Colton's confidence crumbled as he took in Kellan's icy demeanor. His earlier cockiness vanished instantly. He remembered Kellan's reputation: a man not to be crossed.

Colton had first heard of Kellan years ago, while attending a business dinner. He witnessed a man being dragged from a restaurant and dumped onto the freezing street, soaked and shivering. Colton's supplier, watching with a mix of disdain and sympathy, muttered, "Of all the people to offend, I had to pick that devil." Colton later learned that Kellan had ordered the man to be repeatedly dunked in subzero water during the winter—a brutal and cold-blooded act. The man's company, once a fierce competitor, disappeared from Ontdale soon after.

"Just because business isn't going well doesn't excuse our lack of decorum. We overstepped our bounds today," Colton said, his breath coming in gasps as he recalled Kellan's cruelty. The image of the man's fate vivid in his mind, he tried to salvage the situation. "We won't take up any more of your time, Mr. Lloyd."

But Melany wouldn't let him go so easily. She bit her lip and stepped forward. "Mr. Lloyd," she began softly, her voice laced with mock regret, "it's our fault. We shouldn't have wronged Allison. If you've heard any exaggerated rumors that may have clouded your judgment, let me apologize on Colton's behalf"

Before she could finish, Kellan's chuckle cut through the air. His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes remained as cold as ever. "What are you to apologize on behalf of someone else?" His voice dripped with disdain. "Even the Stevens family doesn't have the right to offer me an apology."

The words stung Melany like a slap, and she froze. Her usual demure act was ineffective against Kellan.

"And as for the rumors," Kellan continued, his tone colder than before, "considering that Miss Clarke is Emanuel Welsh's esteemed teacher, I would naturally choose to believe her over the likes of you."

Colton's mind spun. Allison? The teacher of the world-famous potter Emanuel Welsh? It was too absurd to believe. But Kellan seemed utterly convinced. As Colton glared at Melany, her words took root, cementing his prejudices. He was certain Allison was behind everything, plotting to ruin his plans. The coincidence of his presence felt like a test.

"Mr. Lloyd, you're being lied to," Colton protested, his voice gaining strength. "How can Allison be Emanuel's teacher? No one knows her better than I do. You're making up a ridiculous story, and sooner or later the truth will come out."

Allison, unfazed, met Colton's gaze and spoke calmly. "What if it's true?"

"If that's true, then I owe you an apology," Colton replied, unwilling to back down.

"An apology won't suffice," Allison replied sharply. "In Athton, we follow local custom. When someone's reputation is slandered, the apology must be made on one's knees, with three bows. Do you dare?"

Colton smirked, his confidence unwavering. "What is there to?"

Colton's confidence stemmed from his meticulous investigation of Allison's past. She came from a modest rural background, abandoned as a child and left on an orphanage doorstep. She hadn't finished high school and had barely survived on a barren island. If not for a chance encounter where she saved Keanu, she never would have entered the Stevens family circle. How could someone like her possibly have ties to Emanuel, the famous master potter?

Emanuel's reputation was impeccable, forged over decades. He had always been rebellious, disrespectful to authority and elders. His art reflected his proud and solitary nature: untouchable, aloof, and undeniably brilliant. Even in his later years, it was inconceivable that he would have a young, inexperienced teacher.

"But if you're not Emanuel's teacher and you've been deceiving everyone," Colton looked at Allison, his voice full of contempt, "then you should get on your knees and apologize to everyone here"

Before he could finish his petulant sentence, the kitchen door slammed open and a gray-haired old man stormed out, fury etched on his face. "Who is this fool who talks such nonsense?!"