Chapter 49:

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One month later, in the heart of Golden Reef Bay, Rebecca steered the car smoothly into the restricted zone, letting out a low whistle at the sight of the bustling crowd. “Wow, what a circus. Classic Everett Group spectacle.”

This year’s Perfumery Competition had pulled out all the stops, securing the largest venue in Ontdale. Despite the anonymity required for submissions, the top ten finalists were to be revealed in public, which explained the sea of journalists and media swarming the streets, cameras at the ready, hoping to catch a scoop.

“Let’s just head inside.”

Allison barely glanced at the press. After flashing their invitations, she and Rebecca made their way into the contestant lounge, where a group had already gathered. As Allison scanned the room, her gaze landed on two all-too-familiar figures.

She made a face at that. Just her luck! Lately, it seemed wherever she went, they were always lurking.

There, Melany was nestled against Colton, batting her lashes and purring sweetly.

“Colton,” Melany asked casually. “I heard that the mysterious CEO of Charisma is competing too. What if I can’t keep up?”

Colton smiled down at her indulgently, giving her a light pat on the head. “No way, you’re a genius when it comes to perfume. In my eyes, you’re unbeatable. Just relax. We’re not even aiming for first place. We just need to make the top ten to get a meeting with the head of the Everett Group.”

“Colton, you’re so good to me!” Melany wrapped her arms around him affectionately.

Rebecca couldn’t suppress a snort. “Some people really should take a long, hard look in the mirror!”

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Melany turned sharply, sensing the mockery in Rebecca’s tone, and spotted her smirking. Allison, calm as ever, said in an even voice, “Rebecca, just be careful. Stay away from the trash, or you’ll be fouled!”

Her voice was low, but the sarcasm was unmistakable.

Colton’s brows furrowed as he looked in their direction, his eyes locking onto Allison. She was wearing a sleek, silver sequin dress, paired with a set of limited edition Christian Louboutins. She exuded a kind of untouchable grace.

There was something regal and aloof about her now — distant, yet commanding. It was as though one glance from her was a rare privilege.

Colton found himself momentarily lost. He had never seen Allison quite like this. Compared to the soft green dress she’d worn last time, this look wasn’t traditionally alluring, but there was something undeniably dignified about it, and it left him oddly captivated.

“Well, well, Allison, what a coincidence,” Melany said, catching the brief flicker of interest in Colton’s eyes. She clenched her hand tightly in his. “I didn’t know you had a thing for perfumery. How nice of you to join us. This place is buzzing!”

Colton’s expression darkened at her words.

“Allison, do you really think I don’t see what you’re doing? Stop playing these games to get my attention. I’ve told you before, no matter how much you try, begging me for help won’t change a thing!”

Rebecca nearly choked on her disbelief, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Allison.

“Allison, you’ve got a lot going for you, but girl, what were you thinking? I mean, really? This guy? It’s like a bad decision that just won’t stop haunting you.”

Allison laughed softly and replied, “Yeah, I must’ve been blind back then.”

Now, standing in front of him after their divorce, free from the rose-colored glasses of youth, she could finally see Colton for what he was: arrogant, self-conceited, and woefully clueless. He thought she was trying to play some game of cat and mouse.

Colton didn’t miss the contempt flashing in both women’s eyes, and his face turned cold.

“Allison, the first couple of times might’ve been coincidences, but this is the third time you’ve ‘accidentally’ bumped into me. Stop engineering these encounters. I’ll never fall for you!”

Rebecca couldn’t contain her laughter any longer.

“Are you even hearing yourself, you fool? You think Allison’s chasing you? Wow, that’s hilarious. You’re more disgusting than I thought!”

When Rebecca was in full swing, most people didn’t stand a chance.

“Honestly, you two make a perfect pair — a jerk and a spoiled brat!”

Melany’s face drained of color at the insult.

“You should watch how you talk!” she managed to mutter. “There’s no need to stoop to insults.”

“Good for you. At least you know when you’re being insulted. Quick learner, huh?”

“You!

Melany’s face paled even more, but she kept quiet, knowing full well who she was dealing with. Rebecca was the only daughter of the CEO of Green Group, the company that dominated the real estate market in Ontdale.

Crossing her wasn’t a risk Melany could afford.

“Colton’s just here with me. I didn’t expect to see Allison either. Guess it’s fate, right? So let’s not be too harsh.”

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