Chapter 96: Chapter 96

Ann’s face darkened. She gritted her teeth as she stomped in place. “Stephany, keep acting arrogant. Let’s see how long you can keep it up. You married a dimwit. Even if you married into the Lincoln family, so what?”

I slapped her again. “Respect your elders. I’m your sister, and Steven is your brother–in–law.

“You keep calling him a dimwit. Do you dare to offend the Lincoln family? Without their support, 15 the Larson family heading for bankruptcy?”

Ann was completely bewildered. She stared at me for a long while. She couldn’t understand why I had suddenly become so bold. It was completely out of character for me.

I ignored her, and pushed past her into the living room.

In the living room, the so–called father of Stephany was sitting on the couch, looking imposing.

Upon seeing me, he pretended to be welcoming. “Stephie is here. Come, have a seat. You’re now a great contributor to the Lincoln family, so take care of your unborn child.”

I smiled, looking at the so–called father. “Dad, you’re right. The child I’m carrying is the only heir of the Lincoln family. Once born, they will be the future head of the Lincoln family.”

John glanced at me carefully and spoke lightly, “It seems you’ve figured things out?”

I remained silent, and waited for him to continue.

“Now that Mr. Lincoln Senior had a stroke, and Mr. James is unlikely to take over the Lincoln family.

“You control Mr. Steven, and if you raise the child well, you will be the true head of the Lincoln family, “John tentatively suggested.

I knew that John wanted to use me as a puppet to control the Lincoln family. But I didn’t know how John would control me, was it something Stephany cared about?

“Now, the Lincoln family listens to me,” I arrogantly declared, feeling as if I had already ascended to the top like a phoenix on a tree.

I wanted to see what John would use to threaten me.

“Dad!” Ann burst in, seeming to have processed the fact that I had slapped her, and exclaimed, “Dad, she slapped me!”

“Can’t you see that Dad and I are discussing important matters? You don’t have manners, don’t have the demeanor of a lady. Get out!” I scolded Ann unhappily.

Ann gritted her teeth. “Dad!”

John looked at me with a furrowed brow, knowing I was being defiant.

“Dad, we’re discussing important matters…. why is she interfering?” I asked in a low voice, also .

hinting at a threat.

Both of us were probing each other’s limits. It was good to test it out.

“Leave,” John ordered Ann to leave.

Ann was shocked. It seemed John had never treated her like this before.

“Dad…” Ann was somewhat unwilling.

“Leave now,” John said and waved his hand.

Ann reluctantly left, but before she did, she gave me a fierce glare. “You’re just arrogant, marrying at dimwit.”

I remained silent. I leaned on the couch and looked at John.

“Now that you’re in charge of the Lincoln family, you should take control of the Lincoln Group soon and help our Larson Group through this difficult time,” John reminded me.

“Dad, I’m helpless. Though I’m now associated with the Lincoln family, I lack real authority.

“With Mr. Lincoln Senior gone, Mr. Martin is in charge of the Lincoln Group. He has influence in both legitimate and illegitimate circles. I don’t want to get into trouble,” I said calmly.

John frowned. “Handing over the shares of the Lincoln family to me is your primary task. What’s the holdup? Are you backing down? Don’t forget, your Grandma still relies on the Larson family for her treatment. Can the Lincoln family afford to neglect an insignificant old lady?”

I was stunned for a moment. John finally revealed his leverage. But this grandmother…

I rubbed my temples. Grandmother?

Wasn’t she the grandmother who raised Stephany after she was taken in by mistake? But shouldn’t she be Ann’s real grandmother? Ann really was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.