Chapter 719 She Is Not a Threat to You
"Got it," Brady said, flicking the ash from his cigarette. "So, what's your plan?"
"I was thinking of buying her off," Arthur replied. "But it looks like Elio's people got to her first. She didn't take my offer."
"What did you offer her? Money? A house?" Brady asked, remembering Diana was only 19.
She had just started her freshman year in college. She needed to go to school.
Surely, she wouldn't turn down money or property?
"More than that. I figured she wanted to get out of here. I promised to send her abroad for her studies, with plenty of money to go along with it, as long as she sided with me." Arthur paused. "But she seems pretty loyal to Elio."
"She turned down such a good offer?" Brady mused. "But I don't think Elio bought her off."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Check if Elio has something on her. A girl her age wouldn't willingly stay loyal to the Stanley family. With the offer you made, she should have been tempted," Brady suggested.
Arthur's eyes lit up with realization. "You're right. I didn't consider that. Elio's financial power can't match mine. Even if she gets my grandfather's shares, Elio would eventually take them from her. What would she gain? Just money, and in that area, Elio can't compete with me."
"So, as you said, she might be under his thumb. If I can find out what he's holding over her, I can bring her to my side and deal with Elio's family. Everyone wins. I can promise to send her abroad."
"Don't worry. She's not a threat to you," Brady reassured him. "Your main focus should be on dealing with Elio."
Brady gave Arthur a meaningful look.
Arthur followed his gaze and saw Elio's group approaching.
Arthur's eyes darkened. "Alright."
Just as they finished speaking, Elio's group walked over, passing them with a cold sneer before striding into the funeral hall.
Inside, Elio began to wail. "My poor Kade, gone so young. Not only did he lose his wife, but now people are after her. My poor Kade."
Elio's cries were meant for the crowd to hear.
People immediately cast suspicious glances at Arthur, assuming he was harassing Diana.
Diana, crying, felt a wave of resistance at being linked to Arthur.
But she didn't dare contradict Elio, fearing he would go after the orphanage director and the children.
She kept her head down, gripping her pants tightly, not saying a word. Tears blurred her vision.
She regretted ever being taken in by the Fawn family.
If they hadn't taken her from the orphanage, she wouldn't be involved with these people or used as a tool.
Arthur, standing nearby, listened to Elio's accusations about his supposed relationship with Diana.
Seeing her silence, which seemed to confirm the rumors, his lips curled into a cold smile.