Chapter 198: Coltons face darkened as his thoughts turned to what Allison might be scheming.


    The obvious conclusion was money, of course.


    With that in mind, he wasted no time and dialed his assistant.


    I just remembered that the northern branch hasnt had a financial audit in quite some time.


    I want you to look into that for me, he instructed.


    Mnys casualment had sparked an old memory.


    Two years ago, his grandfather, Keanu, had put Allison in a temporary position at the northern branch.


    Colton had found the idea ludicrous back then, convinced that someone like her would only tarnish his reputation.


    He had told her to resign and stay at home instead.


    But now, as he reflected, something didnt sit right.


    That branch never really performed as it should have.


    Who knew what Allison might have done while she was there? The assistant checked into it quickly and called back within half an hour.


    Mr.


    Stevens, the finance department reports continuous losses from the northern branch over thest two years, totaling more than twenty million dors.


    No discrepancies show up in the books, but the shareholders are concerned and are considering a meeting.


    Coltons breath caught at the staggering amount.


    I see, he replied, his voice cold, hanging up with a sense of finality.


    Now he was convinced Allison was involved.


    Before he could reflect further, Mnys voice interrupted, full of feigned concern.


    Thats a lot of money, Colton.


    What made you think to check on the branch out of the blue? Feigning innocence, she added, Do you think Allisons behind it? Who else would it be? Colton shot back, his anger rising.


    No wonder she was so eager to sign the divorce papers and cut ties.


    She knew she was guilty! His frustration red as he immediately tried calling Allison, only to discover she had blocked his number.


    The disconnection of the call only fueled his suspicions.


    If she wasnt hiding something, why wouldnt she even answer? he muttered, his voice as cold as ice.


    The more he thought about it, the more restless he became.


    Without hesitation, he booked a flight back to Ontdale, intent on confronting her in person.


    If necessary, hed take her to court.


    There was no way she was getting away with stealing that much money.


    Colton, I think your mother is still upset with me.


    I want to get her some supplements, Mny said sweetly as the ne touched down in Ontdale.


    Preupied with his thoughts, Colton waved her off absently.


    Sure, do whatever you want.


    He wasnt in the mood to care where she went.


    Once out of his sight, Mnys pleasant facade slipped, reced by a cold, calcting expression.


    She stepped into a quiet, secluded corner and pulled out her phone.


    These recent events had spiraled far beyond her control.


    She hadnt married into the Stevens family to fight Lindy or watch Colton obsess over his ex-wife.


    She had married for wealth and status, in and simple.


    Lately, Colton had been increasingly distracted, especially when Allison was involved.


    No one understood Colton better than Mny did.


    He was jealous.


    Ever since Ken had appeared by Allisons side, Colton had be even more resentful, feeling overshadowed.


    But Mny had her own jealousy to contend with.


    Ken Lloyd, heir to the Lloyd family, was a prize.


    How could that wretch, Allison, end up with a man like him, standing above her? Mny believed that Allison needed to be brought down, back to where she belonged beneath her.


    With this in mind, Mny dialed a number, her face expressionless.


    Ive got a job for you.


    Mny had already dug into Allisons past before returning home.


    She had learned how rough things had been for Allison at the orphanage bullied, humiliated, and left with plenty of scars.


    Despite Allisons morous rise, there were people who would be more than willing to help drag her back down to where she used to be.


    I dont care how you do it.


    Get close to Allison, embarrass her, and make sure everyone knows about it.


    Youll get seven hundred thousand once the jobs done.


    Mny could already imagine the moment Allison would crumble.


    And once Allison was humiliated, Mny would make sure Ken knew about her double-dealing ways.


    There was no chance hed want a woman with such a dark side.


    Allison, your fall ising! Mny muttered smugly to herself.


    Oh, onest thing, Mny added.


    Shes trying to keep up appearances now that shes mixed in with the big leagues.


    Forget about pestering her or trying to cozy up.


    Use her past.


    You know where she came from.


    Use that to break her down.


    Shouldnt be too hard, right? Not at all! As long as the moneys there, Ill get right on it! A small, stocky man emerged from the shadows, his smile exuding sleaze.


    Devin Myers stepped into the light.


    Allisons name had been a stroke of luck for him, but now the promise of seven hundred thousand had his eyes gleaming.


    After hanging up, he began plotting his next move.


    Now that Allison had soared so high, it was only fitting she helped out an old friend, wasnt it? Devin smirked, already calcting how much he could squeeze out of her.


    If he couldnt take it all at once, hed take it piece by piece, until she had nothing left.


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