âAldric, why donât you step outside for a moment? I need to have a word with Sonny.
â
Aldric, his eyes welling up with tears, nodded in silence and gently closed the door behind him.
Turning his gaze towards Sonny, who stood nearby, Nathan let out a soft chuckle.
âNo need to be so downcast.
Iâm not dead yet.
Come over here.
â
Sonny, wiping away his tears with his sleeve, approached the bed and stood still.
âIâm not crying! Youâve always been a mean leader who only knows how to exploit and oppress me.
To see you in such misery brings me nothing but joy!â
Nathan found amusement in Sonnyâs response.
âWell said.
Itâs good to know that you feel this way.
â
Sonny averted his gaze, intentionally ignoring Nathan.
Nathan then went on saying, âSince Kyson got dismissed, the position of Director at the Secret Investigation Department is open.
In the next few days, Iâll write a letter of recommendation for you.
Youâll be in charge of the team.
Given your skills, it wonât be more than a month before you assume office.
Youâll also take Larry and the others with you.
â
Sonny stared at Nathan in disbelief, his voice filled with sadness.
âAre you pushing me away?â
âYou are very skilled.
After Iâm gone, this is the best place for you to be.
â
Sonny shook his head adamantly.
âI canât just leave like that! Iâll stay unless I meet my death, and I donât think Larry and the others would be willing to go either.
â
Nathan weighed the options with Sonny and said, âMekhi Shaw is now the second-in-command at the National Security Bureau.
He has always been ruthless and merciless.
If he finds out about my illness, heâll try to seize my position.
Youâve been by my side for so long.
He wonât let you slip away.
â
âI know.
â
With a determined look in his eyes, Sonny said firmly, âIf he wants to take me down, then let him try.
Either way, Iâm not leaving.
â
âConsider this is an order!â
Nathan sounded serious.
It was rare for him to talk to Sonny in a calm tone.
âYouâll be in trouble working under a cruel leader like me.
You see, Iâm not exactly heading towards a happy ending myselfâ¦â
Before Nathan could finish his sentence, Sonny dropped to his knees, as if his legs were springs giving way.
âBoss, are you angry with me? I was just joking.
Knowing about your condition, Iâm pained.
To me, youâre not only my boss, but also my brother and only family!â
Sonny took two steps closer to the edge of the bed, his hands gripping the edge tightly.
His eyes mirrored helplessness and desperation.