Chapter 248: What's That Supposed to Mean?

Colton bristled at the mention of "heir." It struck a nerve, like poking a hornet's nest. His temper flared, but when it came to Allison, he always felt powerless. She knew exactly how to push his buttons, and in front of this crowd, he was stuck between biting his tongue or trading snide remarks.

Allison, of course, didn't miss a beat. "Mr. Stevens," she said, "I hear you have two very capable younger brothers. So, who knows? Maybe the next head of the Stevens family isn't set in stone yet. But when the day comes, I'll send my congratulations."

The barb hit its mark, and Colton stiffened. Congratulations from her? He didn't need them, nor did he want them. Only the urge to wipe that calm expression off her face gnawed at him.

Melany, always quick to fan the flames, piped up, "Allison, that's harsh! You were once married to Colton, after all. Isn't it a bit cruel to say things like this just to hurt him?" Her words dripped with false concern, but deep down, she hoped the rift between them would grow. Lately, Colton had been distant, distracted by thoughts of Allison, and it gnawed at her, stirring up insecurity.

"And, Allison," Melany continued, "did you show up today just to throw him off his game? After all, you spent years playing the housewife and dealing with health issues. Even Keanu mentioned how fragile you were. So why on earth would you compete now?" She'd done her homework, digging into Allison's past with the Stevens family, though she was unaware of Allison's hidden abilities. But the gossip was easy enough to find—stories of how Allison had followed Colton like a shadow during their early days of marriage. One incident stood out: the day they went skating. He had shoved her aside with such casual disdain that she ended up sprawled on the ground. That fall hadn't just sprained her ankle; it had left her with a high fever for days.

The memory clouded Colton's face, his frown deepening. Melany's words stirred something inside him. "Allison," he began, his voice softer than usual, "if this is about getting back at me, you don't have to risk yourself. Short-track skating isn't like the casual stuff you might have done before." He knew full well that the incident at the rink had been his fault. His anger at Melany's departure had been misdirected, and Allison had borne the brunt of it. He'd thought about apologizing briefly, but his pride had gotten in the way. Back then, it didn't matter how he treated her; Allison always came back, no questions asked. But now, she seemed… foreign. Her detachment was unnerving, even frightening.

Rebecca, standing nearby, let out a scoff, unable to hold back her amusement. "Really, Colton? You think this competition is life or death for her? Get over yourself!" The story of the rink incident was something Colton had exaggerated in his own mind. Rebecca, however, assumed it was just another one of his inflated tales. Her smirk was as sharp as her words. "Only someone with two left feet would think a little competition is dangerous!"

Colton's face flushed with anger. "Miss Green, watch your mouth!" For a moment, he had believed that Rebecca was above Allison's level. He had thought that Allison had somehow manipulated her. But now, standing there, watching the two of them, he realized they were cut from the same cloth—sharp, brazen, and infuriating!

"Colton," Allison said, her voice steady and final, "let me make this clear. I'm done with you. Revenge is the last thing on my mind. You've already disappointed me enough."

Colton's brow furrowed in confusion. "You're lying. If you're not here to settle the score, then why show up?"

A sneer tugged at Allison's lips. "You really think everything revolves around you, don't you?" Her tone dripped with contempt, and the coldness in her gaze was unmistakable. It hit Colton in a way he wasn't prepared for. He could have handled anger, even hatred—those would have been easier to swallow, because they hinted at some remnant of care. But this? This icy disregard? It twisted inside him.

Allison's voice took on a mocking edge. "Colton, maybe you should focus less on me and more on Miss Johnson. Aren't you worried she'll get jealous?"

True to form, Melany's face tightened with suppressed rage, though she managed a tight-lipped smile. "Of course not! I can't possibly get jealous! I trust Colton completely." Inside, though? She was boiling.