?<strong>Chapter 472:</strong>


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    Yet, others seemed intrigued by the vision. “But a signature product like that could be a game-changer.”


    Voices ovepped, some urging caution, others caught up in the ambition of it all.


    Ultimately, all eyes shifted to Ken, waiting for his decision.


    He let the silence linger, his demeanor as distant and inscrutable as ever. His presence was too refined, too aloof, leaving many to feel as though they couldn’t quite reach him. Finally, in a quiet but resolute voice, he said, “Proceed.”


    Ken’s voice carried a casual indifference. “Since its inception, ourpany has never taken the conservative route. We’ve always been trailzers.”


    It was clear his statement wasn’t just directed at the room—it was a show of support for Allison.


    After all, Charisma Company had never shied away from bold moves, always leading the way with innovation. To Ken, Allison’s talent was a given, not up for debate. He knew anypany would fight for the chance to have her. She wasn’t just a brilliant strategist; she was the Scarlet Snake—a rising star in the perfumery world.


    Ken took in the surprised looks around the table and gave his orders without missing a beat. “Sherman, you’ll handle the follow-up.”


    “Yes, boss!” Sherman replied, trying to mask his nerves. It finally clicked why Ken was here—it was all because of Allison.


    Yet, there was something unusual in the air. Even an outsider like Sherman could sense a chill between them. Lately, Ken and Allison seemed more distant, as if something unspoken hung between them. Could Carole be the reason? Sherman couldn’t help but wonder.


    The meeting wrapped up, and people gradually filed out. Allison stood and turned to Ken. “My proposal earlier was risky,” she admitted. “Without your support, it would’ve been hard to convince the board.”


    Ken lowered his gaze, fingers tightening on the edge of the table. His voice remained steady, almost mechanical. “It’s not because of me. You’re strong enough.”


    But beneath hisposed exterior, Ken was anything but calm. His thoughts swirled, a tangled mess of longing and restraint. If someone could peek inside his mind, they’d see a man fighting an urge that felt almost primal.


    An urge to pull her close, to breathe her in, to kiss her.


    The distance between them hadn’t dulled his feelings. If anything, it only made him more vulnerable to her presence—like a moth drawn dangerously close to a me.


    “Thank you for trusting me,” Allison replied. She had no inkling of the turmoil churning inside him. To her, his words were a rare gesture of faith, something she hadn’t often found in others—especially not within the Stevens family, where Colton’s support had been absent, reced with biting remarks and relentless pressure.


    Years of doubt had taken their toll, leading her to question her worth from time to time. But Ken’s words always found a way to reach her.


    “I believe in you.”


    “You’re worth it.”


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