Chapter 90: Vicious Bastard
"You!"
Evan's face flushed with anger. After thinking for a moment, he held back and said, "Fine, I'm begging you, okay? Please save Zane."
"Sure thing."
I stood up and brushed off some nonexistent dust from my clothes. "Don't worry, I'll bring his body back in one piece."
"Atlas!"
Behind me came Evan's furious voice. He grabbed the teacup from the table and smashed it down hard.
After a loud crash, glass shattered all over the floor.
The huge noise startled all the servants in the house, and many of them stuck their heads out to look.
"What are you looking at? Get lost!"
After that angry shout, the servants scattered in fear.
Evan stood up, like an enraged lion, pointing at me furiously. "Atlas, I'm asking you - are you going to save Zane or not?"
Facing his demand, I expressionlessly touched the cufflinks on my shirt.
These cufflinks were the last birthday gift Ximena gave me when she was still alive.
She was already very weak at the time, but when she saw me holding the cufflinks, she still smiled happily.
"My Atlas will grow up to be a man someday. Too bad I won't be there to see it. What a shame."
All these years, I've kept these cufflinks with me to remind myself not to forget the revenge I owe for Ximena.
"When you're begging someone, you should act like it. Zane isn't just your son. Even at a time like this, Father, you're still protecting that woman?"
At this point, a cold smile appeared on my lips. "Father, you're really so devoted. But why did you let Mom down? Haven't the sacrifices she made for you been enough?"
"Atlas, I'm talking about Zane right now. Why are you bringing up a dead person?" Evan complained impatiently.
I turned around, my cold gaze falling on him. "If you want me to help, show some sincerity. Have Yvonne go to my mother's grave first and apologize for being a homewrecker back then."
"You!"
Evan was shocked and looked at me in disbelief, his finger trembling. "Atlas, do you know what the consequences of this would be? If word of something this big gets out, not just Yvonne, but even the Lancaster family will be pushed into the spotlight."
"This will ruin the Lancaster family's reputation!"
I said coldly, "Now you care about protecting our reputation? When my mom was sick, and you refused treatment, fooling around with another woman, and letting my mom die - did you think about protecting our reputation then?"
"You, you!"
He stepped back in shock, his face full of rage. "I knew it - you vicious bastard, you ungrateful wretch. You should have died with your mother!"
"Father, you're absolutely right about that."
I laughed slowly, but the laugh was full of mockery. "I am vicious. I came here to take my revenge on all of you. If you regret it now and you're scared, it's too late!"
"Remember what I just said. If you want my help, go apologize to my mother first. We can discuss everything else after that."
Just as I finished speaking and was about to turn and leave, a small figure in green burst into the room, running up to me and crashing into my arms.
"Atlas, it's you! You're finally back. I missed you so much."
The little girl looked up, and I realized it was my half-sister, Amy Lancaster.
After Yvonne married into the family, she had Zane and then Amy.
For some reason, I hated everyone else in this family, but I just couldn't hate Amy.
Sometimes I think maybe that's just how powerful blood ties are.
I softened and stroked her hair. "Amy, what are you doing back here?"
Amy, in my arms, looked up, her round little face very endearing.
Her curved eyes were full of smiles. "Of course, I came back as soon as I heard you were here. I couldn't wait to see you."
She pouted and pulled at my hand insistently. "Atlas, why haven't you come back to see me in so long? And you've been so dismissive about what I told you on the phone. Do you not love me anymore?"
Under her accusations, I quickly surrendered.
"How could that be? I haven't come back because I've been busy with work, but I haven't forgotten what you asked me to do."
Hearing my words, Amy jumped up and down. "Really? Where is it?"
I lightly tapped Amy's outstretched hand. "I couldn't get the one you mentioned, but I bought you the newest limited edition doll from her company. I'll have the driver bring it to you tomorrow."
After I finished speaking, Amy excitedly spun around in circles.
"Atlas, you're the best! I love you so much!"
I chuckled softly. "It's just a toy - it makes you this happy?"
"You don't understand."
Amy's expression was focused and serious. "The fact that you remembered to buy it for me means you've been thinking about me. But we're family, so from now on I'll keep you in the most important place in my heart too."
Seeing her speak so sincerely and seriously, a part of my heart softened.
Seeing this, Evan stood up and took the opportunity to say, "Amy, it's almost dinner time. Atlas was about to leave, but since you're back, help me get Atlas to stay. It's been a long time since our family has had a meal together."
"Yes! Atlas, you'll stay for dinner, right?"
Looking at Amy's expectant eyes, I really couldn't bring myself to refuse.
Seeing I didn't say anything, Amy pulled me to the dining table and called out loudly to Evan, "Dad, hurry and have them bring out the food."
"Right, right, bring out the food."
Evan quickly had the servants bring out the dishes.
This was the first time in half a year that I sat down calmly to eat with my family.
At the table, no one brought up the earlier unpleasantness. Wesley and Evan tried hard to play loving roles.
The atmosphere could barely be called harmonious. After dinner, I said goodbye and left.
Amy waved and chased after me for a long time. "Atlas, remember to come back and see me!"
In the darkness of night, no one saw my eyes moisten.
After leaving the Lancaster Manor, I felt an empty ache inside. My only real family member in this world was dead.
After she died, I saw clearly that so-called family affection was just driven by self-interest.
As I grew up, I became increasingly cold. I played around, surrounded by women, seemingly surrounded by women but feeling empty inside.
Those women who clung to me were only after my status and money.
They wanted my money, and I happened to crave the warmth they offered.
A simple transaction - when they left, the deal was over. What real feelings could there be?
The funny thing was that those women still wanted to tie me down, each one acting out some life-and-death devotion in front of me!
How ridiculous. Naturally, I wouldn't tolerate it. Over time, I earned a reputation as a Playboy.
But who really understood what was in my heart? Deep down, I longed for a lover, for a home!
Fortunately, that person really did appear.
Thinking of Helena, my heart felt both sour and happy. I knew that if I didn't see her tonight, I'd go crazy and wouldn't be able to sleep. Since that was the case, I might as well go see her.
Right then, I made up my mind, stepped on the gas, and drove straight toward the Lockwood Manor.
In front of the Lockwood Manor, I looked up. Under the starry sky accompanied by scattered lights, my heart instantly calmed down.
It would be tomorrow - my beloved Helena was going to marry someone else. A chill rose in my heart.
Facing the villains of the Lancaster family all alone was just too lonely. This time, let me be selfish just once. What if I had Helena come keep me company?