Chapter 109: Understood

Sherman stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention. "You both have to go. We don't tolerate rude behavior here."

Melany's face twisted in frustration, but she quickly attempted damage control. "Mr. Lloyd, this must be a misunderstanding. We didn't know this store was yours. My mother just wanted to buy me a wedding gift, nothing more…" She knew Kellan owned several luxury brands, but hadn't anticipated this store being one of them. Blacklisting would make luxury purchases in Ontdale impossible, forcing them abroad. "It's not too much for a few harsh words, Mr. Lloyd. Blacklisting us seems extreme, don't you think?" Her voice wavered, and she began to back away.

Francene, moments before elated, stood dumbfounded, her eyes widening. "This place belongs to you!" What disturbed her most wasn't the store, but Kellan's defense of Allison.

Colton's face darkened; he realized Kellan was drawing a line. Blacklisting the Stevens family would cause their luxury brand partners to withdraw quickly.

Before Colton could speak, Kellan approached Allison. His expression was indifferent, but his tone casual, as if they were old friends. "It's rare we dine together, Miss Clarke, and yet you find yourself in such unpleasant company. But don't worry, next time I'll pick you up personally. No one will bother you again."

Allison smiled weakly. "It was just a casual walk…" Their easy exchange created an air of intimacy that left Colton simmering. His mood darkened with each passing word.

Sensing the shift, the store manager wisely intervened. "Miss Clarke, we will send the dress directly to your house." The drama concluded.

But as Kellan and Allison continued their conversation, Melany's jealousy simmered. He forced a sweet smile, but his words had a cutting edge. "Forget it, Allison. I know you still have feelings for Colton. That's why you want my wedding gift, right? But it's my fault; I won't blame you."

With a deliberate flourish, Melany produced an ornate envelope. "Here's our wedding invitation, Allison. It would mean a lot if you could witness our happiness." Her eyes drifted to Kellan, gauging his reaction. Instead of a polite rejection, Kellan let out a cold, cutting laugh. "You have feelings for Mr. Stevens." His voice dripped with disdain. "Johnson, your insults are impressively subtle."

Melany was speechless. Kellan's mockery was clear. Allison's eyes fell to the invitation, stopping just short of tearing it up. "No, thank you. I find it disgusting."

She reached for a wet wipe, but Kellan offered a black tissue with a faint, knowing smile. "Better clean yourself well. You just touched something disgusting."

Rebecca, who had been quietly observing, interjected with a mocking smile. "Exactly! Some people are truly sinister. Attending her wedding would curse you for a whole year."

Melany's fury was nearly overwhelming, but she was helpless as Allison and her group left, leaving her humiliated. The store staff promptly blacklisted her and Francene, ejecting them.

Unable to contain herself, Francene snapped at Colton outside. "You're supposed to be a CEO! How did you let that man humiliate us like that?" Colton's voice was icy. "So you think I should start a public war with the Lloyd family?"

Francene stiffened, her anger deflating as she grasped the reality. Colton wasn't avoiding a scene; he was avoiding disaster. The Lloyd family's influence was vast; crossing them could bring down their empire.

Sensing his impatience, Melany quickly intervened, grabbing his arm. "Colton, my mother didn't mean that. She's just angry at being treated so unfairly." She glanced at Francene. "Mom, it's just a dress. What's more important than our wedding? When it's Mrs. Stevens, we're sure to surpass the Lloyd family."

Realizing this, Francene forced a smile and patted Colton awkwardly on the shoulder. "Of course. Melany is very business-minded. It will help the company grow when you get married. Don't take my outburst personally, Colton."

Colton nodded, unfazed. Years ago, Francene had forcibly ended her relationship with Melany. His approval of the wedding should have been a relief, but it wasn't. The excitement had faded, replaced by growing frustration. Watching Allison tear up the invitation cemented that frustration.