I transmigrated and got a husband and a son!
Chapter 829: Right about you

Chapter 829: Right about you

"You don’t trust me anymore, do you?"

The ride to their destination was consumed by a stifling silence. Dominic chose not to respond to Dane’s remarks, and Dane remained silent thereafter. Bear, seated in the driver’s position, couldn’t help but notice the unfamiliar tension in the vehicle.

Even upon reaching their destination, Bear continued to observe Dominic from the sidelines. As his bodyguard, it was his duty to keep a vigilant eye on him. However, today felt different.

"He’s acting as if nothing concerns him," Bear thought, shifting his gaze from Dominic to someone standing nearby.

Dane.

Dane stood at a distance from where the event was taking place, wearing a plain expression that concealed his thoughts. This wasn’t the first time Dane had worn such a face. Having worked closely with Dominic, Bear had come to realize that Dane wasn’t always as passive as he appeared. There were moments when Dane exhibited seriousness, boldness, even cunningness. He embodied the traits expected of Dominic’s assistant: capable, dependable, and formidable. Most of the time, at least. It was no surprise that Dominic had kept him by his side for years.

"Even so..." Bear murmured, his attention fixed on Dane’s inscrutable demeanor. "... even when he wears that expression normally, something feels off."

Bear couldn’t quite point his finger at it, but looking at Dane was unsettling him now.

Why?

How?

The memory of his earlier question in the car echoed in Bear’s mind. He blinked, his breathing slowing as his heart steadied.

"Dane Zhang." His voice was barely audible, coinciding with Dane turning in his direction.

Bear and Dane locked eyes briefly. Then Dane averted his gaze and walked away, leaving Bear rooted to his spot.

"She... she must be right about you," Bear muttered softly. "She’s rarely wrong, and now my instincts affirm our decision to listen is the right call. Dane Zhang, you’re starting to bother me now."

Bear looked away from Dane, sighing as he observed the modest gathering Dominic attended.

*****

"Thank you, Mister Zhu, for joining us in this small gathering to aid those struggling in Cake County."

Dominic smiled warmly at the elderly man in the faded sweater. "It’s my pleasure, Leader Wen."

"No, no, Mister Zhu. This means a great deal. For a candidate to conduct their campaign activities here on the border speaks volumes," the old man insisted. "Though it may not seem like much, I’m certain everyone is hopeful that you’ll lend assistance once you secure the election."

Dominic was about to speak but ended up smiling, nodding at the old man, and engaging in genuine pleasantries for a brief moment. Initially, his decision to vie for a position had been self-centered, driven by a desire to safeguard his family. Despite the considerable power and control granted by his status as a businessman, he understood that loyalties could be fleeting.

Hence, instead of trading favors for aid, he resolved to seize power for himself. Yet, during the course of his campaign, he underwent numerous realizations. Living in the city had blinded him to the extent of the need for help. He had encountered both commendable and corrupt politicians, as well as small groups and communities like this one.

In a way, he was growing fond of this new career path.

After conversing with the leader of the local organization that had arranged the event, Dominic made his way back to his car. As he approached, he noticed Dane standing nearby. His steps didn’t falter, halting only when he faced his assistant.

"Where’s Mr. Cruel?" Dominic inquired, scanning the empty lot around them. "He’s usually here by the car when I return. I wonder where he went?"

"He’s meeting with the other team for a briefing," Dane replied.

"There seems to be a delay, but that’s alright. If he’s late, then that means it’s important." Dominic remarked, eyeing Dane closely. "Are you all right, Mr. Zhang?"

"Yes." Dane’s voice was slightly unsteady as he reached for the backseat door handle, allowing his boss to enter.

Dominic didn’t immediately get in, maintaining his gaze on his assistant for a brief moment. Then, he turned toward the open door but paused.

"It’s not that I no longer trust you, Mr. Zhang," Dominic stated, turning slowly to face Dane. "It’s just that I never had reason to trust you from the start."

A deep exhale escaped Dominic before he decided to step into the car. However, he paused again when Dane spoke up.

"I don’t understand, sir." Dane’s voice trembled slightly, his eyes meeting Dominic’s with uncertainty. "What do you mean by that? Just what did I do to be in such a spot?"

"Trust is a constant for me, Mr. Zhang. I trusted you before because you demonstrated competence. But after everything that had happened, my confidence has wavered."

Dominic and Dane locked eyes in silence. Dominic had only spoken his mind once, yet the words resonated in Dane’s ears. It was as though the clock moved slower than usual as both men indulged in this disconcerting silence enveloping them.

"Waver?" After a moment, Dane repeated, disbelief evident in his tone.

"Yes. Once doubt takes root, it can only grow if nurtured," Dominic stated in a monotone. "You had ample time to eliminate that doubt and let it wither away."

Another wave of silence enveloped them as they held each other’s gaze. Eventually, Dominic averted his eyes, standing before the open car door without any indication of entering.

"I was hopeful, Dane," he confessed sincerely. "Even now, I am."

"If you no longer trust me, then... why do you keep me around?" Dane asked, perplexed. "Why do you share information and grant me access to confidential files? If you don’t trust me, then why aren’t you firing me?"

Dominic lifted his chin, not meeting Dane’s gaze as he replied, "My answer is probably the same reason why you’re putting up with me."

This time, Dominic entered the vehicle without further delay. Meanwhile, Dane shook his head, running his tongue across his inner cheek, lost in thought.

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