Chapter 469:
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Kellan barely reacted, letting out a slight chuckle as he continued shuffling through documents.
âFunny,â he replied without looking up, âafter years of ignoring me, the family suddenly cares now?â
His words hit Carole harder than she expected, leaving her momentarily silent.
The previous evening, she had texted him with a forced invitation to dinner with her family. But Kellan hadnât bothered to respond, let alone show up. She could hardly blame him, but with her familyâs company desperately needing his support, she had no choice but to try warming up to him now, even if he remained as indifferent as ever.
Carole forced a smile, steeling herself.
âItâs because I do care about you,â she said softly, as if those words could hold any real weight after all this time. With a quick, calculated sigh, she pulled a slim folder from her bag and placed it on the desk in front of him. âI actually came to discuss some business.â
Kellan still showed no sign of interest, but Carole pressed on.
She moved around the desk, sliding the folder directly under his gaze. âCould you take a look and see if this proposal has any merit?â
As she leaned forward, a stray lock of hair slipped artfully behind her ear, deliberately revealing her slender neck.
âMy father wants me to gain some experience, and Iâm eager to help him. But since Iâve just returned from overseas, I donât have a solid grasp of things yet. Thatâs why I need your guidance.â
A faint floral perfume drifted his wayâdeliberate, understated, yet mildly invasive. It made Kellan turn his head and frown, clearly displeased.
But Carole remained seemingly oblivious, focused on her pitch.
âOur Greenfield Company is hoping to partner with Charisma Company for an upcoming event,â she explained smoothly. âIf the collaboration goes well, it could open doors for a long-term partnership.â
After outlining her plan, she looked up at him expectantly, searching for any sign of interest.
âSo, what do you think?â
She couldnât help but linger, noting the hardened edge in his once-familiar faceâa face she remembered well. She seemed fascinated by the change.
But that fascination quickly morphed into regret.
She had long regretted the day she had agreed to break off their engagement when Kellan was disabled. Back then, he was the man her family had discarded.
But now? He had recovered completely and was a towering figure in Ontdaleâs business world, a meteoric success others could only dream of. And here she was, stuck in a downward spiral. With Greenfield teetering on the edge of a financial crisis, she had no choice. Kellan was her last hope.
Finally, Kellan let out a breath, his voice cold and measured. âIâll help you.â
The words came like a lifeline tossed into stormy waters. Carole blinked, caught off guard, but quickly her lips curved into a smile. âThank you, Kellan! I knew you cared about me!â
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