Chapter 232: The banquet buzzed with energy, the clinking of sses and echoes ofughter filling every corner of the grand hall.


    Keanus eightieth birthday, a milestone thatmanded respect, had drawn the most influential families in Ontdale, all eager to pay their respects.


    Inside thevish hall, familiar faces mingled, raising their sses high.


    A toast to Mr.


    Stevens for reaching this incredible age! one of the guests called out.


    Mr.


    Stevens, your granddaughter-inw ah, forgive me your granddaughter is truly a treasure to you! Another voice chimed in, Indeed, Ms.


    rkes gift is remarkable! That delicate porcin from the pottery master Emanuel Welsh is no ordinary item.


    Not just anyone can acquire such a thing! All eyes turned to Allison, standing elegantly by Keanus side.


    Her presencemanded attention, and the porcin, a masterpiece, seemed to reflect the admiration they held for her.


    Keanus eyes twinkled as he gave her shoulder a proud pat.


    Of course! Allison is a rare gem far better than any grandson of mine.


    Talented, capable, and with a ir for creating perfumes! If any of you have young men around her age, youd better match them wisely while you can! Allison shot him a yful yet exasperated look.


    Keanu, theres no need to rush.


    But that was Keanu for her always thinking ahead about her future.


    Tonight, he had grand ns: introducing her to influential people,ying the groundwork for potential business ventures, and perhaps even considering ying matchmaker.


    What a coincidence! someone said, stepping forward eagerly.


    My grandson is close to Ms.


    rkes age.


    Before the man could finish, a cold voice sliced through the air.


    I cant imagine anyone in their right mind wanting a woman so flighty! Coltons tone was as cold as ice, his dark eyes devoid of any warmth.


    He scanned Allison from across the room, noting her poise and radiance, yet when their eyes met, it was as if she didnt recognize him at all.


    In the past three years, the woman who once greeted him with nothing but tenderness now seemed as distant as a stranger.


    Coltons expression darkened further.


    Hearing his grandfather attempt to pair Allison with someone and worse, seeing the genuine interest others had in her fueled an unspoken fury in his heart.


    The other man looked caught off guard, his smile faltering.


    Mr.


    Colton Stevens, what exactly do you mean by that? No one had expected Coltons sudden appearance, much less his tant disregard for tact.


    Rex Stevens, Coltons father, visibly bristled.


    His ss hit the table with a loud thud, and he shot his son a re that could freeze a me.


    Colton! How dare you speak to your grandfathers guest in such a manner? Rex was stunned his obedient son, acting so foolishly in front of a room full of people, and worse, embarrassing the family.


    Rexs secretary, sensing the rising tension, quickly refilled his ss.


    Its his youth, sir.


    Hot-blooded, as they are at that age.


    Lindy, lurking nearby, could barely conceal the jealousy that burned in her chest.


    Her eyes shimmered with frustration as she carefully approached Rex with her ss.


    Darling, lets not escte this.


    Colton didnt mean it, and we should leave the younger ones to sort themselves out.


    Her graceful demeanor and well-practiced charm contrasted starkly with the less poised figures in the room, particrly the flustered secretary at Rexs side.


    Keanu, watching with great anger, pointed a finger at Colton.


    What are you doing here? I dont recall inviting you! Coltons face tightened, his jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists.


    Grandpa, Im only here to keep you from being deceived.


    That woman youre praising so highly is far from the saint you think she is.


    Shes shallow, vain, andpletely undeserving of your trust! With that, Colton pulled out a document.


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