Chapter 11: The Cellon Corporation

Since the incident at the Cellon house, Karimba Cellon has been silently monitoring Alley Houston's health. Doctor Will regularly visits and Alley Houston quickly recovers, her beautiful face no longer bearing any bruises.

Even Doctor Will finds it strange. It's evident that Karimba Cellon cares about Alley Houston, so why would he intentionally cause them both suffering? Although those around Karimba Cellon share the same perception, no one dares to question him.

Perhaps only Karimba Cellon knows the true reason.

That evening, Karimba Cellon receives a phone call from Mr. Markus Cellon, who wants him to come to the Cellon family mansion for dinner. Karimba Cellon doesn't want to return to that house, but upon hearing that Brenda Mclean is also visiting, he doesn't want to make her feel that he is distancing himself from her because of the previous incident. Karimba Cellon sighs deeply, arranges everything at the company satisfactorily, and then heads home early.

"Karimba is home!"

Karimba Cellon reaches the living room door, and inside the house, he hears the familiar voice of Janet Cellon. He can guess that his father is home, as that's when his stepmother adopts such a gentle and sweet tone. Karimba Cellon pays no attention to Janet Cellon, his eyes unconsciously knowing what is being prepared for a sumptuous meal in the kitchen.

Indeed, every dish is elaborate, but none of them are as delicious as the rice cooked by his mother, nor as sweet as the pastries skillfully made by Alley Houston.

Karimba Cellon realizes that it has been a long time since he has truly enjoyed a meal. It has become a mere routine for him, lacking interest, happiness, and flavor. Strangely enough, whenever he thinks of a family, Alley Houston's figure lingers in his mind.

"Karimba, despite your impending divorce with Alley Houston, it's about time you explore another relationship. What do you think, Markus?"

During the meal, Janet Cellon serves Karimba Cellon a bowl of mildly flavored soup. Brenda Mclean sits next to her aunt, her eyes sparkling as she looks at Karimba Cellon. Unfortunately, he doesn't bother to acknowledge his aunt and her niece, nor does he respond, causing Janet Cellon to feel somewhat embarrassed. Mr. Markus Cellon notices his wife's slight discomfort and speaks up:

"Your mother is right, Karimba. You're already over thirty, and at this age, you should be settling down, but Alley Houston... Well, let's not talk about that girl anymore. We'll arrange for you to meet someone relatively suitable. What do you think?"

As soon as Mr. Markus Cellon finishes speaking, Karimba Cellon places his chopsticks on the table, exerting a strong grip with a loud noise that startles the whole family. Karimba Cellon growls:

"Father, firstly, Janet Cellon is not my mother. I already show respect to her by calling her aunt. Secondly, my marital affairs will be decided by me alone, and it's not for someone who has no right to interfere. I'm full now, so I'm leaving."

After speaking, he stands up straight, leaving the dining table under the dissatisfied gaze of Janet Cellon and Brenda Mclean. After a few steps, Karimba Cellon adds:

"Oh, and if you call me back for these matters again, don't bother, I won't come back."

Mr. Markus Cellon is not surprised by Karimba Cellon's attitude. He knows very well that his son would never agree to Janet Cellon's proposal, but because he made a promise to his beautiful step-wife, he can't back down.

"What about the upcoming party at the corporation? Will you attend?"

Before Karimba Cellon steps out of the door, Mr. Markus Cellon asks him. Karimba Cellon smirks and replies:

"The Cellon Corporation holds the dedication of my mother. Anything related to The Cellon, I can't afford to be negligent. Others can't expect to have any say in The Cellon."

With those words, Karimba Cellon walks out of the door. Janet Cellon's face turns pale, while Mr. Markus Cellon sits there stunned, unable to swallow a bite of his meal.

The Cellon Corporation was built by Mr. Markus Cellon and his ex-wife, Ms. Julia Lewis, single-handedly. Ms. Julia Lewis was originally the distinguished heiress of the Lewis family, renowned in the business world, while Mr. Markus Cellon was just a poor student, a destitute soul in every sense. Ms. Julia Lewis chose him, leaving behind her wealthy and noble family, defying her biological father's disapproval, and together they endured hunger and cold, building The Cellon Corporation from scratch. But such is the irony of life, where suffering doesn't necessarily bring mutual understanding. When The Cellon Corporation became prosperous, Ms. Julia Lewis was struck by a cruel form of cancer and had to have both legs amputated. She, once a glamorous and beautiful woman, became a disabled person in a wheelchair. Mr. Markus Cellon, in turn, fell into alcohol and eventually got entangled with Janet Cellon. Mr. Markus Cellon realized his mistake and knelt outside, begging for forgiveness from Ms. Julia Lewis, but she was determined to divorce him.

With such a major upheaval, how could Karimba Cellon not feel hatred? He despises Mr. Markus Cellon and Janet Cellon to the core. Moreover, the horrifying things Janet Cellon did, Karimba Cellon can never forget, haunted by them to the point of illness.

After Karimba Cellon leaves, Janet Cellon begins to suffer and cries bitterly in front of Mr. Markus Cellon.

"You see, Karimba has never regarded me as his mother, despite my devoted care for him."

Mr. Markus Cellon sighs wearily. Seeing his lack of response, Janet Cellon continues with disappointment:

"It's all because of Alley Houston. It’s all her faults! Ever since living with that girl, Karimba has become more tough and stubborn."

Mr. Markus Cellon has no way to refute and reluctantly nods in agreement:

"Perhaps that's true. In the beginning, we shouldn't have pressured Karimba to marry Alley Houston for the sake of the company's interests. Clearly, with Karimba's abilities, he could have revitalized the Cellon family's career within a few years."