Chapter 14: I’ll Give You Five Million to Leave My Aunt

Arthur Vane recounted everything that had happened in the household the previous day to Lana Vane.

After listening, Lana’s brow furrowed deeply. "Dad, even if you don't like Shaun, you don't have to make up such ridiculous stories to trick me, do you? If Seren were really that miraculous, why would she have settled for someone as ordinary as Alaric?"

Arthur replied, "Why would I lie to you? You've been single all these years, and I’m more anxious about your marriage than you are. I’d love nothing more than to marry you off right now. If Shaun were truly a good man, I would have agreed instantly. But you heard Seren’s inner voice yourself—this Ethan Hart is definitely not a good person. Don't let him deceive you."

Lana remained stubborn. "I’ve known Shaun for nearly two years. I know his character better than anyone. I know you look down on his background and want me to marry someone of equal social standing. But I truly love him, and I hope you can respect him instead of throwing mud at him like Seren does."

Seeing how obstinate Lana was, Arthur’s chest ached with frustration. What he had always admired most about his youngest daughter was her courage and independence, the way she wasn't easily swayed by others' opinions. She was a woman of action who had started her own cosmetics company while still in college. Now, however, he felt a heart attack coming on because of that very independence.

He wanted to persuade her further, but Lana had no desire to continue the conversation. "Since you don't like Shaun, Dad, there’s no reason for us to stay and be an eyesore. I’ll bring him by another time."

With that, Lana turned and headed downstairs. Arthur sighed. This child wouldn't let anyone say a single bad word about Ethan Hart. He really wondered who she inherited that protective streak from.

Meanwhile, in the dining room below, Alaric Vane finished his meal and elegantly wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

Ethan Hart looked at the powerful man before him, feeling a hint of trepidation in his heart, but he still smiled and tried to strike up a conversation. "President Vane, I heard that it took you only four years after taking over the family business to make Vane Group one of the top three companies in the country. You are truly young and promising."

Shaun knew that to marry Lana, he had to win over her family in addition to her own heart, so he tried his best to curry favor with Alaric.

Alaric had spent enough years in the business world to see through all sorts of schemes. He instantly saw through Shaun’s intentions and spoke in a cold, detached tone: "I will never allow you to enter the Vane family. Don't waste your breath."

Seren Thorne, who was quietly eating melon seeds and enjoying the drama nearby, thought: {This line sounds exactly like what a CEO's mother says to the innocent heroine!}

{Is the next step Alaric throwing a million-dollar check in Shaun’s face and saying, 'I’ll give you five million to leave my aunt!'?}

{Getting five million for free... Shaun is living the dream. Let me play a part for a couple of episodes!}

Hearing this, Alaric’s temple throbbed, and his stern expression nearly crumbled. Just how many "inner dramas" did this woman have? It seemed he needed to uninstall that web novel app from her phone; what on earth was she reading every day!

Hearing the undisguised disgust in Alaric’s voice, Shaun felt a surge of anger. Catching a glimpse of a shadow at the door out of the corner of his eye, his eyes immediately turned red. Tears welled up as if he had suffered a great grievance.

"President Vane, I know my background is humble and your family looks down on me. But my feelings for Lana are sincere. I hope you can give us your blessing."

Shaun’s tears came right on cue, making Seren marvel at the sight.

{I didn't expect a grown man like Shaun to play the 'Green Tea' routine so well. No wonder he managed to coax Lana.}

{A small group of people online always say women are gold-diggers, but aren't men gold-diggers too? It's just that some don't have the basic qualifications—they want to dig but nobody wants them. Look at Shaun; his life as a kept man is so comfortable. With this acting, a Green Tea girl would have to bow down and call him Master.}

Seren was enjoying the show immensely, but Alaric was repulsed by Shaun’s behavior. He said coldly, "Since you know you aren't worthy, stay away from my aunt. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make you disappear!"

"Who are you going to make disappear?" As soon as Alaric finished speaking, Lana walked into the dining room, her beautiful face tense. Her features were somewhat similar to Alaric’s, and when she glared at someone without expression, she carried a certain intimidating pressure.

Alaric’s face was cold. He glanced at Shaun and sneered, "What excellent tea-master skills."

Shaun pretended not to understand. He stood up and moved to Lana’s side, looking like a restrained and sensible victim. "Lana, don't blame President Vane for talking to me like that. As a low-level employee, I truly don't deserve you. Maybe we should just break up."

Seeing Shaun’s self-sacrificing act, Lana’s heart ached. She took his hand and coaxed him softly, "Shaun, I was never with you for fame or fortune. I have my own money; I can support you for the rest of your life. No one is going to separate us."

Shaun looked deeply moved. A single crystalline tear rolled down his cheek, looking quite aesthetic. "Lana..."

Lana patted his hand. Just as she was about to tell him they would live together elsewhere and not return, she heard Seren’s inner voice:

{Tsk, this guy’s acting is top-notch. He cries so beautifully I’m almost starting to feel pity.}

Lana was displeased that Seren was still being sarcastic toward Shaun, but she heard her continue to rant:

{Since the Green Tea guy was wronged today, he’ll definitely play the victim once they leave to trigger Lana’s guilt, subtly suggesting she buy him a sports car as compensation.}

{He’s probably figuring out how to get the Vane family to accept him right now. He’ll likely trick Lana into bed as soon as they get back. Once Lana is pregnant, he’ll have her wrapped around his finger. Even if the Vanes don't accept him, Lana will have no choice but to marry him.}

{I have to say, this kid’s level is high. As expected of the best graduate from the gigolo training class.}

Lana sneered inwardly. Shaun was not a gold-digger; it was impossible for him to ask for a sports car. They had been together for two years, and Shaun had never asked her for anything; it was always her taking the initiative to give him gifts. However, one lives their life for themselves, not for others. Lana felt that as long as she knew what Shaun was like, there was no need to explain to those who didn't understand him.

Thinking this, Lana pulled Shaun toward the exit. "Shaun, it’s my fault you were mistreated today. We won't be coming back to this house. You’ll just live with me elsewhere."

As Lana reached the entrance, she could still faintly hear Seren’s voice: {This Green Tea guy apparently has several young mistresses on the side. He maintains a 'pure lover' persona with Lana, saying he won't have sex before marriage, but he plays quite wild outside.}

{Using the money someone else gives him to keep others... talk about city folk playing big.}

Hearing Seren’s constant slander, Lana’s expression was hideous. She slammed the villa door shut, completely cutting off Seren’s noisy thoughts.