Chapter 108
Upon receiving Francene's call, Melany hurried Colton to the Skylight shopping center. Entering the store, they found Allison standing confidently, arms crossed, and seemingly unfazed.
"What are you doing here, Melany?" Allison asked, her voice soft yet laced with barely concealed frustration.
Allison's ubiquitous presence, her unruffled demeanor in the face of chaos, was baffling. Francene, noticing Colton and Melany's arrival, grew even more arrogant.
"If you know what's good for you, give me the dress!" Francene exploded. "Don't you see who my son-in-law is? He's the CEO of the Stevens Group. If you make him angry, you'll regret it." She pulled Melany close, asserting dominance.
"Melany, darling, this dress is my wedding gift to you," she added with a smug smile. "Look how exquisite it is. Wear it to the ceremony, and you'll be the most stunning bride in all of Ontdale."
But Colton wasn't paying attention to the dress or Melany. His eyes were fixed on Allison, who was casually yet elegantly dressed, exuding power through simplicity. Her cold indifference made her seem untouchable. Despite the impending wedding, Allison ignored him completely.
Frustrated, Colton's voice turned cold. "Allison, you really need to return Melany's dress. It's important for the wedding. I'll pay you double."
Allison's icy expression curled into a mocking smile. "Ah, Mr. Stevens. Arrogant and stupid as always. Impressive, really. But money doesn't interest me."
His voice sharp, he turned to the store manager. "Pick up the dress."
The manager, having observed the exchange, understood the power dynamics. The Stevens family held significant influence, but the Green family was equally formidable, and Allison and Rebecca had clearly claimed the dress first.
"Right now!" the attendant said quickly, preparing to wrap the dress.
Colton's face darkened. "This dress is a gift from Francene to Melany, for our wedding." He believed, despite Allison's aloofness, that she still cared for him, and that jealousy motivated her actions.
"Allison, if you really can't stand Melany, choose something else, but not this dress."
Allison's amusement was evident; even Rebecca laughed at his assumption.
"Rebecca said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Have you heard that? Some people really think we're here to ruin their wedding. What a joke. We got here first."
Allison sighed dramatically. "What's to be done? Nowadays, there are ignorant clowns everywhere. I'm used to it." She turned to Colton, her voice sharp. "Mr. Stevens, it's bad enough you lack judgment, but now you're obstructing me. Are you planning another accident? Or perhaps," she added, narrowing her eyes, "you crave another trip to the warehouse?"
Her words stung. "I didn't know you could stoop so low, Mr. Stevens. After all you've suffered, you still think I care about your wedding? Ridiculous."
Colton paled, remembering recent humiliations, but Francene's support prevented him from backing down.
Sensing the rising tension, Melany intervened, her voice soft and innocent. "Allison, please don't ruin my special day. This dress is a gift from my mother. I can let you have anything else, but not this." Her expression suggested she was the victim.
Rebecca rolled her eyes at Melany's performance. As she prepared to intervene, Sherman, Kellan's assistant, grabbed Colton's wrist.
"Miss Green, Miss Clarke, my pleasure. Mr. Lloyd is upstairs and noticed you."
Allison saw Kellan in his wheelchair, watching with a bewildered expression.
"Don't stoop to his level," Kellan said loudly, his tone amused. "Miss Green, hitting her will only get you the attention you seek."
Kellan's arrival had an immediate impact. He gave the store manager a sharp smile. "You let any common riff-raff shop here?"
The nervous manager paled. "Mr. Lloyd… I didn't know…" he stammered.
Colton, refusing to yield, spoke again. "Mr. Lloyd, you've come to take what's mine."
Kellan ignored him, looking at Sherman, who subtly nodded. "Blacklist them," Kellan said calmly. "I never want to see them in any of our luxury stores again."