Chapter 528: Stay out of her life, and I’ll stay out of hers.

Dean’s expression slowly turned blank at the brief look he caught in Slater’s eyes. The last remarks Slater had spewed—those taunting words spoken with such innocence—were something Dean quickly picked up on.

Slater was mocking him. He was taunting him.

"Hehe. Of course, they’re nice!" Old Mrs. Pierson chuckled as she glanced at Slater, who quickly beamed at her.

"Thanks, Grandma! Time to dig in!" Slater declared happily, showing no trace of the look he’d given Dean moments ago.

All Dean could do was laugh to himself. ’I guess the third brother isn’t as foolish as she describes him,’he thought, lifting his sharp eyes to Slater again. ’He actually knows how to taunt people.’

It was very unlike the image Slater had in public.

Even as someone with a position in the Pierson Corporation, Dean knew about Slater. Penny rarely talked about her family to him or anyone else; she would mention them in passing but never delve deeply. Regardless, Slater was probably the only Bennet who was easily recognizable to everyone.

With Slater’s career, one would know "almost" everything about him.

Slater was the Nation’s Prince—the Nation’s Singing Angel. He was the Nation’s Everything. Although he started as an artist—a singer—his popularity skyrocketed due to his looks and talent. He quickly earned countless offers from all sorts of brands. At one point, one of the Pierson Corporation’s subsidiaries even wanted him to be the face of their project.

This showed just how in demand this guy was. He wasn’t just known for his popularity but also for his charitable causes. His good and goofy character was one of the reasons his fans adored him. In other words, Slater had a very good image, which earned him a massive army of fans.

No one would ever think he had such a side.

"Is it good?" Old Mrs. Pierson inquired, chuckling when Slater grinned and blushed.

"It’s so good..." Slater muttered, his mouth full. "It’s so good, Grandma."

"Hahaha! It’s alright! Enjoy your meal, child! Don’t mind me." Old Mrs. Pierson was pleased by his appreciation. But when she shifted her gaze to the person across from her, she let out a sharp huff and continued eating.

’Did he ask me to stay here just to show me that even my grandmother is good to him and not to me?’ Dean wondered, almost finding this amusing. However, he didn’t dwell on it and quietly ate.

"So? What did you come here for?" After fifteen minutes of silence—or rather, fifteen minutes of Old Mrs. Pierson making sure Slater was well-fed—she finally turned her attention to Dean. "If this is about the board meeting, I’m not coming. And I’m not giving you even the slightest part of my share. I’m still too strong for you to divide my share."

Dean smiled humbly. "Grandma, I didn’t come here for that. I simply came because I missed you and wanted to see how you were faring."

"I’m doing great, as you can see!" Old Mrs. Pierson raised her chin proudly. "Were you not pleased to see that I am still healthy?"

"Grandma, that’s not it. I’d be the happiest to see you doing well," Dean smiled. "Unlike my other uncles, I still regard you with the utmost respect. I know you don’t believe it, but I’m glad that Mr. Slater Bennet is here to keep you entertained."

The side of Slater’s lips hooked up, and he cast Dean a brief look. "Hehe. Of course, I keep Grandma entertained because she’s the best! I want her to live another hundred years!"

"Oh, you!" Old Mrs. Pierson chuckled, patting Slater’s back lightly.

"Then we have common ground." Dean nodded. "I also want Grandma to live for another hundred years... so she can see what everyone has become."

The smile on Old Mrs. Pierson’s face faded as she set her wrinkled eyes on him. Dean smiled back, but she wasn’t so naive as to miss his innuendos. However, she chose not to confront him, given Slater’s presence.

It was a good thing Slater was there to help her exercise. Otherwise, she could already imagine her blood pressure shooting through the roof. She knew that if Slater hadn’t been there, Dean would’ve likely spewed a bunch of nonsense just to provoke her.

Everyone in the Pierson Family might curry favor with her and try to coax her, but she knew that, given the chance, they would rather see her gone to remove Zoren’s biggest support. As long as Old Mrs. Pierson was alive, Zoren would remain steadfast on his throne—unless, of course, he slipped up.

"How nice of you, Dean," Old Mrs. Pierson smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I, too, want to live that long and witness how everything changes... for the better."

Dean returned her smile, and the three of them ate in silence, though Slater would occasionally make Old Mrs. Pierson laugh to ensure she was happy. Thanks to Slater’s presence, the breakfast proceeded smoothly.

After the meal, Old Mrs. Pierson asked Slater to stay for a cup of tea. However, this time, Slater declined, knowing it was time for her medication and rest. It was the same for Dean, and the two men bid their farewells.

Playing with his keys on his finger, Slater paused in front of his car and turned to Dean, who was approaching his own vehicle, with his driver already holding the door open.

"Hey," Slater called, stopping Dean from getting into the car. He then marched toward Dean, standing a few steps away. He glanced at the driver, and Dean quickly got the hint.

"I’ll get in myself," Dean told the driver.

"Yes, sir." The driver lowered his head slightly, closed the backseat door, and got into the driver’s seat. Once he was in, Dean turned back to Slater.

"Yes?" Dean asked. "What is it that you want, Mr. Bennet?"

Slater shrugged. "Nothing, really. Just... a quick reminder." Slater stepped closer, and his kind, jolly expression darkened. "It must be fate that brought us together today because I didn’t expect to see you. But... here’s a friendly warning."

Slater paused, taking another step closer, almost gazing down at Dean as he was slightly taller. "Throw another threat at my sister again, and I’ll make sure to drag your name through the mud. You might be a Pierson, but even the entire Pierson Family can be charmed. Don’t play with her because you won’t like me playing with you. Stay out of my sister’s life, and I’ll stay out of yours."