Chapter 12: Calculated

Growing up in a broken family has caused Karimba Cellon to lose faith in love and marriage. The same goes for Alley Houston, who always maintains a defensive stance and intentionally keeps her distance, unknowingly causing her own pain.

However, even Mr. Markus Cellon has to admit that Karimba Cellon has the ability to revive their family's business. So why did he agree to marry someone he didn't love like Alley Houston?

This is something that Karimba Cellon himself has never thought about.

As for Alley Houston, she knows that Karimba Cellon has his own concerns, but she also has her own fears and helplessness. If she doesn't hold on to this scarred marriage, what else can she do? To her, going back to the Houston family is like seeking death.

The more she thinks about it, the less Alley Houston can sit still and wait for the divorce announcement from the court. At the very least, she wants to meet Karimba Cellon before he unilaterally files for divorce. She heard that The Cellon Corporation is hosting a gala ball, which is also like a customer conference. Alley Houston wants to take this opportunity to approach Karimba Cellon.

The gala ball unfolds according to Karimba Cellon's plan. Standing on the balcony, he catches a glimpse of Alley Houston in her serving attire. Karimba Cellon furrows his brow, wondering what she is doing here.

When Karimba Cellon sees Alley Houston, even though he's not sure if it's her for certain, he still feels his heart beating fast. He fears that she might disrupt The Cellon Corporation's gala. After a moment of contemplation, Karimba Cellon decides to chase after Alley Houston.

Karimba Cellon immediately chases after Alley Houston. It seems like she has noticed him trailing her, so her steps quicken with each passing moment. Karimba Cellon disregards the curious gazes directed at him and continues to pursue her. His heart beats rapidly, and Alley Houston's attempt to flee only intensifies his urgency, making it difficult for him to catch his breath.

"Karimba!"

Behind Karimba Cellon, a woman's melodious voice calls out. He turns around, and it's Brenda Mclean who has just arrived.

To grab his attention, she wears a white off-shoulder dress, revealing her alluring collarbone and a hint of her fair bosom. However, Karimba Cellon doesn't even cast a glance at her. He can't deny that his attention is focused on Alley Houston. He is curious about Brenda's intentions, but also wary of her presence.

"Karimba, when Aunt Janet talked about arranging a wife for you, it was actually for your own good. If anything she said wasn't right, please don't take it to heart."

Brenda Mclean speaks with a slight bow, her eyes cast down like a pitiful little cat. Karimba Cellon can't bear to see her sad and sighs before shaking his head.

"I don't mind. Besides, it has nothing to do with you. We will always be family."

"I'm just afraid that you hate me because Aunt disliked me too." Brenda Mclean speaks with a childlike innocence, her face blushing, appearing both shy and pitiful.

Karimba Cellon fears Brenda Mclean's pitiful demeanor. He intends to reach out and caress her head but quickly withdraws his hand.

"That's not true. I still consider you as my little sister. I hate your aunt, it’s true,  but you’re always my little sister. I know that this is not your fault."

Karimba Cellon's words naturally don't escape Brenda Mclean's ears. She knows very well that Karimba Cellon doesn't love her, but she's accustomed to being thick-skinned, so she silently encourages herself that one day he will change. Karimba Cellon is a refined and gentlemanly person, as long as she appears weak and pitiful enough, he will take pity on her.

"Karimba, thank you for these words. I feel better now. But, I just wanna say that… actually, when Aunt Janet talked about matchmaking, the person she wanted to introduce to you was me. I’m sorry about that, even though I…" Brenda Mclean continues to play the role of a pitiful girl, her eyes welling up with tears, beginning to narrate before Karimba Cellon's surprise. "I’m sorry. My parents passed away when I was too young, and Aunt raised me up. Before they left, my parents wished for my Aunt to find a good family for me. Perhaps to my Aunt, you are the best and most suitable man for me.”

Karimba Cellon looked at Brenda Mclean's pitiful expression and felt confused inside. He didn't know how to handle this situation. Karimba Cellon may be a "business titan" in the corporate world, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he is completely clueless and innocent. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but console her.

"I'm afraid Aunt Janet just wants to take advantage of me. But it's fine, that matter is in the past now, and I don't care about it anymore. You should forget about it too. We will always be good siblings."

Brenda Mclean nodded slightly, her eyes filled with a determined look as she gazed at Karimba Cellon. However, her objective was not yet achieved, and she wasn't ready to let go easily.

"I know you're good to me, but Aunt Janet is still insistent on arranging my marriage. How about we put on a play? Just say that you don't like me, and I won't like you either. That way, Aunt Janet will give up, won't she?"

Brenda Mclean spoke while looking straight into Karimba Cellon's eyes, making him feel sorry for her. Karimba Cellon thought that Brenda Mclean also had her own troubles, and regardless, this matter wasn't too troublesome, he could help.

"Alright, but just this once, okay?"

Upon hearing the expected answer, Brenda Mclean felt ecstatic inside but maintained a calm demeanor. She cheerfully leaned forward and kissed Karimba Cellon on the cheek before winking mischievously. 

Karimba Cellon stood frozen in place, his entire body covered in prickles, his heart pounding, and sweat beginning to trickle down. Karimba Cellon agonizingly turned away, silently cursing himself.