Chapter 31:

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Colton’s face darkened, his expression growing grimmer by the second as he processed the sharp dismissal. When had anyone ever dared to humiliate him like this? Especially in front of Kellan, the man notorious for his icy demeanor, now openly praising Allison.

Seated in his wheelchair with a gray blanket draped over his knees, Kellan radiated an aura of detached nobility. Despite his physical condition, his presence was overwhelming. His words were like shards of ice, slicing through the room, and a single cold glance from him could freeze anyone in their tracks. It was enough to make one’s skin crawl, as if instinctively knowing they should flee before it was too late.

It wasn’t until Melany’s fingers gently squeezed his hand that Colton snapped back to the present. “Colton?” she whispered, her voice a quiet anchor in the storm brewing within him.

Colton inhaled deeply, reigning in his temper. He had to remind himself that the immense benefits to his company were worth swallowing his pride. Even though fury simmered beneath the surface, he forced himself to speak in a respectful tone. “Since you’re so direct, Mr. Lloyd, let’s get to the point.”

His gaze briefly flicked to Kellan. Sure, the man was successful and respected, but what good was all that power if he was bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life? No amount of influence could change that. And Allison? She could cling to him all she wanted, but she’d soon find herself trapped with a man whose temper was as volatile as his reputation.

When that day came, even if she came crawling back to him, Colton wouldn’t lift a finger to help.

“As long as you’re willing to assist us with this small favor, Mr. Lloyd, I’m prepared to offer ten percent of the Stevens Group’s shares. All I ask is that you act as an intermediary and arrange a meeting with the president of the Everett Group. What do you think?”

This was Colton’s ace, his final move. He refused to believe that even someone like Kellan could resist the bait.

Even Allison had to admit, on the surface, the offer seemed highly advantageous.

Lᴀtєst chαptєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovеℓ𝑠.𝑎𝓂

The Everett Group, after all, was the largest advertising conglomerate in Ontdale, with a name that resonated throughout the industry, though its president remained elusive. Their marketing tactics were revolutionary, and many tried to imitate their approach, but no one ever succeeded.

Offering up shares in exchange for a simple introduction was a massive investment on Colton’s part, but the potential payoff was worth every penny.

For Kellan, this was a win-win. All he had to do was play matchmaker. If the deal went through, Stevens Group’s stock would skyrocket, and Kellan would collect dividends indefinitely. Even if the meeting failed, that ten percent stake still represented a fortune.

But then, Allison smiled — a subtle, knowing smile.

Sure enough, Kellan, sitting in his wheelchair, spoke with icy indifference. “You expect me to help you with just that?”

His gaze sharpened, and his words sliced through the air like a dagger. He looked at Colton and Melany as though they were two children lost in a game far beyond their understanding.

“Mr. Lloyd, surely you should reconsider — this deal is practically foolproof,” Colton interjected, a faint hint of desperation creeping into his voice.

“I’m not lacking in money, and petty gains like these don’t interest me,” Kellan replied, his tone dripping with disdain. “More importantly, to me, ruthless partners are acceptable, but foolish ones aren’t.”

Despite his confinement to a wheelchair, Kellan’s aura of superiority was unshakable.

“Anyone who can’t even exercise sound judgment in picking their associates? Tell me — do you think, with your limited vision, you’re qualified to discuss cooperation with someone like me?”

Allison didn’t blink. Kellan’s unpredictability was well known, and she could see how Colton had severely underestimated the man before him.

To Colton, the Stevens family’s assets were a golden prize, but for someone like Kellan, it was merely pocket change. If Kellan wanted wealth, why would he bother partnering with Colton? He could dismantle the Stevens Group at will and seize whatever equity he pleased.

“Mr. Lloyd.” Melany spoke up softly, her voice carrying a practiced innocence. But before she could say another word, Kellan’s knuckles tapped the table lightly. The sound was barely audible, but its impact was immediate, silencing her mid-sentence.

“I would strongly advise against anyone spoiling my good mood today,” Kellan said, his voice chilling, laced with quiet menace that seeped into the bones of everyone present.

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