Chapter 415
Chapter 415
+25 Bonus
Chapter 415
“I should take you home p>
The words made Daven turn toward Arsen, who was standing a short distance away. “Why do you need to take me home p>
Arsen cleared his throat lightly. “Um… to make sure you get home afely p>
“You’d be better off taking care of yourself,” Daven clicked his tongue. “You’re tired too, Arsen. You’ve done a lot today- and none of it was easy. Use what time you have left to rest sooner p>
“But, sir,” Arsen protested, “I can’t do that. Not when I know what kind of situation you’re dealing with p>
“There’s no need,” Daven cut him off. “You’re just as exhausted as I am. Go home p>
Perhaps because he had worked with Daven for so long, Arsen had grown attuned to the shifts beneath his employer’s calm exterior. He could sense when too many things were churning inside the mind of Callister Group’s CEO.
Arsen remained where he stood, not moving an inch. The look in his eyes was no longer just that of a dutiful assistant-there was genuine concern there. The concern of someone who had watched, far too many times, as Daven forced himself to stay upright while the world around him collapsed piece by piece.
He hadn’t forgotten the storm that once struck the steadfast man named Daven Callister-the betrayal by the woman he had loved. She had turned on him without hesitation, after he had done everything for her, even sacrificing the sincerity of others for her sake. Daven had paid a heavy price for ignoring those people. Still, by now, his life should have been focused on business, on family, on expanding Callister Group and strengthening its reputation.
But that was life. It never moved according to plan. Sometimes it threw obstacles in abundance-lessons meant to be learned, experiences meant to be endured. And in the midst of it all, someone had to remain calm, to become the steady anchor when everything else threatened to spiral.
Since midday, Arsen had noticed the change. Daven drifted into silence more often, lost in thought, unfocused-sometimes staring at his work screen with no intention of continuing. Arsen knew it stemmed from the discussion with Cale. He himself had been just as shaken by the information Cale revealed, and when he contacted Erick, he truly hadn’t expected what followed.
Someone wanted Daven to fall-completely, irreversibly. Slowly, methodically, they were targeting his family and everything he had built over the years. It was the most insidious method Arsen had ever encountered, and he refused to let his boss be destroyed that way.
“This isn’t about whether you’re tired or not, sir,” Arsen said at last, his voice lower but firm. “You haven’t been fully focused since that news came in p>
Daven frowned. “I’m fine p>
Arsen shook his head slowly. “That’s exactly what worries me.
He stepped closer. “You’ve just dealt with too much in too short a time-Oscar, Bret, Erick’s report, the possibility that people involved are targeting your family. That’s not a small burden. And don’t want you driving with a head full of all that p>
Daven fell silent for a moment. He wanted to argue, to say he was used to it—that driving alone actually gave him space to think. But even before the words formed, he realized his hands were still elenched. His mind wasn’t as clear as he’d thought.
“Arsen,” he said more quietly, “have you turned into an overprotective spouse now p>
Arsen frowned, clearly displeased. “Where did that come from?” he snapped. “I could never replace Mrs. Althea. This has nothing to do with that. This is my responsibility as your assistant If anything happens to you, I’ll be the first-person Mrs. Althea comes after-and I have no intention of letting that happer” he replied without hesitation.
“It’s not just about managing your schedule and work. Making sure you get home safely is also part of my job p>
Silence settled between them. Daven let out a long breath, the tension easing from his shoulders little by little. He knew Arsen wouldn’t back down. And for once, he also knew-Arsen’s stubbornness came from the right place.
1/3
Chapter 415
+25 Bonus
“Alright,” Daven said at last. “Take me home p>
Arsen nodded quickly, visibly relieved though he tried to remain professional. “Thank you, sir p>
Daven headed toward the elevator, this time allowing someone to walk half a step behind him. And for the first time that day, he didn’t feel like he was carrying all the weight in his head alone.
When all these storms finally settle, he thought, maybe giving Ars in a generous bonus wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
“I’ll think about it,” he mused silently.
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