Chapter 200: Sister-in-law ... don’t misunderstand my brother yet.
The possibility alone made him dread.
How could it not?
After all, where would he find another sister-in-law as capable as her?
But staying silent wouldn’t help either.
If his brother really chose someone else and betrayed her, then she would leave anyway.
And once again, he would be dragged into the same turmoil —one he never wanted to experience again after finally overcoming it.
"Sister-in-law ... even if you trust Big Brother, it’s still better if you make your relationship official," he said suddenly.
As long as their relationship was public, other women would at least hesitate before entertaining any thoughts about his brother.
And the position of sister-in-law would remain secure in her hands.
However, Adelyn frowned at that.
She just felt this guy had nothing better to do; he had come here to make things exhausting for her too.
Turning away from him, she said flatly, "There’s no need, as I’ve already said. We’re fine like this. Besides, my career doesn’t allow it." She picked up a glass and poured herself some water. "I’ve already talked to your brother about this."
Karl immediately followed her.
"You’ve talked to my brother about it?" he asked, surprised.
Adelyn nodded. "We did ... on the very first day."
Karl blinked again, clearly caught off guard.
"Then ... does that mean my brother wanted to make it public, but didn’t because of you?"
She hummed in confirmation again.
"But why would you refuse it, sister-in-law? Didn’t you say you love my brother?"
"I did," she replied, repeating the lie without hesitation. And the more she repeated, the more accustomed she felt to it.
"But I also said —my career doesn’t allow it. Not at this stage, at least."
"But actresses need strong backing," he argued. "My brother could be that for you. The strongest one of all. No one would dare offend you, and you’d rise to the top in no time. Isn’t that better?"
Adelyn didn’t hesitate. She reached out and grabbed his ear, twisting it sharply. "That’s exactly what I don’t want."
"Ah—!" Karl winced, quickly prying her hand off.
Looking at her again, he said defensively, "Sister-in-law, I didn’t mean to look down on you. I just think ... if you announce your relationship, things would become easier for you. And why hesitate when my brother is ready to offer it himself?"
Adelyn suddenly closed her eyes.
Though she had refused only to avoid deeper entanglement ...
Even if that wasn’t the case—
Even if things between her and Dylan were real—
She still wouldn’t rely on his name to rise.
She preferred standing on her own.
She could share her success. Celebrate it.
But never borrow it.
Explaining this would be too much, so she chose what felt easy ...
"Because I want to become worthy of him," she said finally, opening her eyes and looking at Karl with steady resolve. "Your brother is outstanding. I might not match him yet —but I want to try. I want to make myself outstanding enough to outshine every woman who even thinks of him. Don’t you think that’s better?"
Karl froze.
He had never thought a woman could be this ... captivating.
But in that moment—
When she spoke of her goals, her pride, her ambition—
Her beauty paled in comparison.
His heart raced.
Not romantically —but in pure admiration.
No wonder even that Old Demon had been charmed by her. His sister-in-law was the best.
But then—
A thought struck him.
What if she tried ... and still failed?
He shook his head quickly.
"But what if, by the time you outshine others, someone else takes your place?" he asked. "What will you do then?"
Adelyn had no answer.
Because she had never thought about it.
So she fell back on what she always said.
"I trust your brother. He—"
But before she could finish, Karl cut her off urgently.
"Don’t trust my brother so much, sister-in-law. He might fail you."
Adelyn paused.
She didn’t sit. Instead, she turned back to look at him.
"What did you say?" she asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
But to Karl, that curiosity felt like a blow.
He thought the truth had shaken her too deeply to even react properly.
Lowering his gaze, he said carefully, "Sister-in-law ... don’t misunderstand my brother yet. He’s not someone who would betray you. But Jasper ... he’s been influencing him. And ... Big Brother seems to be falling into that trap."
"A trap?" Adelyn repeated, her expression twisting in confusion.
Karl nodded.
"That’s why I think it’s better if you make your relationship public. That way, your position beside him will be secure —and no one would dare to interfere."
Adelyn pressed her lips.
That wasn’t what she had been waiting to hear.
"What exactly are you talking about?" she asked, her tone sharpening. "Speak clearly. What trap is he falling into?"
Karl hesitated.
He had thought being subtle would be enough. But now that she was asking directly—
He didn’t know how much to reveal.
Should he tell her everything?
But what if she misunderstood his brother?
His brother hadn’t betrayed her yet.
But what if, fearing that possibility, she chose to leave him first?
What would he do then?
Wouldn’t that Old Demon skin him alive?
He swallowed, dread pooling in his chest.
Adelyn watched his silence, her patience thinning.
"Didn’t you just pledge your loyalty to me?" she asked coolly.
Karl looked up and nodded. "I did, but—"
"There is no ’but,’" she cut him off.
Then she walked over to the sofa and sat down, crossing her legs.
"Tell me everything. Don’t hide a single detail."
Karl hesitated one last time.
But in the end—
He knew he couldn’t hide it anymore.
Taking a breath, he finally said, "My brother ... has decided to invest in the production of an upcoming movie —for another actress."
Adelyn paused.
"Another actress?" she repeated slowly, her eyes narrowing just a fraction —though she didn’t even realize it herself.
Karl nodded, continuing, "Yes. Jasper brought him the proposal ... and he agreed. He—"
