Allison couldn’t help butugh at Colton’s desperate attempt to use his grandfather as a shield.


    “But as your grandfather also said, integrity is key in both life and business.


    As CEO of the Stevens Group, honoring your word should be a given.


    ”


    Colton''s face flushed, his usual sharp retorts failing him in the face of this truth.


    Ken, who had been watching the drama unfold withzy amusement, opened his eyes long enough to pet a cat''s chin and remarked nonchntly, "I especially dislike people who don''t keep their promises.


    Maybe now would be a good time for my assistant to review our contracts with the Stevens Group, just to make sure everything is in order.


    "


    The threat was unmistakable, and Colton''splexion drained of color in an instant.


    The new luxury stores that had opened were in coboration with malls owned by Ken''spany.


    A scandal could seriously affect his brand, especially with investors watching closely.


    “Colton, you really should learn to bow gracefully in these situations,” Mny advised with quiet wisdom, trying to ease the tension.


    “Considering that Allison has the backing of Ken, the CEO of the Lloyd Group, it might be wise to consider the future…”


    Gritting his teeth, Colton reluctantly agreed.


    Slowly, he and Mny knelt down, feeling as if their knees were about to break under the weight of their humiliation.


    A loud thud resounded as they finally settled into their kneeling position.


    Colton squeezed his eyes shut and bowed his head, his voice strained as he muttered, “I’m sorry, we were wrong.


    ” The words came out through clenched teeth, dripping with reluctance and difort as if each syble were a dagger.


    Even the distant buzzing of mosquitoes seemed louder than his apologies.


    Allison’s gaze remained coldly distant as she watched them.


    “I must be hearing things, or perhaps the illustrious CEO of the Stevens Group has lost his voice.


    Is that why your apologies are barely above a whisper?” Allison scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain as she emphasized “CEO.


    ”


    “Don’t you dare push me…” Colton began, his voice filled with fury, but was cut off by a cold, piercing re.


    Ken, with a cat nearby, looked at Colton with eyes as dark and intense as a midnight storm.


    Colton met that gaze and felt an icy chill run through his bones.


    “I’m sorry, we were wrong!” Colton blurted out suddenly, his face flushed as if the sun had hit him.


    His teeth nearly broke from the effort to control his anger.


    Even Mny, her eyes filled with tears, bowed her head deeply in apology, wishing she could tear Allison apart.


    After three heartfelt bows, Allison finally rxed in her chair, methodically arranging her carving tools and treating Mny and Colton as if they were mere shadows.


    "Now that you''re done, you can go," he said with a final air.


    Mny stood up, struggling to maintain herposure.


    Having been pampered all her life, she had never faced such a humiliating situation.


    Despite her fury, she knew better than to attack now.


    I could hardly believe that Allison, of all people, had gotten Ken''s support.


    “Now that we’ve cleared up this little misunderstanding, I’m sure you can let the past be the past, Allison.


    But speaking of the past, you mentioned during the divorce that you’d been with someone.


    When could we meet that person? If you’ve found your true love, we can go in peace.


    ”


    Her words were wrapped in a veneer of concern and generosity.


    However, underneath, Mny was simply trying to provoke Ken into bing disillusioned with Allison.


    "He''s just a gigolo, so what if I slept with him?" Allison replied bluntly.