seamlessly into crowds, a trait that serves him well in various situations.

Together, these Six Guardians form a team that operates harmoniously, their diverse skills and personalities combining to ensure the safety and stability of the crime organization.

"How's the prisoner doing, and has he given us any information yet?" Matilda inquired.

"He's proving to be quite a tough nut to crack," Matthew replied, his tone laced with amusement.

Christopher leaned against the wall, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, we haven't exactly exhausted our creativity yet. After all, you did say we could take our time with this."

Matilda chuckled, shaking her head. "True, true. But let's not disappoint our guests too much. We wouldn't want him to think we're not putting in enough effort."

"Maybe we should throw him a 'Guess the Password' party," Ryan suggested, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "We could have balloons, cake, and a list of all the possible passwords he could have used."

Matilda chuckled at Ryan's playful remark. "Well, Ryan, I appreciate your enthusiasm for efficiency, but let's save some surprises for ourselves too. After all, where's the fun if everything goes according to plan?" She winked.

Nicholas chimed in with a smirk, "Ryan, our boss is right. We can't have things getting too predictable. Keeps us on our toes."

Jacob nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's not just about the end result, but the thrill of the process."

Matthew added with a grin, "And we wouldn't want to disappoint our guest by not giving him a chance to enjoy our hospitality, would we?"

Christopher leaned against the wall; his arms crossed. "I guess we'll just have to find more creative ways to make our friend here talk."

Ryan chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, you guys' win. Let's keep the surprise element alive."

Nicholas grinned, giving Ryan a playful pat on the back. "See, Ryan? Embracing the unexpected keeps life interesting."

Jacob chimed in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Who knows, maybe our friend here will appreciate the effort we're putting into his interrogation."

Anthony chuckled, his deep voice resonating in the room. "I'm sure he'll have a memorable story to tell if he ever gets out of here."

Christopher pushed himself off the wall, stretching his arms casually. "Well, let's not keep our guest waiting any longer. I'm sure he's been enjoying our hospitality."