Chapter 37:

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Allison couldn’t help but laugh at Colton’s desperate attempt to use his grandfather as a shield. “But as your grandfather also said, integrity is key in both life and business. As the CEO of the Stevens Group, honoring your word should be a given.”

Colton’s face flushed crimson, his usual sharp retorts failing him in the face of this truth.

Kellan, who had been watching the drama unfold with lazy amusement, opened his eyes just enough to stroke a cat’s chin and casually remarked, “I particularly dislike people who don’t keep their promises. Perhaps now would be a good time for my assistant to review our contracts with the Stevens Group, just to ensure everything is in order.”

The threat was unmistakable, and Colton’s complexion drained of color in an instant.

The new luxury stores they had opened were collaborating with malls owned by Kellan’s company. A scandal could severely impact their brand, especially with investors watching closely.

“Colton, you really should learn to bow gracefully in these situations,” Melany advised with quiet wisdom, trying to defuse the tension. “Given that Allison has the backing of Kellan, the CEO of the Lloyd Group, it might be wise to consider the future…”

Gritting his teeth, Colton reluctantly acquiesced.

Slowly, he and Melany knelt down, the act feeling as if their knees were about to shatter under the weight of their humiliation.

A resounding thud echoed as they finally settled into their kneeling position.

Colton shut his eyes tightly and bowed his head, his voice strained as he muttered, “Sorry, we were wrong.” The words came through clenched teeth, dripping with reluctance and discomfort as if every syllable was a dagger.

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Even the distant hum of mosquitoes seemed louder than their apology. Allison’s gaze remained coolly detached as she looked down at them. “I must be hearing things, or perhaps the illustrious CEO of the Stevens Group has lost his voice. Is that why your apology is barely a whisper?” Allison sneered, her tone dripping with disdain as she emphasized “CEO.”

“Don’t you dare push me…” Colton began, his voice laced with fury, but he was cut short by a cold, piercing stare.

Kellan, holding a cat close, fixed his gaze on Colton with eyes as dark and intense as a midnight storm.

Colton met that gaze and felt a freezing chill run through his bones.

“Sorry, we were wrong!” Colton blurted out suddenly, his face reddening as if he had been caught in the sun. His teeth nearly shattered from the effort to control his anger.

Even Melany, her eyes brimming with tears, bowed her head deeply in apology, all the while wishing she could rip Allison to shreds.

After they had performed three sincere bows, Allison finally eased back into her chair, methodically arranging her carving tools and treating Melany and Colton as if they were mere shadows.

“Now that you’ve finished, you may leave,” she said with an air of finality.

Melany rose, struggling to keep her composure. Having been pampered throughout her life, she had never faced such a humiliating situation. Despite her fury, she knew better than to lash out now.

She could hardly believe that Allison, of all people, had managed to gain Kellan’s support!

“Now that we’ve cleared up this little misunderstanding, surely you can let bygones be bygones, Allison. But speaking of bygones, you mentioned during the divorce that you had been with someone. When might we meet this person? If you’ve found your true love, we can all leave in peace.”

Her words were wrapped in a veneer of concern and generosity. Yet underneath, Melany was simply trying to provoke Kellan into disappointment with Allison.

“It’s just a gigolo, so what if I slept with him?” Allison replied bluntly.

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