Chapter 255
Colton and Melany stumbled into the underground parking lot.
"I can't believe Allison! She's absolutely ruthless, making me look like a fool in front of everyone!" Colton fumed.
"Just take a breath, Colton," Melany replied, trying to change the subject. Inside, however, she was just as agitated.
"You know, during the award ceremony, I noticed Allison kept sneaking glances at the VIP room. I heard Kellan was at the race today with his niece. Maybe that's why she was putting on such a show."
"Kellan?" Colton's face darkened, his fists clenching. "That guy? He's nothing but a washed-up has-been who spent years in a wheelchair. Sure, he's back on his feet now, but who knows if well, you know" His voice dripped with barely contained jealousy and possessiveness. "What does Allison think she's going to gain by being with him? I refuse to believe she'd find happiness there."
Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Well said!" Hoyt clapped lightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "It seems Mr. Stevens and I are on the same wavelength."
"Who are you?" Colton asked warily.
"Hoyt Lloyd," Hoyt said lazily, extending a business card.
Colton didn't even glance at it; he crumpled it and tossed it in the trash. "Hah, so you're from the Lloyd family," he sneered. His disdain was palpable, deepening with the revelation of Hoyt's identity. Hoyt's presence struck a sore spot; Colton had no intention of being polite.
"An illegitimate child bearing the Lloyd surname—how poetic!" Hoyt stared, disbelief washing over his features. It had been ages since anyone had dared to confront him so directly. Meanwhile, Melany, sensing Hoyt's family ties, offered a gentle smile and a slight bow. "I'm truly sorry, Mr. Lloyd. Colton's had a rough day because of his issues with Mr. Kellan Lloyd, and he's taking it out on you."
Hoyt's expression softened. "No worries." He looked at Melany, her delicate and fragile appearance tugging at his heartstrings. "What a fragile beauty," he thought, pushing aside his emotions. "Mr. Stevens, there's no need for such hostility. After all, the enemy of my enemy can be a friend. I don't think highly of Kellan, either."
Hoyt had initially planned to orchestrate an accident that would permanently cripple Kellan. But when Kellan unexpectedly stayed in the VIP room, Hoyt adjusted his strategy. With Lorna's appearance, he decided to draw Kellan away, arranging for someone to crash into Allison instead, believing Kellan wouldn't resist showing up.
"More connections mean more opportunities," he said, handing Colton another card. "If you ever need anything, Mr. Stevens, don't hesitate to reach out."
Colton accepted the card with a frosty expression. He was about to respond when a warm, motherly voice cut through the tension.
"Hoyt, what on earth are you doing here? It's time to head home."
A well-dressed woman appeared, greeting Colton and Melany with a kind smile.
"Hi," Melany said, momentarily taken aback. She had never encountered such effortless elegance. Colton, reminded of the women who frequented his father, remained icy, acknowledging her with a nod. But Nova didn't seem fazed. Her smile remained genuine and warm.
"Miss Johnson, you're a lovely young lady. I felt an instant connection, so I hope you don't mind this small token of appreciation." With a graceful motion, she removed a jeweled brooch. "Don't let Hoyt get to you. He's young and impetuous, always grappling with his jealousy of Kellan. You see, Kellan lost his mother at a young age and became disabled, which made him retreat into himself." Subtly, Nova praised Hoyt while subtly criticizing Kellan. "As for Hoyt, he may be a little reckless, but his heart is in the right place. You can consider him a friend."
"Thank you, ma'am," Melany said, eyes wide, gazing at the sparkling brooch, momentarily spellbound. Unlike Lindy, her mother-in-law, who had only ever glared at her or plotted against her family's finances, Nova had surprised her with a priceless gift on their first meeting—something she never would have imagined.