Melany was as shocked as Colton. Allison losing her temper was one thing, but hitting and slapping Colton was another. No one could have imagined the normally sweet and docile woman capable of such violence. The Allison who once endured everything without complaint was gone.

"Did I lose my mind? Well, I've always been this way," Allison said sarcastically, wiping her fingers with a wet wipe. It was clear: Melany and Colton had been involved since she returned to the field.

"Mr. Stevens," she said, "your grandfather is being discharged tomorrow. I'll be there. But I withdraw my invitation to Cobweb."

Colton started to speak, but Allison silenced him with a dazzling smile. "A man as generous as you wouldn't object, would you? You don't still have feelings for me that would prevent you from letting it go, right?"

Her challenge angered him. His expression darkened. "It's just an intelligence network full of nobodies! You think the Stevens family's survival depends on Cobweb? I'll prove to you that even without it, I'll get the biggest advertiser in Ontario!" His dark eyes burned with barely contained fury.

"Pack your things and leave tomorrow! Take everything. I don't want any trace of your disgusting trash left."

Allison smiled, as if his words were insignificant. She pointed at his suit. "But I designed it. If it's as dirty as you say, shouldn't you return it?" The suit, impeccably tailored with ruby-studded buttons, was one of her proudest creations. Colton had assumed he'd bought it from a high-end store.

Still furious, he tore off her clothes and threw them at her feet. "I imagine someone from your world wouldn't understand. Take it all, I don't care."

Allison wordlessly picked up the jacket and threw it in a nearby trash can. "Brilliant."

Colton stared in disbelief. She was doing this deliberately, and it was working! Outside, a small crowd had gathered, whispering.

"Is that guy a kept man? Looks like they're breaking up and he's giving her back her stuff," one person muttered.

"Yeah, and have you seen the new girlfriend? He's not wasting any time after the divorce," said another.

Colton's face darkened further as their words hit home. He was about to explode when Allison walked away, leaving a trail of dust. How could he have missed her fierceness, hidden beneath her calm demeanor?

Meanwhile, in the luxurious Royal Princess suite, Kellan didn't wake until the sun was high. The room showed traces of the previous night's activities, the bed unmade. Like a predator awakening, he crept to the other side of the bed. The pillow was cold; she was gone. His eyes narrowed. He found a pearl necklace he'd left behind. It was striking, almost untamed, like its owner. Beneath her serene surface, there was always something wild.

Kellan massaged his temples, the image of her lithe silhouette still vivid. Her words echoed in his mind: "I'll be in charge!" Even Kellan admitted her movements were abrupt and deliberate. Though she hadn't fought in centuries, she'd wounded him, a testament to her strength.

Kellan was drawn to danger. The roar of engines, the pounding of fists—he craved the edge, the split-second decisions. It was an addiction. Last night had been a clash of equals, an encounter that still made his pulse race.

But what gnawed at him was their similarity. They hadn't met by chance; they were drawn together, as if by an invisible force.

Lost in thought, he reached for the phone, stopping when he saw a note under his gun, secured with cash. The handwriting was messy, but the message clear: "Your performance was terrible. Consider this your tip after a deduction."

He chuckled. That was just like her. He could almost see her smug smile. How could anyone be so bold? It only increased his intrigue.

He dialed a number, his voice cold. "Take care of those who followed me last night. Follow the usual procedure. I don't want them showing up again."

"I've already taken care of that," the voice on the other end replied, slightly shaky. "Though we still haven't figured out who sent them."

"That drug last night? It came from Shadow's new stash. Find whoever was behind it." Kellan paused, tightening his grip on the necklace. "And find out who the woman in room 403 was."

"Understood, sir!"