In a private cruise ship lounge, Melany basked in the admiration of Colton's friends.

"To Miss Johnson, back from abroad!" one exclaimed.

"Mr. Stevens, you're a lucky man," another added, "with such a stunning woman on your arm!"

"I heard Miss Johnson won first place in a perfume competition five years ago," a third voice chimed in. "Quite a rising star."

Melany's expression remained unchanged at the mention of "first place." With a modest smile, she glanced at Colton and said, "It was a coincidence. I'm not a perfume expert. I only got involved because of someone I cared about."

Kaelyn, ever the flatterer, immediately interjected, "Miss Johnson, Mr. Stevens can't sleep without smelling the perfume you gifted him!" A collective "aww" swept the room as Melany's cheeks flushed pink.

Everyone knew Colton's success was intertwined with the perfume business, and the air crackled with anticipation of a grand romantic gesture. All eyes were on Colton, but he remained unusually quiet. Since his divorce from Allison, he'd felt a persistent unease, the cause of which eluded him.

Then, Kaelyn spotted someone in the distance. "Wait isn't that Allison?" she blurted, her shock silencing the room.

The name hit Colton like a punch. He stood, walked to the railing, and looked down. There, on the deck below, was Allison, stunning in a tight red dress and high heels; calm, collected, and captivating, with a glass of wine in hand. He could only watch, the word "captivating" echoing in his mind.

Before her stood a group of unfriendly men. The shortest, sporting a thick gold chain and a bottle, seemed to be leading the aggression. He growled, "You think you can get away with this? You're finished!"

Some of Colton's friends followed him to the railing.

"Man, she looks like Colton's wife, but her whole vibe is different."

"What do you mean? It's her!"

"Whoa, Colton, your wife looks amazing! Who knew?"

"Wait, isn't that Danny Mason? That guy's a psychopath. Cross him, and you're done. He preys on women."

"Divorced, and she's dressed like that? How'd she get on this cruise? She's probably looking for a rich husband."

Melany sighed softly. "Let's not be so harsh. Mrs. Clarke may not have family connections, but she's probably grasping at anything"

Kaelyn, understanding the implication, continued, "Exactly, Mr. Stevens. You left with nothing and showed up here dressed to the nines. You must be trying to"

"Enough!" Colton interrupted, his voice icy. "You're not qualified to be here."

Kaelyn froze, her face paling as she knelt. "I'm sorry, Mr. Stevens. I overstepped."

The room's laughter died, replaced by an awkward silence. Puzzled glances were exchanged. Even the usually calm Melany sensed something was wrong.

"Colton, don't be mad," she said quietly. "Kaelyn didn't mean to hurt you. She's been up all night preparing for me—the room, the presents. Let her stay."

He lowered his head, guilt in his voice. "About Miss Clarke it's my fault. If I hadn't come back, she wouldn't feel the need to act this way."

Colton's heart ached at Melany's worry.

"It's not your fault," she replied firmly. "Whatever game he's playing, I'm not falling for it."

Melany's explanation resonated more than the idea of Allison seducing someone. Her sudden appearance, newly divorced, and then being harassed? It seemed like a calculated ploy.

Colton's mind raced. His expression hardened. "Let's see how he plans to wriggle out of this."