Chapter 151: Coltons voice wasced with frustration as he began, Allison, I suggest you speak to us properly But his words were cut short when she raised her hand.
Of course, Ill speak properly.
In fact, Ive been speaking properly unlike the secretary your father brought to the wedding.
ording to her, the Stevens family has other sons besides you.
Allison thrived on hitting back hard.
Her eyes gleamed with a calcted cruelty as she added, And judging by Miss Johnsons mothers behavior, who acts more like a street brawler than a wedding guest, Id say shes got her husband under control.
At least she wont have to deal with as many affairs as your family! The words stung.
That was Allisons giftknowing exactly where to strike.
She never forgot a slight and was always prepared to hit back where it hurt most.
You! Mnys face drained of color, her breath catching in her throat.
The fiasco at her wedding had been humiliating, and now Allison had the audacity to fling it back in her face, rubbing salt in her fresh wound.
Allison wasnt just insulting her; she was humiliating hera grievance she could hardly swallow! Taking a deep breath, Mny kept her anger at bay and resorted to her usual pity act, squeezing out a tear or two.
Onyx and I are just friends! How dare you imply otherwise? Her voice cracked, her eyes shimmering with tears.
And youve insulted my parents! The Stevens family has treated you so well, but you still drag their name through the mud? Allisons lips curled into a mocking smile.
Her voice was casual, almostzy.
Miss Johnson, I wasnt insulting your parents.
I was praising their ability to keep their marriage intact.
Not everyone is so… lucky.
Right, Mr.
Stevens? As she spoke, she idly examined her manicured nails.
To everyone watching, Allison was the epitome of arrogance.
You! Coltons jaw tightened.
He could feel the blood rushing to his face, his mind racing back to his fathers infamous affairs and the illegitimate children scattered across towns.
Allison had just torn open old wounds, and his temper red.
He lunged forward, intent on grabbing her wrist, but Allisons icy stare froze him in ce.
She didnt need to say a word.
The glint in her eyes was enough to remind him of the time she had single-handedly stuffed a burly man twice her size into a garbage bin.
Indeed, this was a fight he couldnt win.
He stopped, rooted to the spot, his chest rising and falling with barely contained rage.
His expression twisted, darkening like a storm gathering on the horizon.
Lets not escte things further, Onyx interjected, stepping in.
Mr.
Stevens, were all friends here.
Perhaps its best to discuss our business elsewhere.
Onyx, who had known Allison from their time together in Leswington when he was heric editor, was still unaware of her fighting skills.
Unlike Colton, he hadnt yet learned to tread carefully around her.
He had no desire to prolong the argument.
The Stevens Group had risen rapidly in recent years, and losing a valuable connection like Onyx was not something he could afford.
As for you, Miss, Onyx began, his voiceced with cold authority, youve been causing a scene here for a while now.
Ive held back frommenting, as I dont like being rude to women.
His words were deliberately sharp, aiming to belittle Allison in front of Colton and Mny, ying to his audience.
If youre going to use me of giarism, confront me with actual proof.
Do you have any? You im I used your discarded drafts, but where are they? Show them, and we canpare.
Allison remained unfazed by his bold front.
She had seen this tacticing.
After all, she had handed him most of her unused sketches back then for sorting.
When sheter inquired about them, he imed theyd been shredded for her own safetyto ensure they couldnt be misused.
At the time, she hadnt thought much of it, considering those sketches to be worthless.
How ironic, then, that the very scraps she had carelessly discarded had be another mans treasure.
Onyx had turned her trash into a fortune for himself.
Mny seized the moment, her voice dripping with condescension.
Exactly! If youre using Onyx of giarism, wheres the proof? You cant just nder someone without evidence.
Or are you that naive? Allisons patience was wearing thin, but she remained calm.
She hade prepared for this.
Enough, Onyx said, shifting his tone to one of calcted magnanimity.
Stop this bickering.
We have a coboration to discuss, and my fans are waiting outside.
His words were carefully chosen to convey his generosity, though the underlying arrogance was evident.
I sincerely hope this is thest time I hear such baseless usations.
Miss, if you continue spreading rumors without proof, I wont hesitate to sue you.
With that, Onyx strode confidently out of the lounge, throwing a yful kiss to the adoring crowd.
Onyx, we love you! the fans screamed in unison, their admiration making him feel invincible, as if he could do no wrong.
Watching the disy, Coltons demeanor grew serious, his resolve hardening.
Onyx was a valuable asset, and manipting public perception through him was an enticing opportunity.
Eyes still fixed on the scene, Colton muttered, Allison, if you have half a brain, youll leave before this turns into awsuit.
But as the words left his mouth, he noticed somethingAllison was already gone.
She had slipped out of the lounge without a sound.
.
.
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