Chapter 150

Colton sneered. "Allison, Onyx is a renowned comic artist. You seriously believe everything is yours? That's just wishful thinking, isn't it?" Onyx had recently gained global recognition, and Melany, having met him two years ago in Leswington, had eagerly praised his exceptional talent. Colton, therefore, was convinced Allison was fabricating the entire story.

Melany leaned against him, her voice soft and syrupy, yet laced with hidden sharpness. "Don't be upset, Colton. You know how Allison loves to joke around." She relished the opportunity to publicly humiliate Allison and wasn't about to let it slip away.

But Allison fired back without hesitation. "What's the matter? Have you two lost your minds? Otherwise, why meddle in matters you know nothing about? I wouldn't mind helping you find a good psychiatrist. I'll even throw in a discount. After all, fools like you deserve a bit of kindness."

Melany's face flushed with anger, but she bit her tongue. She knew Allison wasn't someone she could easily confront.

Colton, momentarily silent, felt the sting of Allison's words. His thoughts drifted to years earlier, when Allison had risked her life, braving a fierce storm to fetch a doctor for him when he was ill. Yet, here they were, three years later, a chasm of hostility between them. She seemed like a stranger—so cold, so distant.

Onyx's eyes glinted with curiosity. "Do you two know each other?"

Colton straightened, pulling a gold-embossed business card from his pocket. "I'm the CEO of Stevens Group. As for her, we used to know each other. Now? She's just gone a bit...unhinged." The last word was hissed, his frustration barely contained. Who would have thought his ex-wife would still dare to confront him?

Onyx's interest was piqued as he took the card, a smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Mr. Stevens. I've heard many great things about you."

Colton nodded slightly. "Melany speaks highly of your work. We came today to show our support—and to discuss potential collaborations. As for her..." His eyes flicked dismissively toward Allison. "She's a nobody. Someone desperate for attention. Don't waste your time with people who have no shame. Trust me, if she tries anything here, I'll make sure she regrets it."

Melany, her voice soft as velvet, added, "Don't worry, Onyx. In Ontdale, the Stevens family can handle anything."

It was Onyx's first time in Ontdale, and he was impressed by their pronouncements, already picturing the Stevens family as untouchable elites. His gaze shifted toward Allison, who stood by the wall, arms crossed, her face impassive. He assumed she was intimidated by Colton's threats, and the thought pleased him.

"No worries," Onyx said, shrugging with exaggerated helplessness. "It's always better to be the bigger person. Sometimes, people see what they want to see and call it their own. It's a shame some lack the humility to admit they're outclassed." He knew Allison had no proof to expose him; when she left, she hadn't taken any of her original drafts. He had hidden them well. Even if she wanted to, she had nothing to substantiate her claims.

Melany's eyes gleamed with mischief as she smiled sweetly. "I knew you were the best, Onyx. Please don't be too hard on Allison. Since the divorce, she's been under a lot of stress. Maybe that's why she's acting out."

Onyx was surprised to learn Allison had been married. "I will not," he said with a hint of sarcasm. "That explains the bitterness. No wonder she's like this."

The three of them exchanged barbs as if performing a well-rehearsed play. Allison watched them with a faint smirk. She hadn't moved from her spot against the wall, and her voice was calm as she spoke.

"It's amazing, isn't it, losers? A single comment from me, and the three of you unravel like a spool of cheap thread!"

Colton stiffened, embarrassment and anger mixing in his gut. He had been on the receiving end of that look—her cool, unbothered expression—far too many times, and it always made him feel suffocated.

"Allison, enough with your games!" Colton yelled. "Today, you cut in line and barged into Onyx's lounge like some deranged fan. It's embarrassing!"

"Not as embarrassing as you parading around Ontdale, still clinging to your grand wedding that was the talk of the town—and yet here you are, acting all high and mighty," she replied, her voice loaded with meaning. "And as for you, Miss Johnson…" Allison turned her attention to Melany, her tone dripping with mock politeness. "You've certainly perfected the art of charming the men, haven't you? Your ex-husband, Colton, and now Onyx."

Humiliated, Melany could no longer contain her anger. "I just have good relationships with people. Stop trying to twist everything into something dirty!"

Even Colton's jaw clenched. He hated hearing his family's past dragged into the light. ...