Did Benson really just bring up a marriage alliance? And with the Zenn family, of all people. They were the ones behind Centrise Group.
I turned to face Benson, who met my stare with a knowing smirk.
He said, “Layton Group may be small, but under your leadership, it’s become a multibillion- dollar powerhouse.
“Besides, Camille is stunning. Plenty of men would kill for the chance to have her.”
His eyes were cold and sharp. There was no doubt that he was ready to play hardball.
“Well then, congratulations,” I said, turning to walk away.
Benson’s key reason for wanting me to marry into his family was straightforward. I came with no strings attached. Even if I were to run the company, the Layton name would remain. That was exactly his goal.
But my move caught him off guard, and he was forced to adjust his strategy.
Even if it meant Layton Group would eventually pass into the hands of the Zenn family, Benson considered it a better option than allowing me to dismantle it from within.
In fact, with the Zenns‘ backing, the Laytons could become even more powerful.
With that kind of support, bringing me down would be effortless. They could destroy my company overnight.
Benson was undeniably a cold, calculating man. He rarely made moves, but when he did, he played to win.
Although Sophia and I believed in our abilities, taking on a powerhouse like the Zenn family was nothing more than a fantasy.
When I returned, I told Sophia everything.
“What?” she gasped. “Camille’s marrying into the Zenn family? It has to be Mr. Desmond, right?”
I nodded. There was no other candidate.
I’d met Cullen before. He was strategic and always thought things through.
With Cullen now challenging Desmond for the family leadership, Desmond was undoubtedly under growing pressure.
Winning Camille’s loyalty was a shrewd way to reinforce his claim of the family. So it made complete sense that Desmond accepted the Layton family’s proposal.
“This won’t be easy, Sophia whispered. “Once that marriage goes through, they’ll be family. Even the Fawkes won’t be able to come to our aid then.”
That was exactly what I feared.
The logistics project was just a small part of Centrise Group’s operations. I was certain our collaboration would only deepen over time. However, with the Layton and Zenn families united, gaining any ground would be significantly more challenging.
The Fawke and Zenn families were closely allied, their relationship solidly built over time.
Initially, both the Layton family and I were outsiders. But now that the Laytons were connected to the Zenns through marriage, they were practically family.
No matter how reckless the Fawkes could be, they wouldn’t dare jeopardize their relationship with the Zenns‘ in–laws just to stand behind an outsider like me.
As expected, Cullen called two days later.
“Max, something’s wrong! Desmond told my father today that he’s fallen for Camille and wants to marry her! And my father agreed!” Cullen’s voice was tense with worry.
“I heard the same from Benson,” I said. “Cullen, I owe you an apology. I may have been too hard on the Layton family recently. That’s probably why they turned to Desmond.”
I didn’t try to sugarcoat it and took full responsibility.
“No, that’s a different matter. What’s important now is deciding our next move.” Cullen didn’t blame me, but it was clear he was counting on me to have a plan.
“Stay calm, Cullen. If the Laytons and your family are sealing an alliance, I’m likely their first target.
“You take care of things on your end. I’ll find a solution.”
After hanging up, I sat quietly, deep in thought. At this point, breaking the alliance between those two families seemed nearly impossible.
One was ready to marry, and the other was eager to be married off. Who could stand in their way?
But the wedding hadn’t happened yet. There was still a chance.
“Reserve a table for me at the restaurant. I’ve got a meeting tonight,” I said to Sophia, a smirk playing on my lips.
“Who’s the lucky person?” she asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.
“A shameless freeloader pretending to be a king.
