Attack a defenseless girl? That was exactly what they believed.
The morning in the park was quiet and warm. Veronika had just finished her run, stopped near a narrow side path, and was catching her breath. The workout had been exhausting but satisfying. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, a thin gold chain rested around her neck, and a sports watch gleamed on her wrist. She loved these rare days off when she could simply be alone.
The path was nearly empty. The cool air after the nighttime rain smelled of wet leaves and freshness. Veronika was about to head toward the exit when the sudden roar of engines exploded behind her.
Three motorcycles sped around the bend and stopped directly in front of her. Three muscular men climbed off the bikes.
Cheap tracksuits.
Tattoos across their arms and necks.
Arrogant smirks.
The leader stepped closer and slowly looked her up and down.
— Well, beauty, walking alone? — he drawled with a smirk.
— That phone must be expensive. Hand it over before you drop it.
Veronika remained silent. Her face stayed calm, though tension flickered in her eyes.
The second man moved around to her side.
— Look at her style. Nice watch. That chain’s shining. Seems like there’s something worth taking.
— Don’t tremble, we’ll be gentle, — the third added with a quiet laugh.
They stood too close now, blocking her path completely.
— You understand there’s nobody here to help you, right? — the leader said. — Hand everything over quietly and walk away.
— Or what? — Veronika asked calmly, trying not to let her voice shake.
The men exchanged amused looks.
— Or things will get unpleasant, — one of them answered. — We don’t like it when people argue with us.
They laughed among themselves, talking about her phone, her sneakers, her chain. One of them even reached a hand toward her shoulder, as if testing how frightened she was.
All they saw was a lone, helpless woman after a workout.
But they had absolutely no idea what was about to happen one minute later.
The leader stepped toward her again and leaned closer.
— So, are you giving it over nicely, or do we have to explain?
Veronika looked at him carefully.
No screaming.
No panic.
Only tension in her eyes and cold concentration.
— Do you really think this is a good idea? — she asked quietly.
The men looked at one another and burst out laughing.
— Did you hear that? She’s trying to scare us.
— Girl, do you even know who you’re talking to?
— There’s nobody here. Just us and you.
Suddenly, Veronika smiled.
— Exactly. Just you and me.
One of the men froze.
— Why are you smiling?
— Because you have no idea what you’ve just gotten yourselves into, — she replied.
The leader stepped forward impatiently.
— Stop pretending to be tough. The phone and the chain. Now.
And at that exact moment, from around the bend in the path and out from the shadows of the trees, two large men slowly appeared.
They were her bodyguards.
Tall.
Dressed entirely in black.
Faces cold and unreadable.
They moved calmly, without rushing, but every step carried quiet strength.
The thugs had no idea they had just tried to rob the daughter of one of the richest men.
The men turned around sharply.
— And who are they?
One of the bodyguards stepped forward and asked shortly:
— Problem?
Veronika didn’t even bother turning around.
— Not anymore, — she replied calmly.
The smiles instantly vanished from the men’s faces.
