Chapter 202

"Allison, you still remember me?" Devin asked, disbelief lacing his voice. His short, chubby build had earned him the nickname "Shorty," a label that clung to him like a shadow. When he’d first entered the parking lot of the grand building, even the security guards had given him skeptical glances, as if he were a mirage in a desert of luxury. Inside, he simmered, fantasizing about the day he would turn the tables on those who had dismissed him.

So, when he spotted Allison approaching, he quickly closed the distance. "We've known each other for years!" His eyes roamed over Allison's high-end attire and designer bag, envy twisting in his gut. Just as Melany had predicted, Allison had climbed the ladder of success and become a vision of beauty.

His smile became earnest. "We grew up together in the orphanage. I recognized you instantly. It's been ages since we last met. I've truly missed you."

Allison scoffed, casting him a lazy glance. "Friends? You?" Her eyes flicked over him with biting sarcasm. "Would a friend swipe my toys, cut my hair, steal my pocket money, and freeze me out with the other kids back at the orphanage?" Her voice was a chilling wind. "I never want to see your face again. So, before my patience runs out, scram."

Despite his many failures, Devin clung to an inflated sense of self-respect. Her words ignited a fire within him, fury bubbling beneath the surface. But the thought of the seven-hundred-thousand-dollar reward forced him to swallow his anger, adopting a façade of disbelief and grievance.

"Allison, how can you possibly think of me like that?" He envisioned himself as the hero of a dramatic saga. His eyes reddened as he attempted to plead his case. "I've never forgotten you all these years. Back then, I was just a kid, foolish and immature. I picked on you because I liked you—I wanted your attention!" Such a story might have worked on a naive girl.

Allison chuckled at the absurdity of it all. "Are you so broke now that you can't even afford a mirror? " She appraised him critically. "Your pathetic ploys won't work on me. You might want to consider a more drastic approach if you want attention. I guarantee you'll be the talk of Ontdale tomorrow if you hang yourself here." A smirk played on her lips. "How about it? Worth a shot?" Devin's face fell.

When had she become so sharp-tongued? Seething with anger, he forced a look of deep affection onto his features. "I was just being a kid, you know? Don't all guys act a little goofy when they like a girl? We tease to get noticed. But I've grown up now. Be with me! I'll take care of you and make sure you're always on cloud nine!" He ran a hand through his hair, projecting unshakeable confidence. "And Allison, I know you have feelings for me. Why else would you still remember me?"

Allison couldn't be bothered to spare him another glance. Where had this clueless fool come from? Did he really lack self-awareness? "I'll say this one last time: get lost. Move aside."