Chapter 207
The next morning, Devin arrived promptly at the Charisma Company building. This time, he was prepared. Instead of loitering as he had the previous day, he stood near the entrance, brandishing a banner and loudly airing his grievances.
"Is there any justice in this world?" he bellowed. "Allison not only two-timed and abandoned me, her childhood sweetheart, but she even hit me! Allison, if you don't come out and explain yourself today, I'm not leaving!" A veteran troublemaker, Devin knew how to draw a crowd.
Positioning himself in a high-traffic area during rush hour, he began wailing at the top of his lungs. People stopped, their curiosity piqued. The crowd grew with each sob, his tear-streaked face a masterpiece of manufactured misery.
"I grew up with Allison Clarke, the supervisor of Charisma Company," he cried, his voice cracking. "Back when we were in the orphanage, I took care of Allison. She even promised to marry me! We dreamed of a beautiful future together. And what happened? She married a rich man, threw me away like trash, and even hurt me!"
"Is this the kind of person Charisma Company employs? Where's the justice in that?" He thrashed on the ground, his pronouncements escalating in volume and intensity. "Allison! Don't think you can hide in there and ignore me! I know you're in the building! You owe me an explanation!" His cries reverberated through the building, spreading rapidly.
Meanwhile, Allison, unaware of the commotion, parked in the underground garage. She was heading for the executive elevator when Aimee, looking frazzled, ran towards her, breakfast in hand.
"Ms. Clarke," Aimee stammered, "maybe you should take the day off? You're not looking your best."
Allison's sharp gaze pierced Aimee. "Just say it, Aimee. What's going on?"
Caught off guard, Aimee glanced around nervously. "That man from yesterday he's back. He's staging a scene outside, accusing you of being a gold digger. Security's keeping him at bay, but he's causing a spectacle, and reporters are arriving. I thought you might want to avoid him."
Allison's expression darkened. She hadn't expected Devin's audacity. "Where is he?" she asked curtly.
"Just outside the entrance," Aimee whispered. "He's causing quite a commotion."
"Got it. I'll handle this," Allison said calmly, pulling out her phone. She sent a quick message to Floyd: "Get over here. Bring medication that can cause neurological disorders." Reasoning with Devin seemed futile; she would need to be more ruthless.
After receiving confirmation, Allison went outside. The crowd parted instinctively at her approach, impressed by her commanding presence.
"Looks like yesterday's warning went in one ear and out the other," she said icily, her gaze fixed on Devin. "And calling yourself my childhood sweetheart? If memory serves, you were caught stealing over twenty times at the orphanage before being sent to juvenile detention. We barely knew each other."
Her sharp tone cut through the murmuring crowd. "I hope you all know the difference between truth and lies. Don't just stand around watching."
As whispers spread, the revelation of Devin's criminal record swayed public opinion. Devin, undeterred, jumped to his feet.
"Allison, didn't I steal for you? You were the vain one, demanding more, pushing me to do it! I ruined my future for you, and now you're threatening me?" This was clearly a calculated strategy: sow chaos and let the mud stick. Devin knew public opinion was easily swayed; people craved gossip.
Reporters flooded in, shoving microphones and cameras. Devin, seizing the opportunity, dramatically produced a photograph.
"Look at this! I got a criminal record, stole, and ruined my life because of this woman! Now she's run off with a rich man and wants to ruin me completely. How's that fair? Here's the proof!"