The Billionaire's Forbidden Longing

Allison kept her eyes glued to the surveillance footage, puzzled by the sight of Alexander almost dropping his phone. Who would dare mess with him like that?

"What's got you so worked up?" she asked.

Alexander huffed and tossed his phone to Allison. Her eyes widened at the message. "Carl's here too? That's awesome! James, let's get to the Regal Crest Hotel, pronto!" James nodded with a grin and floored it, completely ignoring Alexander, which only made him angrier.

Alexander said, "You're not even gonna ask what I think?"

"Ask what? We're asking Carl for help with the Grey family mess, so of course, we need to see him! Plus, I haven't seen him in forever. What's the big deal?" Allison replied. Alexander felt even more frustrated, while James, driving up front, was secretly amused. The all-powerful, cold-hearted Alexander was completely at Allison's mercy. Allison added, "Besides, I need to talk to Carl about setting up an independent lab. I want to merge my mentor's research with Dr. White's data. The lab requirements are high, and we can't buy a lot of the equipment we need. Carl's the only one who can help with that."

Alexander looked even more dejected, feeling like he could never replace Carl in Allison's heart, which made him even angrier at himself.

When they arrived at the Regal Crest Hotel, Alexander really didn't want to go up, but seeing it was a Shaw family hotel, he had an idea. He texted Hunter and got a reply five minutes later.

Carl was thrilled to see Allison, though he could do without Alexander. The mutual dislike between Carl and Alexander was palpable, with tension in the air as soon as they locked eyes.

"Allison, come here, I got you a gift!" Carl called out, waving her over. Allison let go of Alexander's hand and walked to Carl, beaming.

Allison said, "So many fruits! Did you fly them in?"noveldrama

Carl nodded, hands in his pockets, watching Allison pick up the fruit. "All from the island. I thought I'd bring you some. If you like them, I'll have them sent to you every week."

Allison nodded happily. "I'll take some to Sabrina later; she'll love them!"

Carl smiled. "Already sent some to her. You look thinner. Have you been too busy to eat properly?"

Carl glanced at Alexander, implying he wasn't taking good care of Allison. Alexander couldn't argue with that.

Allison explained, "Too much work. Once I'm in the lab, it's hard to eat properly. It's normal."

Carl said, "Normal? When you were with me, did I ever let you get thin? Alexander, if you can't take care of her, stay away!"

Allison awkwardly looked at Alexander, then went over to hold his hand. "Carl, Alexander's been good to me. Don't blame him."

Allison defending Alexander left Carl feeling helpless, like a father who couldn't protect his daughter.

Carl said, "Allison, you're something else. Come here!"

Allison laughed, hugging Alexander's arm and pulling him along.

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In the living room, a projector displayed information about the Grey family. After reviewing it, Allison and Alexander frowned.

"The Grey family has been getting foreign investments for five years? How did I miss that?" Alexander was stunned. He had been tight with Mason, and if it weren't for Sloane, they wouldn't have fallen out. He hadn't realized the Grey family had been involved with foreign investors for so long.

Carl explained, "Your Carter family has ties with the Grey family, and Mason was your buddy. It's normal you didn't notice. Five years ago, the Grey Group faced a crisis due to Mason's poor decisions, causing a project to fail and breaking their cash flow. A shell company then invested a billion dollars in the Grey Group."

Alexander frowned. This was serious and posed a threat to the Carter Group.

He called Declan, who rushed over with Hunter upon hearing the news. "Alexander, Landon said there are a lot of strangers at The Old Wells Manor. He's already sent people there."

Alexander's eyes darkened, and he laughed coldly. "Mason's good. He's had me followed and sent people to The Old Wells Manor. He must know the Lewis family's identity. If something happens to them here, we'll clash with the Lewis family. Landon will lose Sabrina for failing to protect her, and the Wells family will face investigation, affecting Jessa's career and reputation."

Alexander continued, "If the Wells family falls, the Carter family will have to help, dragging us down and affecting our business. The Grey Group can then seize projects and funds. If the Carter Group falls, the Walker family will be isolated. Mason's quite the strategist."

Declan was impressed, admitting he couldn't have come up with such a plan. Hunter frowned, knowing that if their families were hit, none of them would escape unscathed. "Alexander, what now?"

Alexander raised an eyebrow, looking at Carl, who seemed like an outsider. "Carl, I need some men."

Carl nodded. "No problem, for the right price."

Alexander said, "What's the price?"

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Carl smirked. "Not much, just a billion dollars."

Alexander didn't flinch, turning to James. "Give him two billion. I want the best men and perfect equipment to ensure today's Apprenticeship Ceremony goes flawlessly." Spending money was Alexander's forte. Allison couldn't help but laugh at the two childish men.

Carl laughed too, looking at Allison. "Call Elijah. He's got work to do."

Allison nodded and called Elijah. After hanging up, she announced, "Elijah said everyone will be in place within half an hour."

Alexander turned to Hunter. "Arrange for everyone to stay here. No information about the guests, including Carl, should be leaked."

Hunter nodded and went downstairs to handle it personally. Declan sat on the couch, looking at Allison like he had something to say. "Ms. Bennett, is your HeartGuard expensive?"

Allison nodded. "Of course. It's top-tier pharmaceutical work, with a complex production process. The efficacy justifies the price."

Declan said, "My dad's hospitalized with heart disease. Can I buy one?"

Allison agreed without hesitation. "No problem. I'll call Henry right now."

She called Henry, and ten minutes later, the medicine was administered to Paxton, who personally called to thank her.