“Rankings? They don’t mean anything to me.


    I prefer to rely on my own abilities.


    ” Allisonpletely dodged Ken’s question, using her words to lightly poke Mny while sporting a carefree, almost yful smile.


    “I’m just here for the show, a little fun on the side.


    ”


    Ken chuckled, clearly amused by her detour.


    Their unspoken understanding was palpable.


    Allison was deliberately downying her true potential, and it didn''t go unnoticed.


    Intrigued, Ken smiled and said, “Well, in that case, I wish you the best of luck, Miss rke.


    ”


    It took Ken only a moment to grasp the situation.


    The contest was a trivial matter to Allison.


    Her tone held a hint of shared knowledge, as if they were both in on the same secret.


    This silent connection between them felt like a thorn digging deeper into Colton''s side.


    The idea that the woman who had once been at his side now shared an unspoken rtionship with another man gnawed at him.


    It disturbed him more than he cared to admit.


    Even though they were divorced, the fact that Allison had once been his only added insult to injury.


    “Colton, we should go,” Mny urged, clinging tighter to his arm.


    “We don’t want to bete for the waiting room.


    ”


    Sensing her bad mood, he squeezed her arm even more possessively, hoping to unt their rtionship in front of Allison.


    But Allison had already turned on her heel, walking away without even looking in his direction.


    When the staff arrived to escort Ken to the SVIP room, Allison followed.


    Reba, as perceptive as ever, narrowed her gaze and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.


    “When did you be friends with Ken?” she teased, her voice yful, as she reached out to pinch Allison’s cheek.


    “He even wished you good luck.


    Oh, how sweet! Best of luck.


    ”


    Allison coldly grabbed Reba''s wrist.


    “Reba, don’t think about it too much.


    He’s just an acquaintance.


    Rx.


    You’re still my favorite.


    ”


    Reba’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she swelled with mock pride.


    “Of course I do! I’m the boss here.


    ”


    Their yful banter would have amused anyone, but for Colton it was a trigger.


    He could no longer swallow the growing knot of jealousy and rage.


    The moment Ken disappeared from view, the anger boiling inside Colton finally erupted.


    Even with Mny clinging to his arm, he spun around, his eyes burning with usation.


    “It’s obvious that you and Ken have crossed paths before.


    How long have you been on good terms with him? Why does he still support you?”


    His grip on Mny’s hand tightened, though his gaze remained fixed on Allison.


    “No wonder you’re so cockytely.


    You’ve already found someone to rece me, haven’t you?”


    The sound of Colton’s voice grated on Allison’s nerves, triggering a headache she could feeling.


    She gave him a look so cold it could freeze the air between them.


    “There’s nothing between me and Ken! What about you and Mny? Everyone knows you’ve never been apart.


    Frankly, this whole thing disgusts me! And for the record, we’re divorced.


    You have no right to tell me what I can or can’t do.


    ”


    Her words cut through the air with icy detachment, herplete disinterest in anything Colton-rted evident on her face.


    Those nearby were quick to whisper about the scene.


    Reba, never one to hold back,mented with a smile, “Exactly! You’re nothing but a stain on Allison’s life.


    Can you please stop lurking around like a bad smell? You’re not fooling anyone with that sad, forlorn act.


    ” She rolled her eyes dramatically, throwing his own words back at him.


    “So stop ying these games to get Allison’s attention.


    This charade ends now.


    ”


    As if to make her point, Reba covered her nose theatrically.


    “Allison, we should go! I feel like I’m starting to stink just being around this trash.


    ”


    Colton was speechless, unable to find a retort.


    All he could do was watch as the two women walked away, leaving him standing there with a sharp pain constricting his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe.


    His grip on Mny''s hand tightened even more, making her shudder, though she didn''t darein.


    The jealousy boiling inside him towards Allison was a fire he couldn''t contain.


    How could Allison continue to get his attention?


    “Don’t worry, Colton,” Mny cooed, trying to reassure him.


    “Let’s focus on what matters.


    I’ll do everything I can to get into the top ten.


    ”


    Her words were filled with determination as she squeezed his hand reassuringly.


    “Once we get that partnership with the Everett Group, there will be nothing that will stand in our way!”