Chapter 246: Colton was on the verge of exploding.


    How dare you insult me like this! He had never imagined that the once gentle and amodating Allison could transform into someone so sharp-tongued.


    The thought of Keanu favoring Allison, even entrusting her with the family heirloom, made his blood boil.


    Let me give you some advice: return the jade.


    Grandpa was out of his mind that day, too angry to think straight, and you exploited that.


    But that Ruby Jade rightfully belongs to the Stevens heir.


    Each word he spat was full of venom.


    Without his backing, youd be far from enjoying this freedom.


    In recent days, the picture had finally be clear to Colton.


    Despite the divorce, Allison was never struggling financially.


    The reason was ring Keanu held her in special regard.


    The realization gnawed at him relentlessly.


    He couldnt believe that, in just three short years, his grandfather had shifted his affections from him to her! Meanwhile, Mny clung to his arm, feigning innocence.


    Exactly, Allison.


    Surely your conscience wont allow you to keep something that isnt yours.


    And seeing as Keanus getting older, someone as noble as you wouldnt be greedy enough to hold on to that jade, would you? Mny was seething with hatred.


    Since that wretched birthday banquet, Lindy had dered her a rival, and their animosity had only grown deeper by the day.


    Worse yet, Keanus distaste for Mny had be ringly obvious.


    If she lost Coltons trust and favor now, her ce in the Stevens family would be unbearable.


    More than anything, Mny needed Colton to retrieve the jade, the symbol of his inheritance, and secure his position against any threat posed by his illegitimate siblings.


    Allison barely spared them a nce, her attention focused on thepetitors badge pinned to her chest.


    Casually, she slid on her goggles and began polishing her ice skates, not even acknowledging them.


    You two are disgusting.


    Even if youre plotting to take back Keanus belongings, its not your decision to make, she said coolly.


    Years of dealing with their shamelessness had toughened her, and she continued prepping her gear, herposure unshaken.


    Coltons expression twisted with cold fury at her words.


    You really went after Grandpa with a n to sink your ws into my family! Reba, visibly seething, stepped forward, ready to intervene.


    Are you two dense or deaf? Before she could act, a pair of arms restrained her.


    Reba turned, frowning, as she saw Ferdinand beside her.


    Whats this, Mr.


    kely? Do you intend to y the hero now? Naturally, Ferdinand replied with a charming, polished smile, his eyes sliding to Colton, the smile never fading.


    After all, both you and Ms.


    rke have been wronged.


    I cant just stand by and watch.


    Mr.


    Stevens, you and Miss Johnson would be wise not to provoke my friends.


    After all, I have… Certain… mental health issues, and if I inadvertently instruct my bodyguards to take action, I wouldnt bear any legal responsibility for it.


    With his words, five imposing bodyguards stepped forward, each brandishing long steel pipes.


    At your service, Mr.


    kely! Colton and Mny instinctively took a few steps back.


    The heavily tattooed bodyguards clearly had ties to the shady underworld.


    Everyone knew Ferdinands reputationhis ruthless methods were as famous as his sophisticated fa?ade.


    Mny leaned in to whisper, Colton, thepetition is about to start.


    Lets focus on that.


    They couldnt afford to antagonize Ferdinand, especially with thepetitions top three finishers set to receive lucrative rewards and significant exposuresomething theirpany desperately needed.


    Though Coltons pride screamed at him to stand his ground, he knew he had no choice but to retreat.


    Lets go.


    Once the pair had slinked off, Ferdinands smile returned, and he turned to Reba.


    Miss Green, do I now qualify as one of your friends? Ferdinand recalled hisst meeting with Reba, which had ended poorly due to their families arranged marriage.


    He had been dealing with anxiety at the time, which had affected his judgment.


    Since then, he had grown fascinated by Rebas unique nature and had been constantly seeking an opportunity to apologize, though he never quite found the right moment.


    Rebas lips curved into a yful smile.


    Do you? Ferdinand hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond.


    Her smile never wavered, but suddenly, she stomped hard on his foot with the stiletto heel of her shoe.


    Mr.


    kely, youve made it very clear youre not interested in marriage or me.


    And, as luck would have it, I have no fondness for people who go through life without friends.


    She then looped her arm through Allisons.


    Come on, lets get to thepetition! Ow! Ferdinand winced in pain, watching the two women confidently stride into the venue.


    That was… unnecessary, he muttered to himself.


    A newfound curiosity sparked in Ferdinands mind.


    He wondered how Ken managed to deal with women.


    .


    .


    .