Chapter 68:

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“You know, I dove into the world of perfumery just for you. I’ve always yearned to be of help.”

Melany bit her lip, tears cascading down her cheeks as she looked up at him.

She could have sidestepped punishment, but then the president of Everett Group suddenly intervened, canceling her eligibility and competition results. As a result, Colton lost the chance for collaboration, and they faced humiliation in front of the media.

Once they exited the competition venue, Colton remained quiet and brooding, even treating her with a frosty demeanor.

Determined, Melany took it upon herself to apologize.

“All these years, I’ve poured over and recreated Scarlet Snake’s perfumes, enduring countless hardships. If only I had known sooner that Allison, who stood by your side for three years, was Scarlet Snake, I could have spared myself this turmoil.”

Colton’s stern expression began to thaw, his heart softening at the sight of the beautiful woman with tears in her eyes.

“Alright, enough with the tears,” he said, finally forgiving her as he gently wiped her face.

Yet, beneath his forgiving exterior, frustration bubbled. Something felt amiss. “Allison pulled the wool over even my eyes. How could I hold you responsible? She kept her secret well for three long years!”

He had never considered how formidable Allison truly was.

What gnawed at him more was how she had distanced herself. Once, she cooked for him and handled his laundry; now, she treated him like a mere stranger. What vexed him most was that even post-divorce, his thoughts were still tangled with Allison.

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“No matter how renowned she is, your kindness far outweighs hers.”

Colton wrapped his arms around Melany, trying to comfort her, though it felt like he was soothing his own wounds.

Just then, he glanced up and spotted Allison strolling by. She wore a silver dress, topped with a sleek black coat for the chilly evening. Mysterious and cool, she exuded a heroic air, completely ignoring them.

Colton’s expression morphed from shock to icy disdain. “Stop!”

At his command, Allison and Rebecca halted, their words sharp as daggers.

“What, do you want us to stop and admire your public display of affection? Do you need to drag me into this circus?” Allison’s tone dripped with mockery, showing no regard. She and Rebecca clearly wished to avoid the disruption of their rare, enjoyable evening.

Seeing Colton provoke them again, Rebecca turned her head, looking at him with contempt.

“Allison’s right. Can’t you save your cuddling and kissing for home? Even animals have more decency than you do.”

Colton’s anger ignited at those cutting words. “Miss Green, you belong to the Green family. You shouldn’t be siding with outsiders. Our Stevens family might not wield as much power as yours, but we’ve been working on a few projects together.”

Not only had he lost the cooperation opportunity today, but the media also captured his humiliation. The hush money alone was a hefty burden. His gaze hardened at the thought.

“I don’t know how Allison has deceived you, but you should at least support me, considering we’re business partners.”

Rebecca laughed, disbelief painting her features. “Thanks for reminding me of our collaboration. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I might have forgotten. After all, those tiny projects rarely reach my desk.”

With a sly smile, Rebecca picked up her phone. “I’ll let my dad know right now. Our Green Group won’t partner with a failing company like yours; it’s just too risky!”

“You!” Colton had aimed to remind her of their partnership to garner some respect, but he never anticipated losing another contract, further fueling his frustration.

Melany, standing beside him, was incredulous. “Miss Green, this is simply a personal vendetta. But dragging business into it? Isn’t that a bit petty?”

“Petty? Compared to money, I value integrity far more. Our family isn’t in short supply of cash,” Rebecca shot back, her tone dripping with arrogance. “But we’ve encountered our share of unsavory characters!”

Allison nodded lazily in agreement. “Absolutely, this restaurant should raise its standards. Otherwise, anyone unsavory can stroll in.”

Colton stood there, speechless. His fury only deepened.

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