Chapter 147: After finishing her tasks at thepany, Allison couldnt shake the thought of theic book shede across.


    It lingered in her mind like a persistent melody, so she headed straight to theic book signing event after her Sunday pottery session with Lorna.


    The mall buzzed with energy, its busy corridors brimming with shoppers, yet many found themselves drawn to Allisons presence.


    Is there a famous actress here today? Wow, shes gorgeous! She carries herself with such grace.


    Muste from old money.


    Look at her skin! wless… I swear shes got to be an heiress or something.


    Allison, however, remained unaffected by the attention she was attracting.


    Her natural beauty had always been undeniable, but during her time with the Stevens family, Colton and Lindy had kept her from enhancing it.


    Theyd insisted on humility, telling her to keep her head down and act demure, as though that was the hallmark of dignity.


    Now, free from those restraints, she finally embraced herself.


    Dressed simply in a crisp white corset top paired with jeans, she exuded an effortlessly cool yet distant aura.


    Heads turned as she passed, but none dared to approach her for even a simple conversation.


    Her gaze caught sight of aic poster ahead, the name Onyx Jimenez emzoned across it in bold letters.


    Allisons lips curved slightly in irony.


    What would Onyx think when he saw her now? A long line snaked toward the signing table, with fans eagerly awaiting Onyxs signature.


    Just then, she spotted Mny and Colton walking hand in hand, a picture of contentment.


    Colton, Onyx is someone I met two years ago in Leswington.


    I never imagined hisics would blow up like this! Ill ask him to promote Stevens Groups products.


    Think of the free publicity wed get, Mny suggested, her tone deceptively considerate.


    Colton nodded, smiling warmly.


    You always just want to help.


    Hed overheard people talking about Onyxs rising fame on their way in, and the thought of leveraging that to boost hispanys exposure was a tempting one.


    Colton gave Mnys shoulder a gentle squeeze.


    Youre always so thoughtful.


    Unlike Allison.


    Coltons thoughts shifted back.


    When she had been his wife, Allison hadnt known the first thing about business.


    Shed been too caught up in being a housewife to ever think about partnerships or marketing strategies.


    He still couldnt grasp how Ken could possibly trust Allison to be a supervisor at hispany.


    Sure, she had a gift for perfumery, but management? That didnt seem like her realm.


    Lost in thought, Colton snapped back to the present as he noticed a familiar figure.


    Allison had somehow slipped past the long line of fans and found herself at the front, seemingly oblivious to the chaos around her.


    Mny, ever the picture of sweetness, remarked softly, What a funny coincidence! Allison must be a fan too.


    Its just a shame she hasnt figured out how these events work.


    Looks like she cut in line.


    Coltons face betrayed no emotion.


    She was raised without any guidance.


    No one taught her how to behave.


    His fingers twitched, the dull ache from hisst altercation with Allison still lingering.


    At the signing table, the man with sses and messy curls busied himself, signing autograph after autograph.


    Miss, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but youve got to line up like everyone else, Onyx said without even ncing up, offering her a poster with a polite smile.


    Or, if youre eager, there are VIP tickets for a special photo session.


    I appreciate your help.


    Afterwards… When he finally nced up and saw Allison standing in front of him, he trailed off.


    Onyxs hands started to perspire, and his face went pale.


    Hedwig… Youre Hedwig Benson? What are you doing here? .


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