In the early hours of the morning at the Stevens' villa, the family's private doctor was fast asleep when Colton dragged him from bed to examine Melany. After a thorough examination, the doctor put down his stethoscope.

"Mr. Stevens," he said, "Miss Johnson is fine. She merely inhaled some water and will wake up after resting."

"That's a relief," Colton sighed, his tense body relaxing as he sank into a chair, exhaustion evident. Much had happened that day, and his thoughts raced, desperate for a moment's respite. He gently wrapped Melany in a blanket before stepping out into the garden for some fresh air. However, as he crossed the threshold, Lindy appeared, a glass of wine in hand, blocking his path.

"What's going on here? Melany just returned, and she's already causing a commotion in the middle of the night," Lindy said, her expression warm and motherly. Only Colton, who had known her for years, detected the anger simmering beneath her calm facade. "She hasn't even been gone long, and she's already turned our family upside down. When Allison was around, she was obedient and never created this kind of chaos."

"Mom!" Colton yelled, clearly upset.

"And why are you yelling at me? You've already lost the deal with the Everett Group; what else can you lose?" Lindy's voice sharpened. "I've heard everything about today. Isn't Melany supposed to be a genius in the world of fragrances? Yet she couldn't handle something so simple. She even had the nerve to jump into a river?"

Colton's frustration boiled over. Lindy's words felt like salt in a wound.

"So what if we lose the sponsorship of the Everett Group? I'm working hard to expand our overseas market," he replied softly. "Mom, don't worry. I can handle it myself…"

A slap! Before Colton could finish, his face was struck by a vicious blow. He clutched his stinging cheek, disbelief etched on his features. Lindy's eyes were cold and unyielding.

"How did I raise such a useless son? Your father's mistress already has a son. Over the years, your father has secretly funneled millions to that woman behind my back, and I've had to turn a blind eye!" Her disappointment hung heavy in the air. "So hurry up and secure the backing of the Everett Group. Prove that you are the rightful heir of the Stevens family."

"Mom, how can you say that?" Colton slowly raised his head, wiping blood from his mouth with his finger. His eyes shone coldly. "If you really cared, you'd see that I'm doing everything I can to fix this. I'm not the man you think I am."

"Father, why hasn't he cut ties with the other women in his life? Or why doesn't he get a divorce? Why are you better?" His voice dripped with bitter sarcasm.

A slap! Another hard slap landed on his face.

"And you dare to speak to me like that? I have sacrificed everything for you, I have raised you with the hope that one day you would take the reins of this family."

Lindy, though seething, softened slightly at the coldness in Colton's gaze. "Don't you see my struggles? Everything I've done has been for your sake. Your grandfather didn't like me, and your father lives a lavish lifestyle. What can I do? I have to trust you."

She wrapped her arms around Colton, sobbing, as if every burden she carried was for his sake. "If it weren't for you, would I have to go through this humiliation? That woman even came to show off in front of me. Why don't I confront your father? It's to make your journey easier. That's why I had to swallow my pride! Colton, you have to understand my pain."

Hearing her words, Colton's resolve weakened, and his expression softened. Realizing the effect her words were having, Lindy adjusted his tie with a gentle touch.

"I've always liked Allison. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have treated her like family. You two were married once, and I can see the way she looks at you: she still has feelings for you. Believe me, I know these things." She caressed Colton's face tenderly. "So, Colton, go see her again. Ask Allison to resign from her position at the Everett Group. Whatever she wants, whatever it takes, we'll make it happen."

Colton remembered the humiliation he had faced that day, but the weight of Lindy's pained expression weighed heavily on him. Frowning, he finally said, "I'll do what I can."