Chapter 580
Chapter 580:
Suppressing the wave of frustration, Zane cautiously asked, “Mr. Smith, this man is an outsider. Why come all the way out here just to greet him personally?”
It was only then that Rayden seemed to notice Zane standing stiffly beside him.
Holding Zane in a soft corner of his heart, Rayden began to introduce Ashton, until he caught a subtle warning look from Ashton, a silent plea to keep his true identity under wraps. Rayden, though baffled, sensed Ashton’s urgency and respected it without hesitation.
Clearing his throat, Rayden slapped a warm hand on Ashton’s shoulder and let out a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Ah, Zane, perhaps you’re unaware, but this is Dr. Ashton Baldwin, a celebrated doctor who has graciously offered to assist us with last night’s peculiar case. I thought he deserved a proper welcome.”
A celebrated doctor? Ashton Baldwin?
Rayden’s words struck Zane like a hammer blow. His eyes darted over Ashton, sharp and searching, as if trying to peel back any veneer of deception.
After a tense pause, Zane quirked an eyebrow, his tone laced with suspicion. “You… a doctor?”
Ashton met his gaze with a serene smile. “Is there an issue?”
“I’d say there’s more than one! Just yesterday, Alisha mentioned you were the head of the Skyline Group’s branch in Staville. Now, Mr. Smith says you’re a doctor?” Zane’s voice dropped as he leaned toward Rayden and murmured, “Mr. Smith, there’s something fishy about this man. We should look into him—he might be running a con!”
Without waiting for permission, Zane started to signal his team, ready to haul Ashton away.
Rayden’s face darkened with thunderous indignation. “Zane! Are you seriously questioning my judgment of Mr. Baldwin’s identity?”
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Rayden had always treated Zane with gentle patience, overlooking minor blunders with a guiding word or two. He’d never so much as raised his voice. But now, Rayden’s gaze was fierce, almost unrecognizable, and Zane felt its sting.
Caught between pride and loyalty, Zane dug his heels in. “Mr. Smith, it looks like even you’ve been fooled! This man is dangerous. We must act now!”
Rayden’s temper flared hotter. “What’s gotten into you, Zane? Dr. Baldwin is here on my invitation! You want to arrest him? Fine! Why not handcuff me too and haul us both in for questioning?”
Rayden yanked his handcuffs from his belt and threw them at Zane, holding his wrists aloft as if daring him to complete the act.
Zane’s heart skipped a beat. He’d never seen Rayden defend someone with such zeal.
The pride that had once filled his chest now felt hollow, crumbling like ash. The eyes he’d hoped would see him as a trusted ally now looked upon him with disappointment, and it stung like a fresh wound.
Defeated, his face etched with reluctant acceptance, Zane returned the handcuffs with trembling hands.
“Mr. Smith, I… I was wrong. Please, forgive me. I believe you now,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
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