Chapter 158: Onyx never anticipated that their request was not just to have him sketch on the spot, but a carefully orchestrated trap, meticulously set to expose him.


    His face turned ghostly pale.


    The crowd quickly caught on, and their murmurs escted into a chaotic uproar.


    Look! That sketch the young man is holding its identical to the one Onyx just created.


    No ones seen it before; only the original artist could know those details.


    Its obvious whose skill is true to the original.


    Compared to that, Onyxs work is pathetic.


    Who wouldve thought? The globally renowned Onyx, giarizing someone elses drafts to build his fame.


    Its disgusting! How does he even have the nerve to stand here? Moments ago, he was bragging about how he was ndered! The usations flew fast now, one after another.


    So, the young mans mentor is the real creator of theic? The reporters, quick to connect the dots, turned their cameras to Colton.


    Mr.


    Stevens, were you aware of this? Didnt you just say, as CEO of Stevens Group, you personally vouched for him? And Mrs.


    Stevens has publicly stated that Onyx isnt great at drawing in front of too many people.


    Were you all conspiring together? Why did Stevens Group endorse someone like him? If you were misled, does that mean youck basic judgment as CEO? Are you confident yourpanys products arent involved in any infringements? Colton hadnt anticipated the blowback would reach him.


    Desperate to distance himself, he attempted to disown the disaster.


    Ourpany was misled as well.


    Effective immediately, were terminating our contract with Onyx.


    But his earlier, resolute endorsement had already tied Stevens Group to Onyx.


    Now, his backpedaling came off as cowardly.


    No one believed him, and the crowd sensed his weakness.


    He had dug his own grave.


    Coltons expression darkened, his voice cold as ice.


    Suggesting we colluded with Onyx ispletely baseless.


    Spread these lies any further, and youll be hearing from ourwyers.


    Mny, equally humiliated, red at Onyx with burning hatred.


    In that moment, she wished hed disappear entirely.


    But what enraged her most was the bitter realization that Allison was the true author of theic.


    Allison, watching from afar, allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.


    Within two hours, this scandal would dominate the citys headlines.


    She turned and walked away, indifferent to the chaos shed sparked.


    As she left, she texted Garry: A publisher will be in touch about your work.


    Thanks for your trust and courage.


    If you ever need guidance, feel free to reach out.


    Garry had talent, but more importantly, he had integrity.


    She was willing to help him.


    In the underground parking lot, Allison was about to unlock her car when she heard soft sobbing.


    She turned to see Mny, her makeup streaked with tears.


    Mnys eyes locked onto Allisons, and she immediately began speaking, her tone dripping with sarcasm.


    How can you be so heartless? Onyx just made a mistake.


    He isnt a bad person.


    Even if he giarized, we couldve handled this quietly.


    How could you let it be public? Are you trying to ruin the Stevens Group? You know the negative publicity could be the end of us.


    Why didnt you reach out to solve this privately? Allison clicked her tongue, ncing at Mny with clear disdain.


    Did someone die in your family? Is that why youre crying so hard here? Lately, Allisons words had be sharper.


    Spending too much time around Ken, she supposed.


    She didnt hesitate to throw verbal barbs, especially at Mny and Colton.


    Allison, how can you talk to me like this? Mnys sobs stopped abruptly, and her expression darkened.


    Just as she was about tosh out, she saw Colton rushing over.


    Her voice softened, turning weak and pitiful.


    Even if you despise me, theres no reason to curse my mother-inw.


    Lindy treated you like her own daughter.


    You couldve handled this privately.


    You didnt have to disgrace us in front of the reporters.


    Coltons face hardened at her words.


    Allison, how dare you curse my mother? His blood boiled, his voice seething.


    I havent even confronted you about failing to save herst time when she was in danger.


    Now youre provoking me again? He stood there, astonished by how cold Allison had be.


    He never thought she could be so ruthless.


    Exactly, Mny chimed in.


    Even if Onyx was wrong, you couldvee to us first.


    But no, you embarrassed Colton in front of all those reporters.


    This could tank the Stevens Groups stock price! Allisons gaze remained unflinching.


    And how exactly is that my problem? .


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