Chapter 482:
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Carole froze, her expression one of sheer disbelief. It was clear that Kellan was explaining all of this to Allison.
As he lifted his eyes, his lips slightly pursed, and his dark eyes, veiled with an enigmatic shadow, seemed to draw one in like a bottomless chasm. The silence that had previously filled the room was suddenly shattered.
Allison hadnât expected this either. Surprise flickered in her eyes. She had long assumed that Kellan wasnât one to partner easily, much less bend to anotherâs plans.
Even more puzzling, Greenfield Groupâs focus on fast-moving consumer goods hardly seemed to align with Charisma Companyâs trajectoryâunless it had something to do with Carole?
As Allison recalled the vast debt of gratitude owed by the Lloyd family to the Perry family, a theory quickly took root in her mind.
She responded with a calm, measured tone, âYou two go ahead and discuss this. Iâm waiting on someone here, so Iâll steer clear.â
Her offhand tone, so relaxed and nonchalant, grated on Kellanâs nerves. It seemed that in trying to explain himself, he had only added unnecessary details.
She hadnât reacted as Ferdinand had anticipated; she hadnât been prodded into revealing anything hidden or vulnerable. In other words, she simply did not care.
As the sunlight shifted across the room, it fell across Kellanâs impeccably tailored trousers, casting his features in stark shadow, making him appear both mysterious and cold.
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Carole, simmering with anger, hadnât noticed this shift. She was barely holding her temper in check.
With a wry smile, she quipped, âEven if Kellan and I are here to talk business, thereâs no harm in you listening in. Youâll be part of our team soon enough.â
Caroleâs offer sounded magnanimous, though the way she emphasized âourâ was anything but subtle. She knew the collaboration proposal was strictly confidentialâdefinitely not for public ears.
This was all about unsettling Allison, a move Kellan, with his calculating nature, would certainly reject.
And just to add salt to the wound, Carole cooed, âIsnât that right, Kellan?â
Allison found herself amused. Clearly, Carole had only scratched the surface, knowing her merely as an employee, unaware of her substantial stake in the company.
Looking up with casual ease, Allison replied, âIn that case, Mr. Lloyd, why not send me the proposal so I can gain a little insight?â
Her tone was crisp and forthright, her words bold and unfiltered.
âOh, Ms. Clarke, you must be joking. Confidential files canât just be handed out willy-nilly,â Carole interrupted, her surprise tinged with a faint sneer, as if Allison had suggested something completely outrageous.
âKellan, donât take Ms. Clarkeâs enthusiasm too seriously. She meant no harmâ¦â
Before Carole could finish, a single chime cut through her words.
âThe documentâs in your email.â Kellanâs deep voice was as calm as ever.
Caroleâs expression faltered.
.
.
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