415: Brewing tension behind the scenes

Brewing tension behind the scenes

"Don't lose the baby."1

Heaven knitted carefully, rocking on the rocking chair on the veranda. After her brief interaction with Silas, everything the man said repeated in her mind like a broken record. She didn't plan to knit outdoors due to the weather, but she needed a clear mind right now. 

"That's what he said, Bear," she added, drawing a deep breath as she leaned back. 

Bear, standing not far away, had a grim expression at her previous remarks. He had been with her since she came in here, but both remained quiet until now.

"You should cut him off," he suggested in a deep baritone. "He bothers me."

Heaven blinked ever so tenderly, turning her head in his direction. 

"He reminds me of that person. They gave off the same vibe... do I have to remind you what happened back then just because you let such a person linger around you?" Bear added, eyes glinting menacingly at the thought of the past. "Let's not make the same mistake in this life, boss."

"That decision is not mine to make, Bear." Heaven let out a sigh, setting her eyes on the lush green ahead. "If I hold that decision, he wouldn't even step foot in this place. I've already known he is bad news... I think everyone already knows that."

"This is frustrating."

"It frustrates me as well."

"You... are carrying a child," he stressed each word as if that wasn't clear to her. "He already warned you."

This time, Heaven didn't answer as she kept her calm countenance facing the serene view ahead. There was a reason Heaven decided to stay in the old residence where Silas would be living. She did it not because Dominic was in danger in the presence of that abomination. 

Her instinct told her it wasn't Dominic who was in danger, but Grandma Zhu. 

It was the main reason she already planned to visit Grandma Zhu regularly, even if she wasn't pregnant. It just so happened she got pregnant, and she had to stay in the old residence to be taken care of. 

"Bear, at this point, I'm wondering whether you still know me or simply want to treat me as someone incapable of making rational decisions." Her eyelids drooped. "Staying in this place means you are here, Tiger, Gray, Fig, and Princess. Dom already got Tiger and those two, and Basti has a Princess. I trust Butler Fu in taking care of Grandma, but I want you to look after her."

Deep lines appeared between Bear's brows. "How about you?"

"Grandma's safety is our priority right now." Heaven propped her elbow against the armrest, lowering her eyes as she pondered about their situation. "If something happened to her, this family would be shaken, considering all the enemies my husband had been collecting all these years. Do not forget Primo is still out there, Bear."

"That man is quite obsessed with my husband, fighting me with my husband's attention and affection," she continued. "Adding Silas to that list and the fact he resembled my husband too much makes all the bells in my body ring. If they ever get the opportunity to attack Dominic, they will. And that opportunity will only rise if something happens to Grandma."

"I still think you need to do something about Silas," Bear commented quietly. "Just tell Dominic he makes you uncomfortable."

Heaven slowly turned her head in Bear's direction. "Grandma is making the same decisions I did in the past. Perhaps it was guilt or pity she has for Silas, but I understand her. I'm not saying she isn't making a bad decision, but my footing in this family isn't as strong as it seemed."

"Bear, of all people, you know things are easier said than done," she continued, peeling her eyes from him. "Especially if it's about family matters. Things are ten times more complicated. Just take the fact you can't kill Joker no matter how he deserves it, and that I don't meddle with it despite having you both in my family."

Bear pressed his lips into a thin line, gazing down. His hands behind him were clasped into a fist and his jaw tightened, unable to argue with her. He was simply hoping they could go on a simpler route, considering a child was now growing in her womb. 

"Can I trust you with Grandma's safety?" she asked, casting him a quick look. 

"Keeping her alive is easy. Don't forget, she has Butler Fu looking after her 24/7."

"I know, but it still makes me more at ease if you can look after her."

"Had I ever disappointed you with any of your orders?"

The corner of her mouth curled up, bearing a knowing look. "Never."

"If this will keep some things off your mind, then you do not have to worry." Bear let out a shallow breath, prioritizing her peace of mind in her current condition. "Anyway, have you seen the list I sent you?"

"About the leading mining companies?"

"Yes." He nodded. 

"Mhm." Heaven rocked her head, lifting her chin as she narrowed her eyes. Her gaze was still on the landscape. 

"I also did a bit of digging about the Wang family. So far, they stayed on the safe side of the business. There was a bit of connection with some shady people, but the business is overall legal," Bear explained. "My only concern is that this venture means expanding their territory. It's the main reason people are displeased about this joint venture between the Wang, Wei, and Zhu leaders. The business hadn't started yet, but they already gathered a lot of attention from some people."

"According to Gray, Dominic received at least 4 threats just this week alone. Kaiden Wang already received 2, and Ivy Wei received 6 death threats, including the one she received today," he continued, eyes on her calm side profile. "Yet, those three were showing no sign of stopping."

Heaven didn't answer immediately as she absorbed all the information with a steady heart. It was a surprise Ivy was also being threatened, considering she wasn't showing it. Surely, those three brave souls were stepping into a vicious tiger's lair despite all the danger signs right in front of the entrance. 

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