"You know, I got into perfumery because of you," Melany said, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked at him. She bit her lip. He could have escaped punishment, but the Everett Group's president intervened, nullifying his eligibility and the contest results. Colton lost the collaboration opportunity and suffered public humiliation. After the contest, he was quiet, thoughtful, and even cold toward her.

Determined, Melany apologized. “All these years, I’ve searched and recreated Scarlet Snake perfumes, enduring countless hardships. If I’d known Allison, who was by your side for three years, was Scarlet Snake, I would have avoided this confusion.”

Colton’s stern expression softened as he watched her cry. “Okay, enough with the tears,” he said, gently drying her face, finally forgiving her.

But beneath her relief, frustration simmered. Something didn't add up. "Allison fooled even me. How could I hold her accountable? She kept her secret for three years." He hadn't realized how formidable she was, or how much she'd distanced herself. She used to cook and do his laundry; now she treated him like a stranger. Even after their divorce, his thoughts remained entangled with her.

“No matter how renowned she is, your kindness far exceeds hers,” Melany said.

Colton comforted her, though he felt he was soothing his own wounds. Then he saw Allison strolling by, wearing a silver dress under an elegant black coat. Mysterious and cold, she radiated an air of aloofness, ignoring them.

Colton's expression shifted from surprise to icy disdain. "Stop!"

At his command, Allison and Rebecca stopped. Their words were sharp.

"What? Admire your public display of affection? Do you need to drag me into this circus?" Allison mocked, showing no consideration. She and Rebecca clearly wanted to avoid the interruption.

Seeing Colton provoke them again, Rebecca turned, contempt etched on her face. "Allison's right. Can't you keep your cuddles and kisses at home? Even animals have more decency."

Colton's anger flared. "Miss Green, you're Green family. You shouldn't side with outsiders. The Stevens family may not be as powerful, but we've collaborated on projects." He'd lost a collaboration opportunity, suffered public humiliation, and faced hefty hush-money demands. His gaze hardened. "I don't know how Allison tricked you, but as partners, you should support me."

Rebecca laughed incredulously. "Thank you for reminding me of our collaboration. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I might have forgotten. Such small projects rarely reach my desk." With a sly smile, she picked up her phone. "I'll let my father know. The Green Group won't partner with a bankrupt company; it's too risky."

Colton had hoped mentioning their partnership would gain him respect, but he’d lost another contract, further fueling his frustration. Melany looked incredulous. "Miss Green, this is a personal vendetta. Bringing business into this is petty."

"Petty? Compared to money, I value integrity. Our family isn't short of money," Rebecca replied arrogantly. "But we've encountered unpleasant characters!"

Allison nodded lazily. "This restaurant needs to raise its standards. Otherwise, anyone can come in."

Colton was speechless, his fury mounting.