Chapter 297: Overlord

[SKYLINE PLAZA: Dean’s Villa]

Standing on the paver patio in front of the fire pit, Dean squinted slightly, the light from the flames dancing on his face, revealing an indescribable expression.

"Hello!" A voice from behind him broke the silence. "I see someone isn’t in a good mood."

Finn casually sat down in a vacant seat with a glass of wine in hand, his eyebrows raised as he eyed Dean’s back.

"So, I wasn’t wrong?" he smirked meaningfully. "You are... in a terrible mood."

"The Prime Group accepted Zoren Pierson’s request," said Dean quietly but clearly, making Finn nod in understanding.

"Well, that is a surprise! I thought Penny didn’t want anything to do with you. Or did she perhaps... have a change of heart about you?" Finn tilted his head slightly to the side. "You’ve been pursuing her all your youth, after all. I hope her heart softened."

A chuckle followed Finn’s assumption, but when Dean remained silent, Finn arched his right brow.

"I see..." Finn smacked his lips. "So, it’s not like that, huh? Well, I guess she did it to spite you. Why am I surprised?"

"Penny wouldn’t do that." Slowly, Dean turned around to face his guest. "She would do things to spite me, but not to the extent of meddling with our family affairs."

"If that’s the case, then I guess it’s a business decision," Finn shrugged. "The Prime Group is branching out, after all. And not many are happy about entering this part of the market. She already dominated the other side, and entering this one looks more like a monopoly. Who else could help her but Zoren Pierson?"

Dean casually walked over to another seat and settled into it. "I doubt it."

"And why is that?"

"Because she doesn’t like complications."

"I don’t think this is complicated."

"You know nothing, Finn." Dean cast his friend a sidelong glance while his glass hovered before his lips. "Penny always acts with a reason — I know because I spent my youth with her. The support Zoren can give her is nothing compared to the complicated situation she’s getting herself into. It’s not worth it."

Finn puckered his lips and nodded, watching Dean drink his whiskey. "So, what do you suspect? If it’s not worth it for her, what do you think made her take this partnership?"

"I wouldn’t have called you if I had an idea," Dean said, licking his lips as he leaned back, eyes on the flames in the fire pit.

"Oh." Finn nodded in understanding. "That’s why, huh? And what would I get out of this?"

"Your uncle reached out to me not long ago," was all Dean said before snapping his eyes at Finn. He didn’t need to say more, as Finn already smiled at that one vague sentence.

"Fine," Finn nodded. "I’ll try."

Dean nodded in satisfaction as he looked away. As he did so, Finn couldn’t help but keep his curious eyes on him.

"Dean," he called. "Just an honest question. Did you end up liking Penelope Bennet?"

Dean didn’t answer, nor did his expression change as he stared at the fire pit.

After several more seconds of silence, Finn threw up his hands in surrender. "Dean, I’ll stop asking about your personal life. It’s your business, not mine."

"My uncle is inviting me to his place," Dean suddenly broached after another minute of pure silence. "He’s been acting strange."

"He’s inviting you to his place?" Finn repeated in a questioning tone, and Dean nodded. "Well, isn’t that a little bold of him? Inviting you to his home where he’s keeping a beast as a pet? Haha! He wants to kill you now!"

Finn’s misplaced joy over this information didn’t faze Dean, who maintained an unchanging front.

"Does he plan to feed you to his pet?" Finn asked once his laughter subsided. "Your uncle’s humor never ceased to make me laugh!"

"Do you think that’s hilarious?"

"Yes." Finn nodded. "Inviting you to his place, knowing what it means to be invited there, is... bold. I think your uncle wants you dead and he wants you to know that. It’s a warning."

Dean simply glanced at him but said nothing. He set his gaze on the fire again, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Finn’s lips curled up as he studied Dean’s side profile.

It was no secret within the Pierson Family and those associated with them about Zoren’s cruelty... and that beast of a pet he kept at home. No outsider was ever invited to Zoren’s house and came out unscathed. From what they knew, even the bodyguards in the mansion were only allowed in safe areas because an accident might occur.

After all, Zoren’s pet was a literal hellhound.

When Dean didn’t respond to Finn’s teasing, the latter furrowed his brows. "Dean, you’re not planning on accepting his invitation, are you?"

"I’m reconsidering."

"Why?" The crease from Finn’s smile faded. "What did he say? Dean, I understand you want to show your uncle you’re not scared of him. But I don’t think stepping into the lion’s den is a safe decision."

"And since when have I ever made a decision based on its safety?"

"Right." Finn shook his head and chugged the remaining wine in his glass. "You always toe the line. Well, if that’s what you plan, then I won’t stop you. I’m already an associate with the Piersons, and if that cat rips you apart, I can always try to mend my relationship with Zoren Pierson, or whoever takes his place once he dies."

Having said that, Finn pushed himself up from the chair and cast Dean one last look. "Good luck."

And with that, Finn didn’t linger and strode off.

Meanwhile, Dean remained in his seat, his gaze fixed on the flames.

"That panther..." he whispered, thinking about what made Zoren even more dangerous. What Finn said was nothing but the truth.

That black cat Zoren raised was vicious, and once it charged toward its prey, it was over for the prey.

Little did he know, as of this moment, that same vicious beast they were talking about was charging at Penny.

*******

[Skyline Plaza: Old Pierson Residence]

"Miss Penelope!!!"

"Ahhhhh!"