Chapter 210
Logic held no sway; the battle was for narrative control, for the story that would create the most drama. Allison, ignoring Colton's seething anger, let her gaze drift to Floyd in the crowd. She softened her expression, sighed deliberately, and turned to Devin.
"We've known each other for years, Devin," she said, her voice laced with sorrow. "I didn't expect you to go this far, to lie so shamelessly. I never wanted to expose you, but this is outrageous."
Allison scanned the reporters, then refocused on Devin. "Everyone here may not know about your juvenile theft record, but that's not the worst of it. More concerning are your violent tendencies and consistently poor psychiatric evaluations. People even say you're mentally unstable." Her eyes glinted with mock pity. "I've tolerated you because we grew up in the same orphanage, but I won't let you harass me and spread these delusions about us being together."
Devin's face contorted with fury. "Who are you calling crazy?" he snapped.
Allison's gaze remained steady. "Your medical records are readily available."
"Lies! Slander!" Devin roared, his voice rising.
Allison's words prompted murmurs from the crowd; some even recoiled, as if fearing contagion. Floyd, as if on cue, maneuvered closer to Devin, a small syringe hidden in his palm—the drug Allison had requested, one that could temporarily induce a mental disorder. The needle was so fine it felt like a mosquito bite, unnoticed by Devin. The movement, though nearly invisible, didn't escape Allison's notice. They exchanged a brief, knowing glance.
Moments later, erratic energy seemed to seize Devin. "You bitch! You liar!" he shouted, wild and unhinged. "Is spreading rumors all you're good for? You're the crazy one! Your whole family is crazy!" He sensed his abnormal state but couldn't control his rage.
Allison feigned fright, backing away. "Devin, calm down. Are you having another breakdown like yesterday?"
Devin's outburst sent onlookers stumbling backward in alarm. Whispers flew as people questioned his sanity. He grew more agitated. "What the hell are you all staring at? Aren't you reporters? Why don't you go after them for my medical expenses?" He jabbed a finger wildly at Kellan and Allison, then at the retreating crowd, his gaze darting frantically. "You're all a bunch of damned enablers!" His ranting devolved into disjointed accusations.
As the audience shrank in discomfort, Devin's fury intensified. Hallucinations clouded his vision. He zeroed in on Melany and lunged toward her. "Miss Johnson, why are you just standing there? Weren't you the one who promised to pay me a fortune to ruin Allison's reputation?"
The crowd gasped. Colton's head snapped toward Melany, disbelief etched on his face. "What?" he whispered.
How could this involve Melany? Reporters surged forward, microphones thrust toward Melany. "Miss Johnson, is this true? Did you hire him to spread false accusations about Ms. Clarke? Mr. Stevens, were you aware of this conspiracy?"
Melany's heart pounded. She took a step back, her composure crumbling. This wasn't supposed to happen. Devin was ruining everything! "It's not like that! I don't even know him! He's lying—he's a madman! How can you believe him?" She desperately wanted to escape, but Devin laughed, a hollow, manic sound.
"Fine. Since I'm crazy, I'll show you just how crazy I can get!" He pulled a pocketknife and lunged at Allison.
Chaos erupted. Kellan strained in his wheelchair, but before he could react, Floyd intervened. With a swift kick, he sent Devin sprawling, the knife clattering harmlessly away.
"I'm Dr. Floyd, MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute," he announced, displaying a badge. "This man has a severe mental disorder and is exhibiting violent tendencies. He's a danger and needs immediate commitment to a mental hospital. I take full legal responsibility for this statement."