Chapter 234: "What nonsense are you spewing?" Lindy snapped at Colton, her temper flaring. "How could Allison have access to company funds so easily? The staff isn't a bunch of fools!" She tried to pull him away.

She hadn't anticipated that Colton and Melany's so-called revelations would expose a glaring flaw in the subsidiary's defenses. "You've already angered Keanu beyond belief," she continued. "Why aren't you heading home yet? Just deliver the gifts and stop stirring up trouble!"

Melany grabbed Lindy's wrist. "Lindy, I think there's been a misunderstanding," she said, feigning innocence. "You've always had a soft spot for Allison, treating her like your own daughter, so it's natural that you'd be hesitant to believe she'd misuse company assets." She paused, adding sweetly, "I'm not jealous of her, heavens, no! I know how important one's reputation is. That's why we must clear her name, especially since the subsidiary's losses coincide with her tenure. This needs to be explained, don't you think?" Melany's tone was self-righteous. "Taking Colton away now will only make this situation messier. Don't you all see that?"

Onlookers, drawn to the unfolding drama, murmured in agreement. "Yeah, losing ten million is no small thing," one said. "Asset diversion? That's serious business! If we don't get to the bottom of this, the whole company is at risk. People could lose their jobs."

The secretary, ever quick-witted, caught Lindy's rising panic and smoothly interjected, "Exactly. Ms. Clarke is part of the Stevens family. It's better to air this out in the open, don't you think?"

Furious, Lindy pointed at the secretary. "Are you even one of us? Have some decency!" Her anger made Rex step protectively in front of the secretary.

"You're acting like a fishwife!" he spat, his voice thick with disdain.

"A fishwife?" Lindy repeated, her composure cracking. Tears welled in her eyes. "After all these years of marriage, you've been the one chasing skirts!"

Colton intervened, "Mom, calm down. This is about the company, not you and Dad."

But Rex wasn't finished. "What man doesn't have a mistress? You're just getting old and unattractive, that's all!"

"Unattractive?" Lindy's voice shook. "Are you blind?"

Meanwhile, the secretary and Melany watched, their eyes gleaming as they subtly fueled the chaos.

The secretary said smoothly, "Mrs. Stevens, really, no need to resort to violence. We're all adults here."

Melany chimed in, pretending to be the voice of reason, "Lindy, please! You and Rex need to stop this bickering! Everyone's watching!"

What was meant to be a birthday banquet had descended into utter chaos. The tension reached its peak when Keanu, red-faced and trembling with fury, slammed his cane down, flipping the table and sending dishes flying. The room fell silent.

Allison quickly stepped forward, placing a pill in Keanu's hand, fearing the stress might trigger a heart attack. "Keanu, please go upstairs and rest. I'll take care of everything here," she urged softly.

She never imagined the Stevens family would air their dirty laundry so shamelessly, especially on Keanu's birthday. Each seemed consumed by their own secrets and schemes; the scene was disgraceful.

But after swallowing the pill, Keanu remained seated, his expression softening. He looked at Allison with a steady gaze. "Don't worry, Allison. I'm here for you. No one is going to push you around as long as I'm still standing."