"Mrs. Stevens, you're overreacting," Allison said. "I'm simply reclaiming what's mine. There's no need to escalate this. Besides, I've already packed my belongings at Green Lake Villa. Everything will be finalized by the time I meet Keanu. After today, we'll be strangers." She glanced at her watch. "The Stevens family has more money than they know what to do with; they certainly wouldn't hold onto an invitation like this."

Lindy's face flushed with anger at Allison's indifference. "We don't need anything from you!"

Colton quickly stepped to his mother's side, glaring at Allison. "If I'd known you were such a cruel woman, I never would have let you into our house. Give her the invitation and let her go."

Allison remained calm, her composure unwavering. Colton's temper flared with her continued silence. "If it weren't for you saving my grandfather's life, I never would have married someone like you…"

Before he could finish, a voice boomed from the hallway. "Ungrateful fool!"

Keanu stormed in, his butler supporting him, his eyes wide with disappointment. Without warning, he raised his cane and struck Colton on the back. "What kind of grandson have I raised? That woman has deceived you!"

He pointed the cane at Melany, his fury palpable. "Have you forgotten how she left you for a better job? She ran off on your wedding day, nearly making this family a laughingstock. If Allison hadn't cleaned up your mess, would you even have the life you have now?"

Colton stammered, attempting to defend himself. "I… I haven't forgotten. But Melany was trapped in that marriage by her parents. What was I supposed to do? Just as I was forced to marry Allison because of you…"

A sharp slap! Keanu's hand connected with Colton's face before he could finish. "You're an idiot, Colton! Melany has made a fool of you!"

Seeing Keanu, the only Stevens family member who had ever shown her respect, Allison was deeply touched. She stepped forward to calm him. "Keanu, please…"

"Don't be like that. Your health can't handle this stress. You just got out of the hospital. You need to rest."

Keanu exhaled deeply, his breaths labored. He patted Allison's shoulder, guiding her to sit beside him on the couch. His gaze locked on Colton, each word dripping with disappointment. "For three years, Allison has held this family together so you could focus on your work. Throughout my life, I've learned that gratitude is the foundation of everything. If you can't understand that, you don't deserve to carry the name Stevens!"

Colton's face flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and anger. He bit his tongue, unable to argue.

When the sting of Keanu's reprimand subsided, he turned to Allison, his expression softening. "If this fool doesn't shape up, I will disown him without hesitation. As of today, I only recognize one granddaughter-in-law."

The words hit like a bomb. Keanu's favoritism towards Allison was known, but the extent of his affection surprised everyone. Lindy, standing nearby, had never seen Keanu speak so forcefully. Married into the Stevens family for decades, she'd never received a fraction of the favor he showed Allison. Now, he was willing to cast aside his own blood for her? However, Lindy didn't dare challenge him. Instead, she excused herself. "Keanu, I don't feel well. I'll go upstairs."

Alone, Melany felt vulnerable. Attempting to salvage the situation, she adopted a fragile demeanor and turned to Colton. "Colton, Keanu clearly dislikes me. Perhaps I should leave before I cause more trouble."

Colton, playing along, squeezed her hand. "I won't let you go."

But Keanu's patience had snapped. "Get out, both of you!"