Chapter 219 The Deal in the Tavern
Anne got up and said, "Diana, I've said what I needed to. Think it over. It's for your own good."
I was torn inside, not sure if I should thank Anne for spilling all this.
Knowing Daniel's ruthless ways, I knew that it was pretty likely he'd make David marry and have kids in Ignis to stabilize the market there.
Seeing me just sitting there, Anne glanced at her watch. "It's almost dinner time. Let me take you to meet someone," she said.
That made me instantly alert. "Who?" I asked.
Anne shrugged. "You'll see."
With that, she walked out of the bookstore.
I had no choice but to follow her. We weaved through the busy streets and ended up in a narrow alley. Looking at the dark alley ahead, I asked nervously, "Who exactly are you taking me to meet?"
Anne turned back and said, "Diana, relax. I want to team up with you, so I won't hurt you."
Seeing she had read my mind, I shook my head and kept following her. At the end of the alley, it opened up to reveal a small bar.
These kinds of bars were usually hangouts for shady characters. I figured Anne was probably taking me to meet some sketchy friends of hers.
But to my surprise, when I walked in, there was just a well-dressed man sitting at the bar, no other customers in sight.
Anne greeted him warmly, "Lanny, I brought her. You better keep your promise."
"What kind of shady deal do you two have?" I asked, staring at Anne, trying to read her.
I glanced at the bar and saw the man slowly lift his head. My heart sank—it was David's half-brother, Lanny Wilson.
Lanny was just a year younger than David and had always been a secret in the Wilson family. Rumor had it he was Daniel's illegitimate son, hidden for years. Lately, with David not interested in the family business, Daniel had been pushing Lanny to take over the Wilson Group. David's mom had a huge fight with Daniel over it, but it didn't change anything.
I frowned, full of doubt and unease, and asked, "Did you have Anne bring me here?"
"Diana, it's been a while. How have you been?" Lanny's smile was gentle but unreadable as he greeted me with fake politeness.
He then casually signaled the bartender, "Pour a drink for the lady."
But I stood there, wary, not planning to sit down. Unlike me, Anne swaggered over to Lanny, sat down, and took a big gulp of his drink.
The liquor dripped down her mouth, and she wiped it off carelessly with her hand. This wasn't the Anne I used to know.
Lanny chuckled and said, "I didn't think Anne could actually get you to come out." He then playfully tapped Anne's nose with his finger.
Seeing how close Anne and Lanny were, I couldn't help but think they had been scheming together for a while.
I didn't really know Lanny, only hearing about him from David's occasional mentions. From what David said, I had a feeling Lanny wasn't a good guy.
Memories of Anne's past unreliable behavior flashed through my mind. She always dated thugs, and now she was mixed up with Lanny. I silently sighed for Edward, thinking his life wouldn't be peaceful with a sister like Anne.
Thinking of this, I asked, "What do you want from me?"
I finally sat down next to Lanny, but I ignored the drink the bartender handed me.
"Diana, you're as straightforward as ever." The way he called my name so intimately made me uncomfortable.
I cut him off, "Skip the pleasantries. Just tell me what you want."
Lanny's expression turned serious. "Alright, I'll be honest. I'm here on my father's orders."
"Mr. Wilson?" I was genuinely surprised.
"Yeah, he didn't acknowledge me as his son at first. He wanted to leave everything to David, but since David wasn't interested, he had no choice but to pick me." Lanny spoke with a slight tilt of his head, sighing as if helpless, but his eyes showed a hint of pride and cunning, like he was flaunting his victory.
I frowned, feeling uneasy, and pressed on. "So?"
"So I'm here to tell you not to have any designs on David. A divorced woman like you will never be accepted into the Wilson family." Lanny's words cut deep.
I was furious and about to retort when Anne suddenly laughed and said, "Diana, don't take it to heart. Lanny is just looking out for the Wilson family."
I turned my gaze to Anne, full of doubt. "And what are you up to?" I asked.
Anne blinked and leaned in mysteriously. "Diana, if you can help me get Aria away from Edward and get back together with him, Lanny will convince Mr. Wilson to bring David back. This is your only chance," she said.
I scoffed, "Do you think I'll believe you? What other reasons do you have for bringing me here today?"
Lanny and Anne exchanged glances, and Lanny spoke. "Diana, if you don't cooperate, we have ways to make you leave this city."
I was startled but tried to stay calm.
"Are you threatening me? Let's see what you can do," I said, looking at Lanny and Anne, filled with doubt and unease, but I knew I couldn't let them intimidate me.
"No matter what schemes you hatch," I said, standing up, "I won't be afraid of you."
Lanny took a sip of his drink and said, "I heard you're pregnant with David's child. Do you want your child to end up like me, nameless and wandering for half a life?" With that, Lanny laughed evilly.
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