A monthter, in the heart of Golden Reef Bay, Reba steered the car smoothly into the restricted area, letting out a low whistle at the sight of the bustling crowd.
“Wow, what a circus.
The ssic Everett Group show.
”
This year''s Perfume Competition had pulled out all the stops to secure thergest venue in Ontario.
Despite the anonymity required for presentations, the ten finalists were to be revealed in public, which exined the flood of journalists and media outlets swarming the streets, cameras at the ready, hoping to capture a scoop.
"Let''s go inside.
"
Allison barely nced at the press.
After showing off their invitations, she and Reba headed to the contestant room, where a group had already gathered.
As Allison scanned the room, her gaze fell on two all-too-familiar figures.
He grimaced.
What bad luck.
Lately, it seemed like wherever he went, they were always lurking.
Mny was snuggled up against Colton, fluttering her eyshes and purring sweetly.
“Colton,” Mny asked casually.
“I heard that the mysterious CEO of Carisma is alsopeting.
What if I can’t keep up with him?”
Colton smiled indulgently at her and lightly patted her on the head.
“No way, you’re a genius when ites to perfumes.
In my eyes, you’re unbeatable.
Rx.
We’re not even aiming for the top spot.
We just need to be in the top ten to get a meeting with the head of the Everett Group.
”
“Colton, you are so good to me!” Mny lovingly put her arms around him.
Reba couldn''t suppress a snort.
"Some people should look in the mirror.
"
Mny turned sharply, sensing the mockery in Reba''s tone, and saw her smirking.
Allison, calm as ever, said in an even voice, "Reba, be careful.
Stay away from the trash or you''ll get dirty.
"
His voice was low, but the sarcasm was unmistakable.
Colton''s eyebrows furrowed as he looked in her direction, his eyes settling on Allison.
She was wearing an elegant silver sequin dress, paired with limited edition Christian Louboutins.
She radiated untouchable grace.
There was something regal and aloof about her, distant yetmanding.
It was as if a single nce from her was a rare privilege.
Colton felt momentarily lost.
He had never seen Allison like this.
Compared to the soft green dress she had wornst time, this look was not traditionally seductive, but there was something undeniably dignified about it, and it left him strangely captivated.
“Wow, wow, Allison, what a coincidence,” Mny said, catching the brief flicker of interest in Colton’s eyes.
She pressed her hand tightly against his.
“I didn’t know you liked perfumery.
I’m d you came.
It’s hot in here.
”
Colton''s expression darkened at her words.
“Allison, do you really think I don’t see what you’re doing? Stop ying these games to get my attention.
I already told you, no matter how hard you try, begging me for help won’t change anything!”
Reba nearly choked on her disbelief, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Allison.
“Allison, you have a lot going for you, but girl, what were you thinking? I mean, really? This guy? It’s like a bad decision that just keepsing back to haunt you.
”
Allisonughed softly and replied, “Yeah, I must have been blind back then.
”
Now, standing before him after her divorce, free of the rose-colored sses of youth, she could finally see Colton for who he was: arrogant, conceited, and woefully clueless.
He thought she was trying to y cat and mouse.
Colton didn''t miss the contempt shining in both women''s eyes and his face turned cold.
?Allison, the first two times may have been coincidences, but this is the third time you''ve ''identally'' bumped into me.
Stop nning these meetings.
I''ll never fall in love with you.
?
Reba couldn''t contain herughter any longer.
“Are you listening to yourself, you idiot? Do you think Allison is after you? Wow, that’s hrious.
You’re even more disgusting than I thought.
”
When Reba was in full swing, most people didn''t stand a chance.
"Honestly, you two make a perfect couple: a jerk and a spoiled brat!"
Mny''s face colored at the insult.
"You should be careful what you say," he managed to mutter.
"There''s no need to stoop to insults.
"
?I''m happy for you.
At least you know when you''re being insulted.
You learn fast, huh??
"You!
Mny''s face paled even further, but she remained silent, knowing full well who she was dealing with.
Reba was the only daughter of the CEO of Green Group, thepany that dominated the real estate market in Ontdale.
Betraying her was not a risk Mny could afford to take.
“Colton is here with me.
I wasn’t expecting to see Allison either.
I guess it’s fate, right? So let’s not be too hard on ourselves.
”