Chapter 148: Falling into the Hands of Villains

"Do you truly believe I care for this wretched Ye Corporation?"

Ye Zehong did not show anger; instead, he offered a calm, cold laugh. "Last time, you cast yourself in the role of a tragic lover, claiming you were forced to marry my mother and that your heart belonged to Yang Lan, which is why you failed my mother. Logically, you shouldn't wish to impose that same suffering on me, yet here you are, insisting I abandon the woman I love to marry some wealthy heiress who is of no interest to me, simply because it benefits the Ye family's expansion."

Ye Yingtang's face darkened instantly. He stiffened and cast a sharp, displeased glare at Ye Zehong, snapping, "In the Ye household, it is not your place to lecture me!"

His voice carried a heavy, imposing authority, as if he were addressing a stranger.

Ye Zehong stood his ground, calm and unhurried. "They say that if a son is unfilial, it is the father's fault. It is a pity, then, that I have never had a father since I was a child. It is even less your place, as a man who merely claims the title of 'father,' to dictate my choices."

These words instantly ignited Ye Yingtang's fury. His face turned livid, his eyes glaring at Ye Zehong as his blood pressure soared.

Both Ye Hua and Ye Zemao were always obedient, never offering a shred of resistance. Yet, Ye Zehong—the son he valued the most—opposed him at every turn! He must have committed some grave sin in a past life to be cursed with such an infuriating son in this one. To make matters worse, Ye Zemao was inept, simple-minded, and hopelessly naive.

"Whatever you may think, the future mistress of the Ye family will never be a commoner like Lu Yao. If you insist on marrying her, don't even dream of gaining control of the Ye Corporation! And don't think of setting foot inside the Ye family home ever again!" Ye Yingtang’s fingers tightened into a fist, which he slammed onto the desk, his eyes burning with rage.

Ye Zehong did not hesitate for a second. With a cold sneer, he replied, "In this life, Lu Yao is the only woman I will marry! I don't care for this wretched corporation. Give it to whoever you like; it has nothing to do with me!"

With that, Ye Zehong turned toward the door.

"Stop right there!"

Ye Yingtang watched the back of his son as he walked away, trembling with rage.

Ye Zehong paused at the doorway and said with cold indifference, "You had best pray that your health remains as robust as you claim. Live long enough to watch the Ye Corporation fall into the hands of thieves, and witness with your own eyes as your empire is usurped by those who take over your nest."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Ye Yingtang’s face sank, his voice thick with suspicion.

"Exactly what it sounds like." Having said his piece, Ye Zehong, showing no interest in further conversation, strode away with his long, purposeful steps.

Ye Yingtang watched him go, a wave of dizziness washing over him. He staggered, bracing his hands against the desk, and squeezed his eyes shut for a long moment until his senses returned to normal.

His gaze fell upon the tea canister nearby, and his brows furrowed slightly. His medical reports from last month had been perfectly normal, so why had these bouts of dizziness become so frequent lately? His diet and rest were no different than before.

Taken together, there was something indescribably strange about it all.

In the shadows of the corner, Yang Lan watched Ye Yingtang in the study, a cold smile curling her lips. Since Ye Yingtang was so desperate to prevent Ye Zehong from marrying Lu Yao, wouldn't it be better if she helped them along? By pushing them together, she could ensure Ye Zehong lost his eligibility to compete for the leadership of the corporation once and for all.

It would be best if Lu Yao became pregnant with a child of the Ye family, infuriating Ye Yingtang enough to personally take vicious action against her. If that happened, given Ye Zehong's temperament, he would surely sever all ties with his father and take Lu Yao far away.

*Heh heh heh...*

With that thought, a wicked plan took root in Yang Lan's mind.