Chapter 14: Hold a grudge

"You..." 

“You what, Brenda? Are you haunted by demons because of your evil deeds?" Alley Houston emerged from the shadows, closing in behind Brenda Mclean, her gaze filled with malice, and her voice icy, sending shivers down Brenda Mclean's spine. "What do you want? Don't come any closer! Sam Goodwin is outside; I'll scream!" Brenda Mclean turned around to face Alley Houston, gripping the sink tightly. Alley Houston smirked, taunting her with contemptuous words.

"Those who do evil always think others want to do the same. Isn't it true that you enjoyed tearing your clothes in front of others? Today, I merely wanted to fulfill your peculiar preferences."

Brenda Mclean widened her eyes, realizing that Alley Houston was holding a grudge from the incident at the Cellon family's house. That day, Janet Cellon and Brenda Mclean had plotted to humiliate Alley Houston, hoping to make Karimba Cellon kick her out. Little did they know that she held a deep-seated grudge and sought revenge multiple times over. Brenda Mclean suddenly felt uneasy, especially facing Alley Houston's fearless and nonchalant demeanor.

Abruptly, Alley Houston stepped even closer to Brenda Mclean, pressing her heavily made-up face close to her. She gritted her teeth while speaking with intensity:

"Brenda Mclean, listen carefully. Today's incident was just a little taste of what I'm capable of. If you persist in competing with me for Karimba Cellon or scheming to harm me, don't blame Alley Houston for being ruthless!"

With those words, Alley Houston lightly tapped Brenda Mclean's cheek, then quickly left the restroom. Brenda Mclean stood there frozen, her legs feeling weak under Alley Houston's threat.

As the evening ball came to an end, Alley Houston returned to Taylor’'s apartment. She felt a sense of relief, as if she had just let go of all burdens. Alley Houston was not known for being cold-hearted, but she believed in avenging her enemies. Therefore, after witnessing the misery Brenda Mclean endured that day, Alley Houston felt no remorse.

Karimba Cellon sat in the reading room, with Sam Goodwin and Mike standing beside him. The two of them looked serious, glancing at Karimba Cellon and then at each other, creating a slightly tense atmosphere.

"Did you say Alley Houston threatened Brenda?" Karimba Cellon lifted his reading glasses, focusing his gaze on Sam Goodwin before asking.

Sam Goodwin nodded emphatically, reiterating her statement. "Yes, sir. At that time, Alley was super fierce."

As soon as she finished speaking, Sam Goodwin realized she might have said too much. Mike, standing beside her, also broke out in a cold sweat and quickly tugged her arm to signal her to stop talking. Sam Goodwin immediately lowered her head, not daring to say another word.

Karimba Cellon didn't press Sam Goodwin any further; instead, he reclined in his chair, letting out a sigh. He had never imagined that Alley Houston could be the type of woman to hold grudges and seek revenge in such a ruthless and malevolent way. However, rather than being angry at Alley Houston, Karimba Cellon was now worried that Janet Cellon might retaliate against her in a way that wouldn't be favorable for her.

Just like the way she treated her twin sister, Lily Houston, that day.

Thinking back to Lily Houston's death, Karimba Cellon suddenly felt a chilling sensation throughout his body, and his scalp tingled. He tried to suppress the horrific memories of that day. However, in the end, Karimba Cellon couldn't help but recall Lily Houston's face before the tragedy.

Letting out another sigh, Karimba Cellon quietly instructed Mike and Sam Goodwin, "You two keep a close eye on Alley Houston and prevent her from causing any more trouble."

Mike and Sam Goodwin nodded simultaneously. As they were leaving the Cellon's house, Sam Goodwin turned her head and asked Karimba Cellon, "What about the divorce procedure? Should we continue to push for it?"

Karimba Cellon was slightly surprised by Sam Goodwin's question, but he quickly understood her meaning. Lately, the divorce cases in the court had been small and not much disputed in terms of property. Therefore, the court proceedings were dragging on without a clear decision, mainly to keep the parties anxious and forcing them to push for progress.

Considering for less than two seconds, Karimba Cellon squinted at Sam Goodwin, startling her.

"Do you think I have extra money? How much do I have to spend each day to maintain the Cellon Group? Isn't that already enough to give me a headache? Don't be ridiculous!"

Sam Goodwin fell silent, sneakily looking at Mike, who was trying to hold back a laugh. Then he swiftly pulled Sam Goodwin away from the Cellon's house.

A few days later, Brenda Mclean had recovered, or rather, she had resolved to win Karimba Cellon's heart. As promised, she asked Karimba Cellon to play a role in a theater performance to deceive Janet Cellon, in reality, the two of them were scheming to trap Karimba Cellon. Karimba Cellon didn't doubt it much and, in front of Janet Cellon and Mr. Cellon, he said he had met Brenda Mclean and learned about her as a potential date but they were not compatible.

As a thank you, Brenda Mclean invited him to a lavish and romantic dinner. Karimba Cellon didn't think much of it and, considering it was her good intention, he readily agreed.

Brenda Mclean booked a luxurious and romantic restaurant and showed up in front of Karimba Cellon dressed to impress. Right on time, Karimba Cellon also arrived at the rendezvous point. However, before Brenda Mclean could say anything, Karimba Cellon's phone began to ring.

"Hello!"

"Boss, Alley is standing on the bridge. She... she wants to commit suicide."

On the other end of the line, Sam Goodwin's voice was distressed. Karimba Cellon ordered Sam Goodwin to keep a close eye on Alley Houston, but he didn't expect to receive news of Alley Houston wanting to end her life. Thinking about that tragic scene, Karimba Cellon couldn't contain his emotions. He felt like sitting on a burning heap, and the distance from his starting point to the location Sam Goodwin mentioned wasn't too far, but Karimba Cellon felt increasingly restless. He wasn't sure what emotions he was feeling right now, but he knew he was extremely angry.

"Damn you, Alley Houston! What kind of scheme are you planning now? Dammit! Alley Houston, don't let me see you alive, or I won't spare you!"