"Is everything alright, Don?" Black asked the moment I stepped out of the main house.

"Why do you ask?" I replied, turning to face him.

He offered a subtle bow. "I'm just concerned, sir... You seem different today. If there is anything you need executed, I won't hesitate."

I kept my eyes fixed on him in absolute silence as he kept his head respectfully lowered. In that brief moment, a wave of dark guilt washed over me for holding him under my lens of suspicion. Black had bled for this syndicate, and doubting his loyalty felt like a betrayal in itself. Yet, in this game, paranoia was the only reason...