A month later, in the heart of Golden Reef Bay, Rebecca smoothly steered the car into the restricted area, whistling softly at the bustling crowd.

"Wow, what a circus," she murmured. "The classic Everett Group show."

This year's Perfume Competition had secured the largest venue in Ontario. Despite the anonymity required for presentations, the ten finalists were to be revealed publicly, explaining the flood of journalists and media swarming the streets, cameras poised for a scoop.

"Let's go inside," Allison said.

Allison barely glanced at the press. After showing their invitations, she and Rebecca proceeded to the contestant room, where a group had already gathered. As Allison scanned the room, her gaze fell on two familiar figures: Melany, snuggled against Colton. Melany was fluttering her eyelashes and purring sweetly.

He grimaced. What bad luck. Lately, it seemed they were always lurking.

"Colton," Melany asked casually, "I heard the mysterious CEO of Carisma is also competing. What if I can't keep up with him?"

Colton smiled indulgently, lightly patting her head. "No way, you're a genius when it comes to perfumes. In my eyes, you're unbeatable. Relax. We just need to be in the top ten to get a meeting with the head of the Everett Group."

"Colton, you're so good to me!" Melany lovingly embraced him.

Rebecca snorted. "Some people should look in the mirror."

Melany turned sharply, sensing the mockery, and saw Rebecca smirking.

Allison, calm and even-toned, said, "Rebecca, be careful. Stay away from the trash, or you'll get dirty." Her voice was low, but the sarcasm was unmistakable.

Colton's eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Allison. She wore an elegant silver sequin dress and limited-edition Christian Louboutins. She radiated untouchable grace—regal, aloof, and commanding. A single glance from her felt like a rare privilege. Colton felt momentarily lost. He'd never seen Allison like this. Compared to the soft green dress she'd worn last time, this look wasn't traditionally seductive, but it was undeniably dignified and captivating.

"Wow, wow, Allison, what a coincidence," Melany said, noticing Colton's flicker of interest. She pressed her hand tightly against his. "I didn't know you liked perfumery. I'm glad you came. It's hot in here."

Colton's expression darkened. "Allison, do you really think I don't see what you're doing? Stop playing these games to get my attention. I already told you, no matter how hard you try, begging me for help won't change anything!"

Rebecca nearly choked on her disbelief, her eyes narrowing. "Allison, you have a lot going for you, but girl, what were you thinking? This guy? It's like a bad decision that keeps haunting you."

Allison laughed softly. "Yeah, I must have been blind back then." Now, divorced and free of youthful rose-colored glasses, she saw Colton clearly: arrogant, conceited, and clueless. He thought she was playing games.

Colton didn't miss the contempt in both women's eyes. His face turned cold. "Allison, the first two times may have been coincidences, but this is the third time you've 'accidentally' bumped into me. Stop planning these meetings. I'll never fall in love with you."

Rebecca's laughter erupted. "Are you listening to yourself, you idiot? Do you think Allison is after you? Wow, that's hilarious. You're even more disgusting than I thought."

"Honestly, you two make a perfect couple: a jerk and a spoiled brat!"

Melany's face flushed. "You should be careful what you say," she muttered. "There's no need to stoop to insults."

"I'm happy for you," Rebecca retorted. "At least you know when you're being insulted. You learn fast, huh?"

Melany's face paled, but she remained silent. Rebecca was the only daughter of the CEO of Green Group, the real estate giant in Ontdale. Betraying her was too risky.

"Colton is here with me," Melany said smoothly. "I wasn't expecting to see Allison either. I guess it's fate, right? So let's not be too hard on ourselves."