Samantha's response shifted the spotlight toward Don, and both she and Benjamin looked at him, waiting for his answer.
Don first t Samantha's gaze and then briefly glanced at Benjamin before lowering his head and taking on a contemplative pose, as if he were carefully considering the matter. In truth, what he was really considering was how best to agree to it without hurting his relationship with Samantha.
Regardless of whether it was the right decision or not, he knew she would be hurt if he agreed to the offer without solid reasoning. So, what better way to approach it than by making it seem like his focus was on the family?
While still looking down, he asked, "What sort of protective asures do candidates of that program have, and what guarantees can you give that my family will be completely safe if I agree to join?"
Samantha's serious look imdiately softened as Don asked this to Benjamin. From her perspective, Don was being given a great opportunity that many young, upcoming heroes in Santos City would die for, but it seed his focus was still wholly on his family. That touched her deeply, to the point that she felt bad for wanting to send Benjamin away so quickly.
'Oh, Don...' she inwardly thought before glancing at Benjamin from the corner of her eye, awaiting his answer.
Benjamin adjusted his stance and cleared his throat again, as if hoping such a question would be asked. "Well, that's a good question," he started. "You see, as a candidate in the Elite Hero Program of Santos City, you will be considered a vital asset to the city.
Almost all heroes who complete the program end up becoming the pillars of safety that the city depends on for security and defense, so it's only natural that candidates of the program receive the highest level of security the hero governing body can spare."
"For starters, your ho will be fitted with the latest in security tech and residential defense systems, with the addition of two Titan-class androids designed by Dr. Gadget himself. In addition, you will get access to so of the best training facilities Santos City has to offer, so that you can better train yourself and ensure you can protect your family should it co to it.
Finally, the status of being a candidate in the Elite Hero Program makes it so most villains will not find trouble with you or your family unless they want the entire Santos City hero governing body to be on their tail."
"There are many more perks and benefits that co with the position that I encourage you to read through in the docunt, but I can almost 100% guarantee you that your family will be among the safest in Santos City should you join the program. You have my and Director Graham's word."
'This guy really knows how to sell an offer. If he said this to the during high school, I might have just accepted without thinking too much about it. I could probably ask him for cons, but he's more than likely to just either brush it off or lie to my face, so I'm better off asking Gary Assist later,' Don thought.
After thinking this, Don gave a slight nod before replying, "Can I have ti to think about the decision? It won't just affect , so I would like to be 100% sure myself that it's sothing I want to do for the sake of my family."
Although it wasn't the response Benjamin was hoping for, it was better than a no. Looking at Don's deanor, he knew he wasn't going to get further with him by enticing him more, so instead, he gave an understanding nod and smiled, acting as if he fully supported the decision.
"Of course, it's no problem at all. It's not a small decision to make. So take as much ti as you need. If you need to contact ," Benjamin trailed off, quickly reaching into the inside of his blazer to retrieve a business card, which he handed to Don in the next mont before adding, "contact on this number or send an email."
Not wanting to look like he was just targeting Don's acceptance, he took out another card and wanted to hand it to Samantha, but she didn't raise her hands to receive it. "I think one is enough. Unless this one has different information," she inquired in a very distant tone, not even trying to hide her dislike for Benjamin.
"Oh no…. It's…. Uh.. the sa information," Benjamin replied while showing an awkward smile. He quickly retracted his hand and then put the card back in his jacket before adjusting it and tightening his grip on his briefcase, looking like he was ready to leave. "Well, if you don't have any more questions, I think it would be best that I take my leave."
Don was about to agree, but Samantha spoke first, crossing her arms under her large breasts as she gave a firm nod. "Yes, I think that would be best." After saying this, Samantha walked away from her desk and toward the door, which she opened for Benjamin before saying, "Please feel free to let yourself out. Thank you for your visit."
Benjamin maintained his awkward smile and simply gave a quick nod before hurriedly leaving the office. As he passed by the kitchen, Amanda couldn't help but look at him curiously, seeing as he was alone.
'Did sothing happen?' she wondered before coming out of the kitchen and turning her attention toward Samantha's office. At that ti, Benjamin simply opened the front door and let himself out before quickly shutting it.
"Is everything okay?" Amanda asked as Samantha walked out of the office with Don right behind her. She first let out a sigh but then nodded, though she looked unsure herself. "Yeah, everything's all right."
After replying to Amanda, she turned her head back to look at Don before asking, "How are you feeling now?"
"A lot better, actually. I think I'll just go back to my room and continue resting up while I think this whole thing over."
Samantha nodded in understanding. "Sure thing, Donnie. I'll co call you when dinner is ready."
Don nodded in return, saying nothing more as he proceeded toward the nearby staircase. As he began making his way up, Samantha spoke to him again. "Oh, and Donnie."
He paused and looked back at her.
"Just know, whatever decision you reach, I fully support you, okay? Just be 100% sure it's sothing you want to do."
"I will, Mom," Don briefly replied while showing her a small smile before continuing up the steps.
Once his figure was no longer visible, Samantha let out another sigh and turned to face Amanda, who was currently approaching her. "How did it go, Sam? I an, really, how did it go? You seem a bit distressed."
Samantha gave a light nod and replied, "I don't know, Amanda. Let's go to the kitchen. I'll fill you in." As they were walking away, Amanda put her arm over Samantha's shoulder and showed a mischievous smile as she asked, "By the way, don't you think that guy was a bit cute?"
"Goodness, Amanda!"
"What? You're the one always telling I need to start thinking of settling down. *Ha ha*."
Samantha didn't say anything else and just looked a bit annoyed, prompting Amanda to press herself against her even more while saying, "I'm joking, I'm joking, Sam. You know he's not my type."
Don, who had already reached the top of the steps, was leaning against the wall near them, just out of sight, and listening to their conversation.
'I hate to say it, but Trixie may have been right about taking action before soone else does. The last thing I need is guys like Benjamin coming into the picture.' Don sighed and pulled away from the wall as he began walking back to his room.
'This shit just keeps getting more and more complicated. Strangely enough, I'm starting to get used to it.'
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