The Mafia Heiress's Comeback: She's More Than You Think novel Chapter 349

Chapter 349 An Ambitious

Woman

“Just because Maren and Lucien’s bond is superficial and for appearances doesn’t mean she’d be quick to trade loyalty for profit,” Carl said, refusing to budge. “She’s still a serious threat. Even if you win her over, keeping her close could blow up in your face.”

“That’s enough. Drop it.” Shawn’s voice sharpened, laced with growing irritation.

The closeness between Maren and Lucien was nothing more than a performance. There had to be something they were both getting out of it.

Whatever resources Lucien had, Shawn was confident he could easily outdo Lucien–ten times over.

If Lucien could manipulate the situation to pull Maren in, what was stopping him from doing the same?

Claiming Maren wouldn’t just mean adding a stunning woman to his side, it would massively grow his reach. And with the number of enemies he’d made, he couldn’t afford to take chances. Even in Fleotho, where the Williams family held sway, there were still reckless souls determined to end his life.

He’d seen Maren in action. Her fighting prowess left no room for doubt. With someone like her guarding him, no assassin would ever come close.

He’d even shown the footage to the Williams family, and none of their top fighters came close to what Maren could do.

Shawn had also learned that Maren had easily neutralized the poison in Calvert’s system using her remarkable medical abilities–a toxin he had painstakingly sourced from abroad. She’d taken care of it with baffling ease.

A woman like that wasn’t just useful, she was invaluable. And what man wouldn’t find himself drawn in by her?

I’m just worried you might not be able to control her… No, I mean… she might be a little hard to keep in line. “Carl caught himself mid–sentence, realizing too late how poorly it sounded, and quickly tried to soften the blow.

But at the mention of managing women, Shawn’s expression turned cold with contempt. “Carl, of all our brothers, you’re the one I keep closest. Want to know why?” Shawn asked, voice calm but edged with mockery.

“I have no idea. Please, tell me,” Carl answered.

“Because you’re simple–minded. Let me spell it out for you–women exist to fulfill men’s needs. Take those heiresses, for instance. They strut around with their pride and airs, but after I shape them up, they fall right in line. No matter how remarkable a woman seems, she’s bound to lean on a man eventually, especially one with real power. That’s just how it is.” His tone brimmed with confidence, certain in his views and his methods. He understood precisely how to keep them under his thumb.

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< Chapter 349 An Ambitious Woman

Carl stayed silent. He didn’t argue, but the unease in his face said enough.

“Tsk.” Shawn let out a sharp breath, clearly catching the look.

Among the four Williams brothers of their generation, Shawn was the eldest, now just past thirty.

Carl, the youngest, had the least influence of them all.

The other two brothers were busy carving out their own spheres of control, their ambition thinly veiled. Shawn knew they were after his position, which was why he kept them under close watch, and occasionally found ways to put them in their place.

Carl wasn’t like the others. He had no craving for influence or position. Even the women Shawn offered him were politely declined. He preferred to stay close, offering loyalty over luxury.

He spoke plainly, his thoughts often written across his face with no attempt to hide them.

That honesty made Shawn trust him more than anyone else.

Because of his blunt nature, Carl occasionally blurted out advice that turned out to be more valuable than expected. So, while his words sometimes rubbed Shawn the wrong way, he was rarely punished for them.

As for the “simple–minded” label, Shawn only meant it in jest.

If Carl truly lacked value, Shawn would have cast him aside long ago. Carl was brilliant, but when it came to understanding women, the same could not be said.

“Carl, what you’re saying might apply in some cases. But you don’t get how women work. They need discipline. The wildest ones can be broken in by the right man. And when they are, their loyalty is absolute.” Shawn spoke with certainty, fully intent on bending Maren to his will like he had with the others.

“Got it,” Carl responded. He didn’t press the issue. Shawn never listened when it came to matters like this, and he had long since accepted that.

They were cut from different cloth.

Shawn chased power and pleasure, while Carl focused on the wellbeing of the Williams family as a whole. That was why he remained by Shawn’s side instead of joining forces with the other brothers.

He even lent a hand when Shawn needed to keep them in check.

Carl firmly believed that unity came from placing power in a single leader’s hands. If the other two brothers ever rose high enough to oppose Shawn, their rivalry would splinter the family’s strength and leave the Williams name vulnerable.