Chapter 287: A large bait...
The assistant’s head snapped towards his boss, taking in the hard lines etched across Desmond’s face. It wasn’t often that Rick saw his boss this tense, his usually calm demeanor riddled with traces of unease. A gnawing sense of curiosity and concern crept into his thoughts.
"What exactly is happening?" Rick wondered silently. Desmond. Uf had been relentless these past few days, hopping from city to city, meeting unseen faces in hidden places.
He had never seen Desmond like this—not even when the Allen board threatened his influence years ago. Rick hadn’t been present the day Desmond visited Davis in the hospital, so the cause of this sudden anxiety remained unknown to him. Still, his instincts screamed that something was unraveling fast.
Recalling his instructions on phone asking him to arrange a press conference and also to arrange a legal team, his heart skipped a beat and his brow furrowed.
As if reflecting on his own uncertain future, Rick narrowed his eyes in quiet thought. "Will there be a power shift? Is Davis regaining his strength or influence? Should I start preparing for the rainy days ahead? I have my family to think about too. Maybe it’s best to stay silent and observe for now."
Lost in his musing, he barely noticed Desmond shift in his seat until his voice broke the silence.
"Rick, how many people around me do you think are truly loyal to me?"
The question hit like a bolt of lightning. Rick’s ears tingled as if he had been physically struck. The question wasn’t just rhetorical; it was loaded and unnerving.
He hadn’t expected this question, this concern—not now.
Only moments ago, he had been entertaining thoughts of planning for his own safety—probably securing a way out for himself. Now Desmond was probing for loyalty when he hadn’t even considered this issue.
Rick swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. His gaze flickering and unable to meet Desmond’s eyes. He forced a confident tone though it wavered ever so slightly. "Sir, I believe many people will stand with you. You’ve been good to them."