"Colton!" Melany's voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes, a picture of profound humiliation. Her usual gentle demeanor was gone, replaced by a poignant beauty that begged for protection. Her tears cried out for comfort, but Emanuel was home, clutching his prized tea set. Allison stretched and yawned distantly, while Kellan enjoyed the unfolding drama. Only Colton, his heart heavy with worry, moved to offer solace.

Melany murmured, "In my heart, you are a real man. Even though you've been deceived, you shouldn't kneel. You must maintain your pride."

Colton's emotions churned with bitterness and anger as he watched his beloved plead with Allison.

"Miss Clarke," Melany began, her voice strained. "Even though Colton and I are divorced, you must maintain some dignity, especially since he represents the entire Stevens family. I know I've hurt you, and I hope you can forgive me. I'm willing to kneel in your place."

Melany prepared to kneel. "Even though we hurt you first, you've hidden it for three years. Perhaps you simply dislike me, but I hope that after kneeling before you today, you'll reconsider making things difficult for us."

Allison raised an eyebrow, almost applauding Melany's audacity. What a master of shamelessness, she thought. Melany and Colton had lost a bet, yet they were still attempting to blame and guilt everyone else with tears and a proposed kneeling. Even if Allison hadn't known Melany's true nature, she might have felt a flicker of sympathy.

Just as Melany's knees were about to touch the ground, Colton grabbed her arms, shielding her as if she were under unfair attack. Fury simmered in his eyes as he snapped, "Allison, I don't normally stoop to your level, but you've crossed a line! You set us up. For three years, you never mentioned your pottery skills or that you were Emanuel's teacher. Were you planning this humiliation all along? Aren't you afraid of the consequences?"

"I mentioned my interest in pottery a long time ago," Allison replied calmly. "You simply didn't believe me, or perhaps you never paid attention, just like the ceramic dog I gave you."

Colton remembered the smashed ceramic dog, and his confident accusation faltered. A pang of guilt crossed his face as he met Allison's crossed arms and indifferent gaze.

"I'm truly curious how someone could be so ungrateful," Allison said, her tone laced with curiosity.

Colton's fleeting guilt evaporated. "You!"

Kellan chuckled softly. Although everyone considered him sharp-tongued, Allison's ability to parry was even more impressive. Still, Colton's guilt in this situation was undeniable. His face reddened with anger as he struggled for a retort.

"In the end, this is all a misunderstanding. We were married. Do you have to be so ruthless? My grandfather always said to leave room for future encounters. You might need my help one day. After all, I am the CEO of the Stevens Group…"

The bet had been significant, but Colton's elevated status prevented him from kneeling so easily.