Chapter 197: Outside the research institute, Coltons expression was like a brewing storm.
She sure has a lot of male acquaintances, he muttered, a bitter edge to his voice.
Even now, he couldnt quite grasp what had just happened.
His jaw clenched, teeth grinding, as he bitterly wondered how many more secrets Allison was keeping from him.
Mny, on the other hand, felt secretly content with not getting the medicine.
On the surface, however, her voice remained soft and soothing.
Its no surprise Allison can walk right into the institute.
Shes shrewd, Colton.
Shes been keeping her cards hidden for years.
But why did shetch onto you? The way she acted today she doesnt seem to like you so much.
Youre saying she used me? For what? Coltons voice was sharp, disbelief mixing with frustration.
Before Mny could respond, Coltons phone suddenly rang.
It was Lindy.
Did you get the medicine? she demanded, her voice tight with urgency.
Coltons throat tightened as he forced out the dreaded word: No.
The sound of ss shattering on the other end of the line red into his ear, making him flinch.
What good are you to me, then? Lindy screamed.
Do you want me to suffer and die, just so you can take that whore as your mother? I always knew you were nothing but bad luck! Her words poured out like venom, each curseshing at him.
Colton swallowed the surge of anger rising in his chest.
He knew she was in pain, and he couldnt afford tosh out at her now, not when she needed him.
After what felt like an eternity, Lindys rage simmered down, and her voice turned weak, defeated.
Forget it… My illness doesnt matter.
Its thepany that matters.
Mny, when will you get your dowry? We need to reinvest it… for your and Coltons future security.
Lindys exhaustion was palpable.
Not only had her illness dragged on unexpectedly, but her useless brother only ever reached out for money, never once to ask how she was.
Over the years, she had poured so much money into supporting her family that her husband had gone as far as freezing her credit cards, forcing her to sell off her jewelry just to make ends meet.
My parents promised that once Ive gained enough experience as general manager, theyll release the funds.
Until then, theyre worried I might squander it and wont know how to exin it to you, Lindy.
Mny wasnt naive; she knew that Lindy was just eager to get her hands on that money.
Besides, she added, her tone sharine, they specifically told me not to let you fret over this.
Your health, after all, is delicate.
They think its better for you to focus on mentoring me than worrying about these financial matters.
For a moment, Lindy felt as if shed misheard.
General manager? Such a position wasnt easy to get and it certainly wasnt for someone like Mny.
Her voiceced with disbelief, Lindy sputtered, General manager? Mny, you cant be serious! Oh, Im very serious.
Im just worried about your well-being, Lindy, Mny replied, her voice thick with feigned concern.
Lindy, however, saw right through Mnys innocent fa?ade.
And lets not forget, Mny continued, only as general manager can I truly lighten Coltons load.
Dont worry; I wont sit around like Allison and do nothing! Mnys so-called considerate remarks struck a nerve, igniting a me inside Lindy.
If Mny had even half of Allisons sense, they wouldnt be having this conversation! Dont even think about it! Lindy spat, her patience wearing thin.
Since youre already part of the Stevens family, your dowry belongs here, not with your parents! I dont care what they promised.
Bring me the ten million right now! And as for that general manager nonsenseforget it! Its far too ridiculous a thought to even entertain! Mny remained unfazed, as if shed expected this outburst.
She blinked, quickly forcing tears to her eyes before turning to Colton, her voice trembling with hurt.
Colton, I only wanted to help… Colton had already suspected his mothers motives, but even he hadnt expected her to be this direct.
His tone grew cold as he asked, Mom, what are you trying to say? You know exactly what I mean! Lindy shot back.
Just because youre grown doesnt mean you can ignore me.
I absolutely refuse to let this happen! Colton, please, dont argue with your mother, Mny interjected, her voice trembling as she dabbed at her teary eyes.
Shes only thinking of you.
Youre still young.
Shes just trying to protect you from unnecessary pain… Colton, his anger mounting, finally erupted.
Mom, the Stevens family is under my control now, he said through gritted teeth.
Im making Mny the general manager, and theres nothing you can do to stop me.
You! Lindys voice shot back, but before she could spew another insult, Colton hung up on her.
A shadow darkened Coltons expression.
For some reason, ever since his messy divorce and impulsive remarriage, life had felt like a series of endless battles, one disaster after another.
Mny, sensing his turmoil, slipped her arms around his waist, her voice soft as silk.
Colton, Im sure Lindy wille around.
Shes your mother after all, and theres no grudge thatsts forever.
Colton sighed, running his fingers through her silken hair.
Youre too kind, Mny.
But we cant ignore her illness.
Since the research institute is useless, well have to turn to Hackers World.
Hopefully, it goes live soon.
You never know, maybe finding a cure will ease her temper too.
Mny slipped her arms around his waist, her lips forming a subtle pout.
If only Allison were willing to help, we wouldnt have to put up with all this.
But I cant help but wonder… if she doesnt care about saving your mothers life, why has she stuck by your side all these years? Her words carried a weight of unspoken meaning.
Well, shes a selfish shrew.
I, on the other hand, want to give you the world, Colton! Coltons chest tightened as memories of his previous marriage shed in his mind.
Three years.
He hadnt treated Allison well after getting married, that much was true.
But Mny was right; why would someone as mysterious as Allisona woman with so many hidden sidesstay with him for so long? What was she really after? .
.
.