The events of so many years ago were buried beneath the sands of time, making any attempt at proof like trying to catch smoke with bare hands. Colton had no solid evidence, only suspicions. Undeniably, Allison had once saved the Stevens family from ruin. He'd felt helpless then, like a leaf caught in a storm; the contract's arrival had been like a life preserver thrown to a drowning man.
Still, Colton remained firm, his voice cold and unyielding. "I won't deny you did much for the Stevens family," he said, "but let's not forget you chose to do so." Ghosts of old rumors flitted through his mind—whispers about how the Lloyd Group had initially passed over Allison. Kellan himself had kept her waiting, tied up in meetings all afternoon, before finally granting her an audience. Only his assistant knew the details of their conversation, leaving everyone else speculating.
Gossip spread. People found it hard to believe a simple bottle of perfume had sealed such a deal. Some claimed Allison had knelt for hours in Kellan's office; others speculated about how she'd secured the contract.
Colton added, "I haven't forgotten your generosity; the divorce agreement reflects that." Beside him, Melany sighed dramatically, her tone dripping with false sympathy. "Allison, you can't keep bringing up the past. Your sacrifices for the Stevens family don't justify bartering for favors. That would shame the family name, wouldn't it?"
Her words were laced with venom, though she maintained an innocent facade. "Back then, you were a housewife, uninvolved in business. I doubt you even knew how to read business reports. So, how did you impress Mr. Lloyd? Business isn't like whipping up a fragrance. Are you seriously suggesting you got that deal just because of your looks?" Melany's words were sharp, belittling Allison with each sentence.
"Mistakes are mistakes, regardless of the outcome. A favorable result doesn't justify the method." Each word was a thinly veiled accusation, implying Allison's success had come at a questionable cost, with Kellan's complicity.
Allison's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Kellan's expression darkened, his brow arching in deadly amusement. "Miss Johnson, you have quite a talent for storytelling. If you're so attached to your tongue, be careful what you say, or I might ensure you become food for the beasts."
Melany recoiled under his chilling gaze. Kellan watched her like a predator, his cold gaze chilling her blood. His hands clenched as he steadied his breathing.
"Mr. Lloyd, I haven't said anything inappropriate. I would never… how could I spread unfounded rumors?" Melany stammered.
Kellan chuckled softly, a sound devoid of warmth. "You seem to have a talent for meddling in others' private affairs. Since you love attention so much, I wouldn't mind all of Ontdale seeing how you wormed your way into a married man's life, while his wife was still around." His voice was calm, almost casual. "Or, if that's insufficient, I could let the world witness the most intimate chapters of your story with your foreign ex-husband. Pictures included, of course. I'm sure everyone would be fascinated." His tone was firm, as if he'd always known her secrets.
Melany was speechless. Under his gaze, she couldn't argue. She knew his hands weren't clean, and with his vast media influence, especially after his recent partnership, he could easily twist the truth. One order from him, and her reputation would vanish. Worse, he could expose her globally. Her secrets wouldn't just be Ontdale's; the entire world could know.