Chapter 71:

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Their argument had gathered an audience, especially when the crowd caught wind that the striking young woman before them was rumored to be a black card holder. Whispers began to swirl among the onlookers.

“Could she really be faking it? A black card holder at her age?”

“Sure, it’s possible. Power doesn’t come with a birth certificate. Keep your eyes peeled — you might want to network if you bump into her again.”

Everyone in the restaurant understood that dining here was about more than just the cuisine. Many came seeking the chance to seal important deals. Holding a membership card signified that one had the connections to make things happen. Naturally, profit was the name of the game.

So, they were all keen to uncover whether this woman was the real deal or just a pretender.

Allison, meanwhile, regarded Colton and Melany as nothing more than jesters, her arms crossed defiantly. “I didn’t want to make a fuss, but with clowns like you ruining the vibe, I might as well.”

With a dismissive wave, Allison made her way to the identity verification machine, pressing her hand against it.

The moment her fingerprint was scanned, the lights flickered dramatically. The machine’s screen flashed red, and a cheerful AI voice announced, “A warm welcome to black card user 001!” The scene was jaw-dropping for the diners.

There were only ten black cards in existence worldwide, and she held the very first one. It meant she was likely a close confidante of the restaurant’s enigmatic owner. Many people were left stunned.

“Those black cards were personally bestowed by the restaurant’s owner! Each holder is someone of incredible stature!”

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“I’ve heard the owner is shrouded in mystery. He pulls in top financial giants for negotiations here, so his connections must be something else. For her to have black card 001? She must be someone remarkable!”

Colton was the most rattled. “No… it can’t be.” He had brought clients here with his silver card, reaping countless benefits from it. The reality of the situation hit him hard — he was completely out of his depth.

Never in his wildest dreams had Colton imagined that the woman he once dismissed as a housewife, an orphan with no connections, could hold such ties to this prestigious establishment.

He suddenly realized he had never truly known Allison. Memories from the past few months flashed through his mind like a movie reel.

He remembered Allison’s calm demeanor, how she meticulously crafted pottery, her youthful face lighting up as she made perfumes, her graceful hands flitting between instruments like butterflies. From her eyes to her nose, she was the same woman he had shared three years with. Yet, in that moment, Colton recognized that he had never truly seen her.

Melany’s face twisted in disbelief and jealousy. Surely, Allison must have used some underhanded connections to rise above! There was no other explanation!

“Colton, my stomach hurts. Can we just leave?” Melany whispered urgently. She grasped his hand, desperate to escape the humiliation. She wanted nothing more than to disappear. Yet Colton stood frozen, lost in his thoughts, his grip slack. Frustrated, Melany pleaded again, her voice tinged with desperation. “Colton, I said my stomach hurts. Can we please go to the hospital?”

Still consumed by his memories, Colton unconsciously brushed her hand aside. He reached for Allison’s arm, unable to fathom how he had been so deceived. “Pottery, perfume… I could chalk that up to my neglect. But you’ve been a black card holder at the Jasmine Restaurant all along? Have you been toying with me these past three years?”

Allison, too, felt as if she was seeing Colton for the first time. With a cold smile, she pushed him away. “Colton, have you forgotten? For three years, you and your mother told me all you wanted was for me to be a good housewife. You never once asked me for anything more.

I even offered to help you with your business deals. What did you say then?” Reflecting on that moment, Allison felt a mix of anger and absurdity.

“You told me you liked me best when I was obedient. You said I was a pale imitation of Melany. Judging by how you’re completely ignoring your girlfriend’s stomach ache just to confront me, I’d say you might still have a thing for me after all.”

Colton’s eyes widened for a brief moment before he caught sight of Allison’s mocking grin.

“Well, let’s not go there, okay? Honestly, I find you repulsive.”

Colton snapped, “You!” For a heartbeat, his heart responded to her words, but his mind quickly took over, forcing him to shroud his feelings in coldness. “I only love Melany. I could never care for someone like you!”

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