Chapter 241: The slap echoed through the room, leaving Melany reeling, her mind a haze of pain and humiliation. Stunned, she clutched her face and sobbed bitterly. "When did I ever cause trouble? Lindy, you can't just blame me for everything!" A sharp sting of resentment pierced her heart.
She had hoped to gain an advantage, but instead earned Lindy's complete scorn. Even Keanu's gaze had turned cold, his aloof detachment making her skin crawl. Once, during her first love with Colton, Keanu had harbored reservations, but never showed them. However, everything changed after she studied abroad and Allison married Colton in her absence. From then on, Keanu's favor shifted toward Allison. He hadn't even attended Melany's wedding to Colton. Now, he was stripping Colton of his family influence.
Regret weighed heavily on her. Desperate, she pleaded with Colton, "Please believe me! I didn't mean for any of this to happen." But such pleas only deceived fools.
Keanu, striking his cane twice on the floor, said, "So, you came here to ruin my birthday, and now you dare to lie? I've never been so disappointed." His voice trembled with fury, his age seemingly falling away. He glared at his family, his rage barely contained. "Allison warned you repeatedly to stop stirring up trouble. She tried to protect our family's name, yet you repay her with blame. Colton's not the only one undeserving—none of us are!" His anger made him sway; Allison rushed to his side, preventing a fall.
"I'm fine," Keanu said, regaining his composure, but his eyes remained cold. Sensing the gravity of Keanu's words, Colton stammered, "Grandfather, I didn't mean to cause a scene. I only wanted to show you who Allison is. How could I have known she would—"
"Enough!" Keanu cut him off sharply. "Do you think this humiliation hasn't gone far enough?" He closed his eyes, as if burdened by disappointment. When he opened them, his gaze softened, but only for Allison. Gently patting her hand, he turned to Kellan. "I may be old, but I still know how to judge character. Mr. Lloyd, you seem to be a good man. Take care of Allison. And don't think you can mistreat her just because she's without family!" His voice quivered, bitterness evident.
Had Colton been wiser, Allison would have remained with the Stevens family. But Colton, blinded by foolishness, had thrown it all away! Allison had once saved Keanu's life and cared for him deeply. To him, she was family. "As long as I'm alive, even for another day, I'll stand by her. Mr. Lloyd, I hope you'll treat her as she deserves." He leaned heavily on his cane, trembling with exhaustion. He believed Allison and Kellan were well-suited, and the Stevens family owed Allison a great debt.
Allison, startled by his assumptions, interjected, "Keanu, you've got it all wrong." She started to speak, but Kellan stepped forward. "Don't worry, Mr. Stevens. I'll ensure Allison is well taken care of. In my eyes, she's priceless… to the company," he said, his tone calm yet grave, as if making a vow.
For a moment, Allison questioned the sincerity in Kellan's eyes.
"I like that," Keanu said, reassured. He signaled to his butler. "Bring the box."
The butler returned with a brocade box, revealing a radiant Ruby Jade. This was a precious family heirloom, representing Keanu's high status. "I have kept this jade safe for years. It has been in our family for generations, a symbol of our heritage." His voice softened as he gazed at the jade. He knew the Stevens family owed Allison much. "I always intended to pass it to you, Allison, but fate had other plans when you left us too soon. Still, it belongs to you. Keep it with you. If ever you find yourself in a bind, my name will open doors."
From across the room, Rex stood, disbelief twisting his face. "Dad! Are you out of your mind? That jade is our family's legacy! It's meant for the rightful heir, not…"