Chapter 233: Allison squinted, scrutinizing the document. The seal was unmistakable; it belonged to a Stevens Group subsidiary.

Before she could react, Melany stepped forward, gently grasping Colton's arm and adopting an understanding demeanor.

"Colton, didn't we agree to leave after giving Keanu his gift?" Melany's voice was sweet.

"You can't do this! You're putting Allison in an awkward spot, especially with so many people watching," Melany protested.

Colton interrupted coldly, his gaze fixed on Allison. "You don't need to defend her. You're too kind-hearted, unlike her. She schemes and manipulates to win Keanu's favor."

He expected Allison to flinch, to show distress or anger—anything indicating she was rattled. But she remained unfazed, her expression serene, her lips curving into a faint, amused smile, as if watching a sideshow. His taunts seemed to register not at all, or worse, she didn't take them seriously.

"Enough!" Keanu thundered, his cane striking the floor. His fury reverberated through the room. "If it weren't for Allison, would you have the gall to stand here, parading your arrogance? If it weren't for Allison saving the Stevens Group from collapse, you'd be worth nothing—absolutely nothing!"

Allison's expression softened. She reached out to steady Keanu, gently patting his back. "Keanu, there's no need to get so worked up. Here, have some water," she murmured, offering him a glass.

She knew exactly what Colton was doing: stirring up drama, making a spectacle of her. But even she hadn't expected him to cause a scene at Keanu's birthday banquet, in front of such high-profile guests. Her gaze darkened as she recalled Gordon's information. If she remained silent, she'd appear weak, vain—as if hiding something. But if she pushed back too hard, Keanu might not bear the truth being exposed so publicly.

She turned to Colton, her eyes icy. "Colton, today is Keanu's birthday. I warn you: don't stir up trouble with baseless accusations. The consequences will be more than you can handle."

Colton sneered. "Baseless accusations? You're scared your true colors will be revealed." Ever since their divorce, he'd felt trampled upon, humiliated, and cast aside. Now, he was determined to see her brought to her knees.

"Grandpa, you've been deceived!" Colton spat, his voice rising. "Allison married into our family with ulterior motives. During our marriage, she embezzled ten million dollars from the Stevens Group! Even after the divorce, she continued siphoning money secretly!"

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd. Murmurs of disbelief arose: "No way… is Ms. Clarke really capable of that? Mr. Stevens must have solid evidence. If it's true, this is a serious crime…"

Keanu's face flushed; he clutched his chest. "You… you want to piss me off, don't you? You idiot! Even if someone embezzled money, it would never be Allison!"

Allison's tone became urgent as she took his arm and eased him into a chair. "Keanu, please sit down. Calm down, take a deep breath…" Given his age and fragile health, this confrontation could be dangerous.

But Colton remained blind to the danger. "I'm telling the truth!" he insisted. "Allison has been colluding with Deandre Schultz from our subsidiary! She manipulated him into orchestrating a ten-million-dollar loss! The evidence is here!"

Lindy, who had been standing quietly, turned pale. Her hands trembled as she glanced between Colton and the document. "Deandre? That was her secret lover…"