"You!" Colton bellowed, disbelief etched on his face. Allison's defiance was unprecedented. During their three-year marriage, no matter how outrageous his or his mother's demands—however absurd—they had always been met with unquestioning compliance. But now, it seemed she was willing to pay a much higher price to get her way.
"If you agree to this request," Colton proposed, attempting a confident tone despite his inner turmoil, "we will give you a substantial sum of money, plus 5% of the Stevens Group shares. And let's face it, you never know when you might need a favor from the Stevens family." He believed his offer was generous; after all, the entire family would be indebted to Allison. What more could she possibly want?
Allison responded with a cold, ambiguous laugh. Colton had clearly underestimated her. He'd thought emotional manipulation would work, that flattering words would entice her. What a farce. The partnership with the Everett Group was far more valuable than the paltry 5% he offered. She had promised Kellan 10%—just for an introduction! Now he expected her to hand him a golden opportunity for a fraction of that?
"I don't recall this establishment offering IQ testing," Allison snapped. "Perhaps you should detour to the mental hospital next door. I've encountered shameless people before, Colton, but you're in a league of your own. Do you even understand the word 'divorce'?" She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "It means you make me sick."
Allison's directness was shocking; subtlety had always been her preferred weapon, but Colton had pushed her too far.
"Well, Allison, if you're not willing to help, there's no need to insult him," Melany's voice cut through the tension. She positioned herself between Colton and Allison, her presence a clear deterrent.
"I know you just returned from Lloyd Mansion," Melany said smoothly, her words laced with venom. "But just because you've climbed the social ladder" Her tone dripped with thinly veiled satisfaction. "Doesn't mean you have to treat people you once knew so ruthlessly. Kellan may favor you now, but these high-society families value status. It wouldn't hurt to leave yourself an escape route, Allison."
Though seemingly defending Colton, Melany reveled in the conflict. Allison's earlier comment about Lindy had unleashed chaos, making Melany a target of Lindy's relentless teasing.
Allison smiled, unperturbed. "Yes, I was at Lloyd Mansion. What relevance does that have to any of this?" Her tone was detached, implying incomprehension at the intrusion into her personal life. Were Colton and Melany still clinging to outdated notions?
Colton, already chagrined by his desperate pleas, was now seething. Strangely, Allison's association with a male escort hadn't bothered him as much as her relationship with Kellan. The thought filled him with humiliation. He couldn't even determine what angered him more: her leaving him, or her connection to Kellan.
"You are an absolute disgrace!" Colton roared, his hand rising threateningly.
Allison's eyes hardened. With a swift motion, she produced a small sword from her sleeve. But before Colton could strike, someone intervened. A sharply dressed man stepped forward and, with a single, effortless twist, broke Colton's arm.
A scream pierced the air—the unmistakable sound of bone shattering. "My arm! My arm!" Colton gasped, drenched in sweat, his body trembling. He stared at his grotesquely bent arm, pain overwhelming him.
He turned, furious, only to meet Kellan's cold, unwavering gaze. Sherman, the suited man, released Colton's arm and announced, "Mr. Lloyd, I've dealt with the trash."