Chapter 50:

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“Colton’s just here with me.”

Rebecca couldn’t suppress the laughter bubbling up inside her. She echoed Melany’s words with mock sweetness.

“Well, even dogs have a taste for filth. It’s in their nature. But when they strut it out in public like it’s something to be proud of? Now that’s revolting. You two should probably clear out before I say something worse.”

Melany’s face drained of color, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She reached for Colton’s sleeve desperately.

“Miss Green, I understand you come from a privileged background, and your family might indulge you, but that doesn’t give you the right to throw insults around. Allison’s deception was really masterful. Otherwise, Colton wouldn’t have fallen for it…”

Colton’s expression darkened at Rebecca’s words. Though he was restrained by her social standing, his voice was cold.

“Miss Green, before you rush to defend Allison, you should consider her true nature. This woman is all vanity, always on the lookout for an opportunity. Don’t let her pull the wool over your eyes.” His gaze was sharp, clouded with the memories of Athton, the irritation of being outplayed evident. “Allison used to act like the perfect, caring partner, but she could switch off her emotions like flipping a switch. Be careful — she might be using you too!”

Rebecca didn’t flinch. Instead, her laughter rang out, louder this time.

“I didn’t want to believe it at first, but you are playing his strings like a fiddle. He can’t even see what’s in front of him! Should I applaud your acting or pity his lack of brains?”

Colton’s expression twisted as he retorted,

“What are you implying, Miss Green?”

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Rebecca casually draped an arm around Allison’s shoulders, her smirk full of disdain.

“Oh, nothing at all. It’s just that you’re blind, Colton. I’ve known Allison for years. Do you think your words are going to change my view of her? Back when you were chasing after your little fantasy of a perfect, submissive woman, Allison gave you exactly what you wanted. But now? She doesn’t need you, and she’s done playing that role. Now, you seem to be pissed off by her wise choice.”

She gave him a once-over, shaking her head.

“Honestly, a man as oblivious as you is a rare find!”

Rebecca then bumped Allison with her elbow.

“You’ve got to teach me those acting skills sometime. It might keep my dad from always calling me a wild child.”

Allison sighed,

“That’s because some people can’t tell the difference between gold and garbage. When someone’s born with bad taste, there’s no helping them.”

She couldn’t help but smile faintly at the absurdity of it all.

Allison couldn’t help but remember that moment in Athton. Kellan, with just a few subtle hints, had pieced things together, even recognizing that she had once been Emanuel’s teacher. But Colton, oh God! He had lived with her for three years and never caught on to a thing!

It was a matter of intelligence, plain and simple.

As the banter between the two women continued, Colton found himself at a loss for words. The mockery was obvious, but he knew better than to let his frustration show. Rebecca’s reputation for being wild and her family’s fierce protectiveness made any attempt to retaliate futile. If she snapped and slapped him, the Green family would stand firmly behind her, leaving him with no choice but to swallow his pride.

Melany, for her part, forced a strained smile as she tried to keep her composure.

“The competition’s about to start. Allison, I know you like these perfume contests, but maybe you should stick to the audience section in the back. We wouldn’t want you getting lost.” Her words dripped with sarcasm, the implication clear: Allison didn’t belong here.

Colton’s face remained stony as he added, “Not just anyone can enter this arena.”

He wrapped an arm around Melany’s waist, pulling her close as if to make a point. “Women of real talent, like Melany, don’t need to scrape and claw for attention. Unlike those who climb their way up through vanity! Maybe one day someone will realize her worth, but until then, it’d be a shame to see her thrown out by security.”

Just then, a staff member with a red brooch approached.

“Hello, Miss Lemonade,” he greeted.

At these events, staff members were distinguished by the color of their brooches, indicating their roles within the contest organization. This particular staff member was responsible for the SVIP lounge. Colton sneered at the mispronunciation. “Lemonade? Allison doesn’t belong here. You should escort the unqualified out before they embarrass themselves.”

But the staff member paid him no mind. His attention remained fixed on Allison, his demeanor shifting to one of utmost respect as he noticed the champagne in her hand. Bowing slightly, he gestured politely toward her.

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival. And knowing your preference for red wine, we’ve made sure to have it prepared in advance. The champagne here in the main area doesn’t meet the standards, so let me escort you to the SVIP lounge. We’ve arranged a private space just for you.”

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