Chapter 255: Colton and Mny stumbled into the underground parking lot.


    I cant believe Allison! Shes absolutely ruthless, making me look like a fool in front of everyone! Colton fumed.


    Just take a breath, Colton, Mny replied, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.


    Inside, she was just as agitated.


    You know, during the award ceremony, I noticed Allison kept sneaking nces at the VIP room.


    I heard Ken was at the race today with his niece.


    Maybe thats why she was putting on such a show.


    Ken? Coltons face darkened, his fists balling with anger.


    That guy? Hes nothing but a washed-up has-been who spent years in a wheelchair.


    Sure, hes back on his feet now, but who knows if… well, you know, everything else still works? His voice dripped with barely contained jealousy and possessiveness.


    What does Allison think shes going to gain by being with him? I refuse to believe shed find happiness there.


    Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows, breaking the tension.


    Well said! Hoyt pped lightly, a smirk ying on his lips.


    It seems Mr.


    Stevens and I are on the same wavelength.


    Who are you? Colton asked warily.


    Hoyt Lloyd, Hoyt saidzily, extending a business card.


    Colton didnt even nce at it.


    He crumpled the card into a ball and tossed it straight into the trash.


    Hah, so youre from the Lloyd family, he sneered.


    Coltons disdain for the Lloyd name was palpable.


    Now that he knew Hoyts background, the distaste deepened.


    Hoyts identity hit a sore spot for Colton, who had no intention of being polite.


    An illegitimate child bearing the Lloyd surname how poetic! Hoyt stared at him, disbelief washing over his features.


    It had been ages since anyone had dared to confront him so directly! Meanwhile, Mny, having caught wind of Hoyts family ties, put on a gentle smile and bowed her head slightly.


    Im truly sorry, Mr.


    Lloyd.


    Coltons had a rough day thanks to his issues with Mr.


    Ken Lloyd, and hes taking it out on you.


    Hoyts expression softened a notch.


    No worries.


    He looked at Mny, who appeared delicate and fragile, her gentle demeanor and slender neck tugging at his heartstrings.


    What a fragile beauty she was.


    Hoyt felt a pang but pushed his emotions aside.


    Mr.


    Stevens, theres no need for such hostility toward me.


    After all, the enemy of my enemy can be a friend.


    I dont think highly of Ken, either.


    Hoyt had initially nned to orchestrate an ident today that would leave Ken permanently crippled in the audience.


    But when Ken mysteriously opted to stay in the VIP room instead, Hoyt adjusted his strategy.


    With Lorna making an appearance today, Hoyt decided to draw Ken away, arranging for someone to crash into Allison instead.


    After all, everyone knew Ken had been making a public spectacle of his pursuit of hertely.


    So, Hoyt didnt believe Ken could resist showing up.


    More connections mean more opportunities, he said, handing Colton another business card.


    If you ever need anything, Mr.


    Stevens, dont hesitate to reach out.


    Colton didntmit to anything but epted the card with a frosty expression.


    He was about to respond when a warm, motherly voice cut through the tension.


    Hoyt, what on earth are you doing here? Its time to head home.


    A well-dressed woman appeared and greeted Colton and Mny with a kind smile.


    Hi.


    Mny was momentarily taken aback, finally finding her voice.


    Hi.


    She had never encountered a woman so effortlessly elegant before.


    As for Colton, seeing Nova reminded him of the women who flitted around his father, making his expression remain icy as he nodded in acknowledgment.


    But Nova didnt seem put off by Coltons demeanor.


    Her smile remained genuine, warm, andposed.


    Miss Johnson, youre a lovely youngdy.


    I felt an instant connection with you, so I hope you dont mind this small token of appreciation.


    With a graceful motion, she removed a jeweled brooch from her chest.


    Dont let Hoyt get to you.


    Hes young and impetuous, always grappling with his jealousy of Ken.


    You see, Ken lost his mother at a young age and became disabled, which made him retreat into himself.


    With subtlety, Nova praised Hoyt while throwing shade at Ken.


    As for Hoyt, he may be a little reckless, but his heart is in the right ce.


    You can consider him a friend.


    Thank you, maam, Mny said, her eyes wide as she gazed at the sparkling brooch, momentarily spellbound.


    After all, Lindy had only ever red at her or appeared to be a kind and understanding mother-inw while conspiratorially plotting against her parents finances ever since she had married into the Stevens family.


    She had never received a valuable gift.


    Nova surprised her with a priceless gift on their first encountersomething she never would have imagined! .


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