Their discussion had drawn an audience, particularly when the onlookers learned that the striking young woman was rumored to be a black card holder. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Could he be faking it? A black card at his age?" one person whispered.

"Sure, it's possible," another replied. "Power doesn't come with a birth certificate. Keep your eyes peeled; you might want to go online if you see her again."

Everyone in the restaurant understood that dining there was about more than just the food. Many sought opportunities to close important deals; a membership card meant access to valuable contacts, and profit was paramount. Therefore, everyone was eager to learn if this woman was genuine or a fraud.

Meanwhile, Allison looked at Colton and Melany with crossed arms and a defiant expression, as if they were clowns.

"I didn't want to cause a fuss," she said, "but with clowns like you spoiling the mood, I might as well."

With a dismissive gesture, Allison approached the identity verification machine and pressed her hand against it. Her fingerprint was scanned; the lights flashed dramatically, the screen glowed red, and a cheerful AI voice announced, "A warm welcome to black card user 001!" The diners were speechless.

Only ten black cards existed worldwide, and she was the first holder. This implied she was a close confidante of the enigmatic restaurant owner. Many were stunned.

"These black cards were personally given by the restaurant owner!" someone exclaimed. "Each holder is incredibly influential."

"I heard the owner is shrouded in mystery," another added. "She attracts major financial giants, so her connections must be extraordinary. For her to have the 001 black card? She must be someone notable."

Colton was the most unnerved. "No… it can't be," he muttered. He had brought clients here using his silver card, reaping considerable benefits. The reality hit him hard: he was completely out of his depth. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined the woman he once dismissed as a housewife, an orphan without connections, possessed such ties to this prestigious establishment.

He suddenly realized he had never truly known Allison. Memories of the past few months flooded his mind: her calm demeanor, her meticulous pottery work, her youthful face illuminated as she created perfumes, her elegant hands fluttering among the instruments like butterflies. From her eyes to her nose, she was the same woman he'd shared three years with. Yet, in that moment, he recognized he had never truly seen her.

Melany's face twisted in disbelief and jealousy. Surely, Allison must have used underhanded tactics to obtain the card! There was no other explanation.

"Colton, my stomach hurts," Melany whispered urgently. "Can we go?" She grabbed his hand, desperate to escape the humiliation. She wanted to disappear. But Colton remained motionless, lost in thought, his hand limp. Frustrated, Melany pleaded again, her voice tinged with desperation. "Colton, I told you my stomach hurts. Can we go to the hospital, please?"

Still lost in his memories, Colton unconsciously pushed her hand away. He grabbed Allison's arm, unable to comprehend how he'd been deceived.

"Ceramics, perfume… I could blame it on my negligence," he said. "But have you been using a black card at Jasmine Restaurant this whole time? Have you been playing me for the past three years?"

Allison felt as if she were seeing Colton for the first time as well. With a cold smile, she pushed him away.

"Colton, have you forgotten? For three years, you and your mother told me all you wanted was for me to be a good housewife. Not once did you ask me for anything else."

"I even offered to help you with your business. What did you say to me then?" Reflecting on that moment, Allison felt a mixture of anger and absurdity.

"You told me you liked me better when I was obedient. You said I was a pale imitation of Melany. Judging by how you're completely ignoring your girlfriend's stomach ache just to confront me, I'd say you might still have feelings for me after all."

Colton's eyes widened momentarily before he saw Allison's mocking smile. "Well, let's not go there, okay? Honestly, I find you repulsive."

Colton snapped, "You!" For an instant, his heart responded to her words, but his mind quickly took over, forcing him to mask his feelings with coldness. "I just want Melany. I could never want someone like you."