Chapter 159
Allison stood, her arrogant posture suggesting nothing fazed her. This only infuriated Colton further. His expression darkened as Melany's words sank in, implying Allison had deliberately orchestrated the scandal to harm the company.
"Allison," he hissed, his voice low with fury, "How could I not see how malicious you are? You've given no thought to the Stevens Group!"
Jealousy flared as he remembered the young man who had defended Allison earlier. "And now you're teaming up with outsiders to manipulate the press—over a comic book? You're biting the hand that fed you, proving people from humble backgrounds can't be trusted!"
Allison wasn't surprised. She'd long understood their skewed worldview. Calmly, she pulled out her phone, scrolling through trending headlines, a faint smile curving her lips.
"'Comic Artist Onyx Jimenez Exposed for Plagiarizing Drafts to Gain Fame,'" she read aloud. "'The Stevens Group Jewelry Division Exploits Employees, Underpaying Designers While Profiting Millions.'"
She raised an eyebrow at Colton. "'Colton Stevens Collaborates with a Plagiarist? Interesting.'"
Colton's jaw tightened. Before he could speak, Allison's voice sharpened. "You paid that designer three hundred dollars for work you planned to sell for millions. I can't believe I didn't see how stingy you are, Mr. Stevens."
Melany visibly stiffened, guilt flickering across her face. The underpayment had been her attempt to flex her power, but she hadn't anticipated this blowback. Colton, however, was livid.
"What kind of lies are you spouting?!" He fumbled for his phone, but his face paled the moment he saw the trending searches. His own image filled the screen; a swarm of reporters chased him, relentlessly questioning him.
"Allison, this is your last chance. Get the media off our backs, call a press conference, and say this was a misunderstanding. I'll make sure you're well compensated." His eyes narrowed, menacing. "And if you don't, the Stevens family won't show you any mercy!" he yelled.
His words were venomous, but Allison remained unshaken. Colton stared at her, as if wanting to tear her apart. "You set all this up because you can't stand that I'm marrying Melany. You're deliberately sabotaging me!"
Colton clenched his fists, his body tense with barely contained rage. "Don't confuse my patience for weakness. This is your final warning."
Allison raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Was this man really so obtuse? Given Melany was his ideal—the eternally innocent and kind woman in his eyes—it didn't surprise her he believed every word.
"Your shamelessness is truly astounding," Allison said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She'd never encountered an ex-husband who, post-divorce, begged for her help while maintaining such an arrogant attitude. It was almost impressive.
"If you want my help, fine," Allison said mockingly, mirroring his tone. "But I'll need one of your legs in return, Mr. Stevens. That's not too much to ask, right?" She paused, adding with a smirk, "Don't be ungrateful. After all, this is your last chance."
Colton stood speechless, utterly stunned by her sharp retort. His fists trembled, rage simmering beneath the surface.
Just then, a commotion echoed from a distance. "Hurry! I think Mr. Stevens is in the parking garage! This is headline news! We can't miss this!" The reporters' voices carried on the air as they hurried toward him.
Colton's expression changed instantly; panic flashed in his eyes as the reporters closed in. Allison smiled, her gaze landing on Melany, the true instigator of the discord.
"I know you're the kindest, Melany," she said, her voice laced with mockery. "Why don't you break a leg for him? You don't need to show your face in public anyway. You'd lose a leg, sure, but at least you'd save the Stevens Group's reputation."