Chapter 67:

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As Allison stepped out, Rebecca joyfully slung an arm around her shoulder.

“Mr. Blakely’s chef? That man could give any top kitchen a run for its money! And while I was savoring the food, I also managed to get some juicy info,” Rebecca boasted, her eyes gleaming with self-satisfaction. “I found out Kellan’s stepmother was his dad’s mistress, the one who pushed his real mother over the edge. His father? No better. He’s got his sons locked in some twisted battle royale, practically making them fight for survival. Even worse, Kellan’s competing with his illegitimate siblings!”

Rebecca shook her head, eyes wide with disbelief. “Good thing I’m an only child. None of that sordid family drama for me.”

Allison grinned, her eyes piercing. “You spent very little time with Mr. Blakely, yet you learned a lot. You two must have hit it off.”

Rebecca gave a nonchalant shrug. “It was fine. Ferdinand’s easy on the eyes, I’ll give him that, and he doesn’t waste time with nonsense. But please, Allison, I’ve got a line of men waiting. I don’t need to shackle myself to one. Relationships? They’re a cage. You’re much freer on your own.”

Allison chuckled softly. Rebecca’s carefree attitude was as bold as ever.

Then, as if remembering something, Rebecca leaned closer. “So, how’d it go with Kellan? Any breakthroughs on the perfume front?”

Allison’s face clouded slightly at the question. She explained her suspicions and carefully pulled out the hair strand from her bag, now sealed in a plastic pouch. “Rebecca, I need you to help me with a DNA test. This is too much of a coincidence.”

Rebecca took the pouch with an easy wave. “No worries. I know a lab that’s discreet and top-notch.”

Rebecca, too, felt the oddity of the situation. The timing of Allison’s mother’s disappearance and Kellan’s mother’s death was unsettlingly close. Even their perfume methods bore uncanny resemblances. The theory seemed plausible, yet…

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“Let’s just hope this doesn’t end up being one of those weird ‘soulmates who turn out to be siblings’ situations,” Rebecca teased with a mischievous grin. “And don’t pretend you didn’t notice. There was some serious spark between you two back there.”

Allison rolled her eyes at the teasing but eventually threw up her hands in mock defeat. “It’s nothing. Just two people who crossed paths by chance. No way we’re ending up together.”

Rebecca lifted an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Don’t be so quick to count out fate. It has a way of throwing curveballs.”

Later, at the lab, Rebecca cheerfully handed over the hair samples. “Doctor, take good care of these. And make sure your team stays tight-lipped. This could affect your funding for the rest of the year.”

Her words were wrapped in a smile, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.

The doctor gave a respectful nod. “Of course.”

In truth, the lab’s operations in Ontdale were largely funded by the Green family, serving only high-profile clients who needed utmost confidentiality. In their world, discretion wasn’t just a courtesy; it was survival.

Rebecca grinned. “Relax, darling, we’ll have the results soon. How about a celebratory dinner? It’s been one hell of a day.”

“Why not? Let’s head to Jasmine Restaurant,” Allison agreed, though her appetite wasn’t particularly strong. It had been years since she’d visited, and Rebecca’s excitement was hard to turn down.

As soon as she sank into the car seat, fatigue washed over her, and she quickly dozed off. When her eyes fluttered open again, they were pulling up to the familiar restaurant. The elegant, private dining spot was just as she remembered — classic, refined, and serene, with lush gardens and pavilion-style décor that lent it an air of exclusivity. Only the elite dined here.

“It hasn’t changed at all,” Allison remarked, smiling as she followed Rebecca up to the top floor.

They’d planned a quiet evening of catching up over good food, but the moment they stepped inside, an unwelcome sight greeted them.

In the corner, looking as fragile and pitiful as ever, stood Melany, her eyes brimming with tears.

“Colton, after all these years, how can you still doubt me? I never claimed to be Scarlet Snake, and I didn’t know Allison was the legendary perfumer.”

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