Chapter 350 Shameless Threat
"You are not insignificant, for you have the acquaintance of Ms. Thompson. Please introduce me to her, as there may come a time when the Blue Sky Group will require financial assistance from the bank."
Ava, at last, comprehended the true intent behind Dalton's call that day. He had woven an intricate web of words, all for the sake of his own interests. Ava, neither humble nor haughty, responded, "Mr. Bennett, I must be frank. A prestigious conglomerate such as the Blue Sky Group would have numerous banks eagerly extending loans. There is no need for you to seek out a bank, much less request assistance from someone like me."
She knew that when things seemed out of place, there was usually a hidden motive. It was clear that Dalton had a reason for wanting to connect with the bank president through Ava, but he was reluctant to disclose it.
"You're correct," Dalton conceded, "but choices are always reciprocal. It would be beneficial for me to have connections with some bank presidents. Ms. Anderson, could you assist? After all, it was due to your intervention that my son avoided punishment today. Otherwise, he would have been severely reprimanded."
Ava found his assertion ludicrous. "That's your son. Are you suggesting that it's only because of others that you refrained from disciplining him?"
Dalton replied, "But that's the reality. If you hadn't intervened today, he would be in the hospital by now. However, today he merely received a temporary reprieve from punishment."
Ava's brows knitted together, sensing an underlying threat. "I'm not sure if I misunderstood. Are you threatening me?"
"I'm merely stating the facts," Dalton's voice took on a colder tone. "If you don't care about William, then I can't threaten you. How I discipline my child is none of your concern. After all, you're merely acquaintances."
"Mr. Bennett, your actions are unacceptable," Ava retorted, her frown deepening. "William is your own flesh and blood. If you don't care for him, who will?"
"Does William, as a grown man, still require his father's concern? It seems like he's just asking for a beating," Dalton responded icily. "Ms. Anderson, since you're unwilling to assist, I won't trouble you further. Goodbye."
With that, Dalton was about to end the call.
"Wait!" Ava's voice rang out, halting him.
Dalton replied calmly, "Ms. Anderson, is there something else you wish to discuss?"
"I want to confirm if William is your biological son," Ava ventured, taking a risk.
Without hesitation, Dalton confirmed, "Yes, he is."
"Since he is your own son, I hope you won't..."
"Ms. Anderson," Dalton interrupted her, "this is a matter concerning my family, correct?"
"You..." Ava was left speechless by Dalton's audacity. He continually insisted it was a family matter, yet he used William as a pawn to manipulate her. Could there be a father in the world so callous as to use his own son to threaten a stranger?
The crux of the matter was that his threat had worked. Those with a sense of morality and compassion often found themselves in difficult situations. Ava had grown weary of the idle chatter. She took a deep breath and asked, "Mr. Bennett, if I introduce you to Ms. Thompson, will you cease tormenting William? Can we consider this issue resolved and agree that you won't bring it up or use it as a pretext to harm him in the future?"
She needed to neutralize this threat.
Dalton replied slowly, "If this introduction leads to a meeting with Ms. Thompson, William will be fortunate, and I won't hold any grudges against him. I might even reward him. If similar situations arise in the future, I might forgo any punishment he might face."
