Chapter 590: When Plotting, Be Even More Ruthless

Boss Zane had never met a woman as audacious as Cecilia Vaughn, speaking as if they owed her a huge favor.

Just a minor dispute with a high schooler and a hostess, and she demanded two hundred thousand to resolve it?

And from Cecilia’s tone, it was clear that if Evan Vaughn suffered any lasting harm, they would be held accountable.

His ever-shrewd nephew was actually willing to make such a sacrifice!

Boss Zane couldn’t understand it.

...

No matter his confusion, Dashiell Zane had already unilaterally made the decision, wielding considerable influence, and obtained a POS machine from the owner of Elysian Fields All-Nighter City, transferring two hundred thousand to Cecilia Vaughn’s account.

Boss Zane was so furious that his liver felt inflamed, and veins pulsed on his forehead. Not until Cecilia left the room did he unleash his fury.

"Dashiell, are you out of your mind? Giving twenty grand to someone pulling a fast one, have you lost it?"

"Me, out of my mind? Ha..."

Dashiell looked at Boss Zane as though he were looking at a dead man.

"Uncle, these years we’ve repaid more than enough for the kindness you extended to us mother and orphan."

"Today’s two hundred thousand is from my personal account. You won’t have to pay it back, but don’t expect me to clean up your messes if you make more enemies outside."

"..."

Boss Zane finally felt a twinge of panic.

After all, he was getting on in years, and none of his children or even his illegitimate children were reliable. While he was only a bit clever, managing to make a name in Stellerton, it was Dashiell’s support that ensured his rise and business success.

Relying on the money he gave to support Dashiell and his mother as orphans, Boss Zane had exploited everything from them. If Dashiell truly stopped helping him, what then?

"Nate, what I said was in anger, don’t take it to heart. Wasn’t I just feeling sorry for you? Spending twenty grand outside for that woman, what a waste..."

Dashiell had no desire to glance at Boss Zane again.

"Remembering the help you provided to my mother and me, I advise you to mind your steps and avoid any crooked paths. Miss Vaughn is not someone to mess with."

"How is that possible?"

Recalling how Cecilia had condescended to reconcile, Boss Zane couldn’t believe Dashiell’s warning was true.

"She was just buying time to settle you. Besides, her brother was with you, what could she have done alone?"

"Moreover, solitary as she is, with her brother and hostess gone, you really dare say she’s incompetent?"

Dashiell saw through his uncle’s shallow thoughts instantly, and Boss Zane felt disgraced.

"It’s... it was foolish of me to trust that woman."

"No, it’s being attracted to her beauty."

Dashiell pointedly glanced at Boss Zane’s crotch.

"Uncle, I’d advise you to take care of your body for a while. If anything serious happens, even a deity can’t save you."

Boss Zane squinted, not grasping Dashiell’s meaning.

Ha, wealth and promotion, the death of a wife, new mistresses — isn’t that every man’s ultimate dream?

And now this kid wants to control his fun outside?

Crossed the line!

Boss Zane dismissed it, watching Dashiell’s solitary retreat, his resentment growing.

"Hmph, playing holier-than-thou. Wasn’t it my connections that got him into that prestigious school, after spending my guidance money he promised to pay back tenfold, and now, rebellion!"

"Boss, don’t be upset. Maybe Nate is just venting. His mother still fears you, right? You could give her a subtle reminder."

One thing Boss Zane had never told Dashiell, and his timid mother surely would not either.

That back then, Boss Zane, a petty man, would give money to them — did they really think he was kind to orphans?

It was because one drunk night, he violated Dashiell’s mother.

Despite her weak will, she was quite a beauty, and being a widow brought many troubles. Eventually, her ceaseless tears and aging appearance paled compared to fresh young women, and so he stopped.

When Dashiell was in high school, his talents shone through, but all of Boss Zane’s legal and illegitimate children were fools. So even without touching Dashiell’s mother, he enjoyed giving them money like it’s a gift.

...

Boss Zane’s face twisted viciously.

He said directly.

"That Vaughn girl definitely has protection beyond our reach, but can’t we deal with that girl, Cynthia Keaton? Let’s ruin her."

The subordinates around him hesitated in response.

"Boss, perhaps we should delay for a few days. It’s been too high-profile. If anything happens to that hostess Cynthia Keaton, people might blame us."

"Fine, we’ll do it within half a month. Forget it, death is too harsh; she’s still a beauty, after all..."

Boss Zane chuckled sleazily, and his subordinates shared knowing smiles.

"Alright, let’s ruin her reputation."

Who said he should control his body?

Drawn to Cynthia Keaton’s allure, if he didn’t take action with his men, he wouldn’t be a true Zane.

...

Boss Zane was shameless, yet his nephew had insight.

To avoid being implicated, Dashiell Zane found a middleman for Cecilia Vaughn’s number and sent her a text.

"Miss Vaughn, I hope you can keep an eye on my uncle. I’m afraid his frustration may lead to harming someone weaker."

It was clear whom that little remark referred to.

Receiving the message, Cecilia sighed.

"You were a fine person, so how did you end up a thief?"

"Cecilia, who are you calling a fine person?"

Cecilia Vaughn thought she was talking to herself, but Adrian Law’s steady, magnetic voice made her realize she had spoken her mind aloud.

Cecilia’s face flushed.

"Hey... don’t misunderstand... I was talking about Dashiell, but I don’t mean to compliment or have feelings for him."

Oh my, the more she tried to explain, the worse it got.

Cecilia truly wanted to kick herself for her poor choice of words.

Adrian lightly clasped Cecilia’s arm, not the slightest trace of jealousy.

"That boy, he has it tough..."

"What do you mean?"

Cecilia was stunned.

"Do you know him?"