calculating

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. planning things very carefully to get an advantage for yourself, often in a way that seems cold or dishonest.

adj. acting in a cold, analytical manner to further one's own interests, often at the expense of others.

“He is a calculating businessman who only helps people if it benefits him.”

“The protagonist's calculating nature allowed her to navigate the corporate hierarchy, though it eventually cost her the trust of her closest colleagues.”