Chapter 75:

🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙

In the early hours at the Stevens’ villa, the family’s private doctor had been deep in slumber when Colton yanked him from bed to check on Melany. After a thorough examination, the doctor finally set down his stethoscope.

“Mr. Stevens, Miss Johnson is fine. She just inhaled some water and will wake up after a bit of rest.”

“That’s a relief,” Colton sighed, his tense body unwinding as he sank into a chair, weariness creeping over him. So much had transpired today, and his thoughts raced, desperate for a moment to catch up.

He gently tucked the blanket around Melany before stepping into the garden for some fresh air. However, just as he crossed the threshold, Lindy appeared, wine glass in hand, blocking his path.

“What’s going on here? Melany just returned, and already she’s stirred up quite a fuss in the middle of the night,” Lindy remarked, her expression still warm and motherly. Only Colton, who had known her for years, could detect the simmering anger beneath her calm facade.

“She’s not even gone, and already she’s turned our family upside down. Back when Allison was around, she was obedient and never created this sort of chaos.”

“Mom!” Colton snapped, clearly irked.

“And why are you yelling at me? You’ve already lost the deal with the Everett Group; what more can you bear?” Lindy’s voice turned as sharp as ice. “I heard everything about today. Isn’t Melany supposed to be a genius in the fragrance world? Yet she couldn’t manage something so straightforward. She even had the gall to jump into a river?”

Colton’s frustration bubbled over. Lindy’s words felt like salt in an open wound.

“So what if we lost Everett Group’s sponsorship? I am working hard to expand our overseas market,” he replied quietly. “Mom, don’t fret. I can handle this myself—”

Your adventure awaits at gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․c〇m

Slap!

Before Colton could finish, his face was whipped to the side by a fierce strike. His cheek flared in pain as he clutched it, disbelief clouding his features.

Lindy’s eyes were cold and unyielding. “How did I raise such a useless son? Your father’s mistress already gave birth to a son. Over the years, your father has secretly funneled millions to that woman behind my back, and I’ve had to turn a blind eye!” Her disappointment was a heavy shroud. “So hurry up and secure Everett Group’s backing. Show that you are the rightful heir of the Stevens family!”

“Mom, how can you say that?” Colton slowly raised his head, wiping the blood from his mouth with his finger. His eyes sparked with coldness. “If you truly cared about me, you’d see that I’m doing everything I can to fix this. I’m not the man you think I am.”

“Father, why haven’t you cut ties with the other men in your life? Or why not just get a divorce? How are you any better?”

His voice dripped with bitter sarcasm.

Slap! Another sharp slap landed on his face.

“And you dare speak to me like that? I sacrificed everything for you, raised you with the hope that one day you would take the reins of this family!”

Lindy, though seething, softened slightly as she observed the coldness in Colton’s gaze.

“Don’t you see my struggles? Everything I’ve done has been for your sake. Your grandfather disliked me, and your father is living a lavish lifestyle. What could I possibly do? I have to rely on you.”

She wrapped her arms around Colton, sobbing, as if every burden she carried was meant for his sake.

“If it weren’t for you, would I have to go through this humiliation? That woman even came to flaunt herself in front of me. Why don’t I confront your father? It’s to make your journey easier. That’s why I had to swallow my pride! Colton, you need to understand my pain.”

Hearing her words, Colton felt his resolve waver, his expression softening.

Noticing the effect her words were having, Lindy stepped closer, adjusting his tie with a gentle touch.

“I always liked Allison. I wouldn’t have treated her like family if I didn’t. You two were once married, and I can see how she looks at you — she still has feelings for you. Trust me, I know these things.” She caressed Colton’s face tenderly.

“So, Colton, go see her again. Ask Allison to give up Everett Group’s position. Whatever she wants, whatever the cost, we will make it happen.”

Colton recalled the humiliation he faced today, but the weight of Lindy’s pained expression bore down on him.

With a frown, he finally said, “I will do my best.”

.

.

.