Brian Zane nodded slightly and said, “No wonder my arrangements collapsed in just two days—it turns out the plan had been in motion for half a year. This is truly a formidable opponent: he set things up half a year ago, yet didn’t disturb the business of my Zane household, so I had no idea there was such a rival lurking in the shadows... Heh, no wonder you dared to betray me after encountering him.”

　　Mr. Carter hurriedly lowered his head and sighed, “If I didn’t join forces with him, he could have crushed the Carter family. Moreover, his schemes are extremely clever, almost on par with Mr. Thirteen. And also...”

　　“And also what?” Brian Zane asked.

　　“His methods are far too ruthless,” said Mr. Carter.

　　“Hahaha.”

　　Brian Zane chuckled and said, “So, you mean to say that I wasn’t ruthless enough, which is why you, Mr. Carter, dared to betray me so easily and strike back at me?”

　　Though he spoke with a smile, the atmosphere in the room instantly turned cold.

　　Mr. Carter lowered his head and said, “To protect the Carter family, I had no other choice.”

　　Brian Zane said slowly, “For me to protect my business, it’s only natural that my next move will be harsher. I hope you understand.”

　　Mr. Carter’s expression shifted uncertainly, but he dared not say more.

　　Brian Zane patted the armrest, his tone slightly heavier, and said, “Since I entered business, I’ve never suffered such a loss—this is the first time... As for what happened in Xuancheng, I cannot let it go. The Song family will pay the price. But as for this Terry Song, he is not to be underestimated. I need a decoy.”

　　“Mr. Thirteen, you want to use me as bait?” Mr. Carter looked up, his face a bit pale.

　　“Exactly.”

　　“But...”

　　“No buts. If you don’t want your family to be wiped out, you have no choice but to agree.” Brian Zane said coldly, “The Carter family is large and wealthy, but your business dealings are not legitimate. With the evidence and witnesses I have, under the laws of the Dongsheng Dynasty, I could ruin you overnight, even have your entire family executed... Mr. Carter, you must understand: whether your family is destroyed or not depends entirely on my whim. Now, I’m showing mercy—I don’t need the whole Carter family to perish, I just need you to act as bait. You have no choice!”

　　Mr. Carter paused, then said, “Is that all?”

　　Brian Zane nodded seriously and said, “That’s all.”

　　Mr. Carter suddenly gave a bitter laugh and said, “With Mr. Thirteen’s way of doing things, betrayal is the one thing he cannot tolerate. If I don’t hand over my life, I’m afraid you won’t be satisfied either.”

　　Brian Zane suddenly smiled, but couldn’t help coughing twice. Despite his pale face, a hint of color appeared as he said, “If I said I don’t want to kill you, would you believe me?”

　　Mr. Carter shook his head. “I don’t believe it.”

　　Brian Zane neither admitted nor denied it, his expression calm.

　　Mr. Carter bowed and said, “I understand. But the entire Carter family is ultimately innocent.”

　　Brian Zane said, “Not innocent. The people of the Carter family acted on your orders to cut off my financial routes, and as the head of the family, you profited greatly from it. They, too, enjoyed the wealth and privileges your decision brought. According to the laws of the Dongsheng Dynasty, those guilty of serious crimes can implicate three generations. I used to think such collective punishment was a bit too cruel, but today, seeing how everyone in the Carter family benefits from your decisions and enjoys prosperity...”

　　After finishing, Brian Zane said coldly, “In fact, collective punishment is not without reason.”

　　Mr. Carter’s face changed dramatically. He wanted to say something, but his face turned deathly pale.

　　Only then did Brian Zane change the subject, speaking slowly: “You are a smart man, I won’t deceive you. As long as you do as I wish, the Carter family can survive. But you must also understand the conditions for their survival... You know my methods.”

　　Mr. Carter said in a low voice, “After it’s done, I will have the family fully support the Zane household and pledge allegiance. From then on, no one else will know anything, not even my wife and children.”

　　Brian Zane glanced at him sideways.

　　Behind him, Edward Grant suddenly took out a brocade pouch and handed it over.

　　Mr. Carter received it with both hands.

　　Brian Zane waved his hand and said, “It’s settled, then.”

　　Mr. Carter breathed a sigh of relief, bowed, and said, “Thank you, Mr. Thirteen, for your benevolence.”

　　He bowed deeply, then slowly withdrew.

　　……

　　“Master...”

　　Old Butler hesitated and said, “You’ve made it clear you want his life. Will he still work for us?”

　　Brian Zane chuckled and said, “Everyone has the instinct to cling to life, but he has no way out... He knows he can’t outmatch Terry Song, and he certainly can’t outmatch me. If he doesn’t obey, he’ll still die, and the Carter family will be destroyed as well. Either he dies alone, or after his death, his wife, children, and the entire Carter clan will be buried with him.”

　　After a pause, Brian Zane continued, “This man is actually very capable and resourceful, but he’s a bit too eager for quick success, which left too many flaws for me to exploit. Still, he’s self-aware enough to understand the stakes and is willing to die for it. That’s what I value about him. Unfortunately, his betrayal led to deaths and crossed my bottom line—I can’t let him go.”

　　Old Butler pondered and said, “In my opinion, if he’s not even afraid of death, such a man may not be obedient.”