Colton’s face darkened, his expression growing more somber with each passing second as he processed the abrupt dismissal.


    When had anyone dared to humiliate him like that? Especially in front of Ken, the man famous for his icy demeanor, who was now openly praising Allison.


    Sitting in his wheelchair with a grey nket draped over his knees, Ken radiated an aura of nonchnt nobility.


    Despite his physical state, his presence was overwhelming.


    His words were like shards of ice cutting across the room, and a single cold nce from him could freeze anyone.


    It was enough to make your skin crawl, as if he instinctively knew to flee before it was toote.


    It wasn’t until Mny’s fingers gently squeezed his hand that Colton came back to the present.


    “Colton?” she whispered, her voice a silent anchor in the storm brewing inside him.


    Colton took a deep breath, holding back his temper.


    He had to remind himself that the immense benefits to hispany were worth swallowing his pride.


    Even though anger 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.


    ”


    Her gaze briefly shifted to Ken.


    Sure the man was sessful 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 hold on to him all she wanted, but she would soon find herself trapped with a man whose temper was as vtile as his reputation.


    When that day came, even if she crawled back to him, Colton wouldn''t lift a finger to help her.


    “As long as you are willing to help us with this small favor, Mr.


    Lloyd, I am willing to offer you ten percent of the shares of the Stevens Group.


    All I ask is that you act as a middleman and arrange a meeting with the president of the Everett Group.


    What do you think?”


    This was Colton''s ace move, his finishing move.


    He refused to believe that even someone like Ken could resist the bait.


    Even Allison had to admit that at first nce, the offer seemed very advantageous.


    The Everett Group, after all, was thergest advertising conglomerate in Ontario, with a name that resonated throughout the industry, although its president remained elusive.


    Its marketing tactics were revolutionary and many tried to imitate them, but none seeded.


    Offering stock in exchange for a simple introduction was a big investment on Colton''s part, but the potential reward was worth every penny.


    For Ken, this was a win-win.


    All he had to do was y matchmaker.


    If the deal closed, Stevens Group stock would soar and Ken would collect dividends indefinitely.


    Even if the meeting fell through, that ten percent stake still represented a fortune.


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


    Sure enough, Ken, sitting in his wheelchair, spoke with icy indifference.


    “You expect me to help you with that?”


    His gaze sharpened and his words cut through the air like a dagger.


    He looked at Colton and Mny as if they were two children lost in a game that escaped their understanding.


    "Mr.


    Lloyd, you might want to reconsider, this deal is practically foolproof," Colton interjected, a hint of desperation in his voice.


    “I’m not short of money, and petty profits like this don’t interest me,” Ken replied, his toneced with disdain.


    “More importantly, I ept ruthless partners, but I ept reckless ones.


    ”


    Despite his confinement to a wheelchair, Ken''s aura of superiority was unshakable.


    "Someone who can''t even exercise sound judgment when choosing partners? Tell me: do you think that, with your limited vision, you are qualified to talk about cooperation with someone like me?"


    Allison didn''t blink.


    Ken''s unpredictability was well known, and she could see how Colton had severely underestimated the man in front of him.


    To Colton, the Stevens family estate was a golden prize, but to someone like Ken, it was just pocket change.


    If Ken wanted wealth, why would he bother partnering with Colton? He could dismantle the Stevens Group at will and seize whatever capital he wanted.


    “Mr.


    Lloyd.


    ” Mny spoke quietly, her voice in practiced innocence.


    But before she could say another word, Ken’s knuckles lightly rapped on the table.


    The sound was barely audible, but its impact was immediate, silencing her mid-sentence.


    "I strongly advise that no one spoil my good mood today," Ken said, his voice chilling,ced with a silent menace that sank into the bones of everyone present.