Chapter 174

“So? They really agreed to consider your crazy proposal!” Pamella frowned. The alcohol she’d consumed had already made her slightly tipsy, but Calen’s words sobered her instantly.

“Why are you surprised? They’re businessmen. It’s only natural for them to prioritize profits,” Calen rolled his eyes. “She’s not an actress; her reputation outside of business is irrelevant to my capabilities.” He loosened his tie, closing his eyes. He’d already informed his father of this progress; now, all he needed to do was wait for their next contact. Of course, he’d already scheduled a follow-up meeting for next Monday. He just needed to ensure the board received everything they requested.

“You’re really going through with this?” Pamella asked. “You’re betting what’s left of your shares on a deal with a company that appeared out of nowhere?”

Calen opened his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Pamella leaned back. “I’m saying something seems off about the Blackwell Group. Even my father suspects it. They’ve been based in Europe for years. Why the sudden interest in U.S. companies?”

Calen looked at her. “Because they’re expanding. That’s how businesses operate.”

She shook her head. “You don’t find that odd? They’ve had years to do this, yet they’re only now expressing interest in acquisitions here? Out of the blue?”

“They already have holdings in Asia and India,” Calen said. “Their expansion here is expected. They’re legitimate, Pamella. I’ve thoroughly researched them.”

Pamella remained silent for a moment, watching him, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

“You should reinvestigate them—properly,” she said. “Before you sign anything. I’m telling you, this feels like a trap. You don’t even know who’s behind them.”

Calen scoffed. “Why are you being so paranoid?”

He sat up and looked at her. “Right, I forgot. Scheming is your specialty. So now you assume everyone else is scheming, too?”

Pamella didn’t respond.

“This is your own doing,” Calen muttered.

She remained silent. Instead, she reached into her bag and produced something, holding it out to him.

Calen frowned and took it. It was a small, dark blue velvet box.

“What is this?” he asked.

“Open it,” Pamella said.

He glanced at her, then opened the lid. His expression changed instantly. “What the hell is this?” he asked. Inside was a massive diamond ring, far too large for any finger.

Pamella ignored his question, retrieving the box and sliding the ring onto her left ring finger.

“Yes, I’m going to marry you,” she said.

Calen turned to her. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Pamella shifted in her seat. “To secure this deal with the Blackwells, you need someone powerful behind you. The Johnson family can be a game-changer.”

Calen stared at her in disbelief. Was she serious?

“They said they’ll review your proposal, but that’s no guarantee,” she continued. “If you marry me, it demonstrates stability and support. That could significantly advance the deal.”

He blinked, then fully faced her.

“You’re insane.”

“You’re not losing anything,” she said. “If it doesn’t work out, we get divorced. But right now, this might be the only way to secure the funding.”

Calen suddenly grabbed her collar, pulling her close.

“What are you scheming?” he asked.

Pamella’s eyes widened. She tried to push him away, but he grabbed her wrist, pinning it against the door.

“What are you really after?”

Her free hand pushed against his chest, trying to create distance.

“Let go of me!” she snapped. “What the hell?”

Calen’s hand clamped around her throat, pressing her against the door. She twisted, attempting to elbow him, but the confined space within the car made it impossible.

“I said—what’s your motive?” he said, holding her there. “What do you want?”

Pamella kicked the center console and scratched at his arm. “You’re crazy!”

His grip tightened slightly. “You first.”

She clawed at his wrist with both hands, her body shifting as she struggled to break free.

“Get off me!”

Calen stared at her, unmoving, waiting for a coherent explanation.

“Are you out of your mind?” she hissed. “I only want to help!”

“Help?” Calen’s expression hardened. He finally released her. “You almost ruined this night, and you claim you wanted to help?” Scheming against Izzy was the furthest thing from Calen’s mind, yet this woman… he didn’t know whether to call her fearless or simply stupid!

Pamella glared at him, stroking her neck. “Fine. If you don’t want to marry me, then don’t! But don’t blame me if I tell my father about this!”

Calen’s expression darkened. Marriage? Had he ever seriously considered it before? He’d been with Izzy for years, yet the idea of settling down hadn’t occurred to him. But now, with clearer thinking, he saw Pamella’s point. Marrying her could provide a significant strategic advantage for him and Weiss Inc.

“Fine,” he said, leaning back. “I’ll discuss the marriage with my father when I return.”

Meanwhile, the mood between Liam and Izzy was vastly different from the tension in Calen and Pamella’s car.

Izzy glanced at him as they strolled hand-in-hand along the Embarcadero, the waterfront lights reflecting softly on the sidewalk. The air was pleasantly cool. She pulled her coat tighter and looked up at him.

“Shouldn’t you be tired? Why did you bring me here?”

“I think we should get something to eat. I’m craving something,” Liam said, stopping at a food stall near the Ferry Building. The aroma of grilled cheese and sweet pastries filled the air. Without waiting for her, he ordered.

Izzy followed, observing the stall. “Are you serious?”

He handed her a tray with two hot, golden beignets dusted with powdered sugar.

She stared at them, then back at him.

Liam took a bite of his and continued walking.

Izzy hesitated, then took a bite. They were warm and crisp on the outside, soft within. She said nothing, but she didn’t complain either.

They walked past the Ferry Building, its clock tower illuminated behind them. The sidewalk was relatively uncrowded; a few couples passed by, conversing quietly or sharing snacks. Streetlights lined the path, and across the water, the Bay Bridge lights blinked rhythmically.

Liam stopped at a bench and nodded towards it.

Izzy sat first, settling the tray in her lap. Liam immediately sat beside her, leaning back slightly, his arm resting on the bench.

“You still haven’t answered,” she said. “Why here?” She’d expected they’d go home after the event. Who would have guessed he’d arrange for Mondo to bring them here?

He didn’t look at her. “You’ve been tense since the gala.”

She glanced away. “You noticed that?” After Pamella’s actions, she’d been on edge. The feeling of being watched made her uneasy.

He nodded subtly.

Izzy remained quiet for a moment, then took another bite of the beignet. Sugar clung to her fingers; she wiped them on a napkin he silently offered.

The silence wasn’t uncomfortable; it felt steady.

“I didn’t want to stay at that hotel,” she said after a while. “Too many people.”

“I know,” Liam said.

She looked at him; he was watching the water.

“Thanks,” she added.

Liam turned to her. “For what?”

“For dragging me here.”

He looked at her hand, still holding the half-eaten pastry. “You haven’t finished that.”

She glanced at it. “I’m savoring it.”

Liam leaned back, his eyes still on her. “Then savor it properly.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled.