Chapter 310: Someone murmured in the background, They say thete Gianna left behind a serpent-shaped ne, and its the very one wrapped around Ms.


    rkes neck.


    This ignited a storm of hushed whispers among the guests.


    The truth hade into focus.


    What once appeared to be a simple disy of vanity was, in fact, Ken making his move toward Allison.


    Those eager to cozy up to the power yers began chiming in.


    Colton, youre being ridiculous.


    Your judgment is slipping.


    Youve overlooked both the ne and the woman wearing it.


    Lets all take a step back.


    Sure, your wedding wasnt smooth sailing, but you still married your first love.


    How can you begrudge Ms.


    rke the chance to move on? If you keep pushing this, it wont end well.


    Everyone here carries some weight.


    Lets not forget the auction is the main attraction.


    The guests at the g were no strangers to high society, and word of Colton and Allisons divorce had long made the rounds.


    Coltons recent fall from his grandfathers good graces was an open secret, making it easy for others to take aim at him while currying favor with Ken.


    Their words struck Colton like sharp daggers, leaving him dizzy.


    He had only recently fallen from grace, and yet these vultures dared to circle him now! Colton clenched his jaw, forcing down the rising tide of anger.


    Lets just say luck hasnt been on my side today.


    No need to make a fuss about it.


    His focus remained on the main event of the night the auction.


    With Ken now a sworn enemy, there was no reason to keep up appearances.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, lets see who gets thestugh.


    A strange fire flickered in Coltons eyes, burning hotter than before.


    His attention was inexplicably drawn to that ne.


    It was unbelievable how quickly Allison had moved on after their divorce.


    There she stood, wearing Kens family heirloom, and the message was as clear as day.


    Yet he couldnt forget the days when Allison had loved him more than anything.


    Now, the sight of her, so dazzling and out of reach, left him confused.


    He couldnt pinpoint what this new version of Allison meant to him.


    All he knew was that he was drowning in possessiveness that defied reason.


    Perhaps he was losing his grip on reality.


    Ken lifted his eyes, their depths like an endless chasm.


    I turned a blind eye out of respect for Keanu, but your disrespect towards my mothers keepsake will not go unanswered.


    His tone was light, almost bored.


    Im curious, Colton, how long do you think it will take before we settle this? At his words, the crowd collectively held its breath.


    The tension was unmistakable.


    These two were on a collision course for a high-stakes business showdown.


    The room buzzed with murmurs as people turned their gaze to Colton.


    The earlier snickers had morphed into a kind of hushed sympathy.


    How does the Stevens Group expect to go toe-to-toe with the Lloyd Group? Hes a dead man walking, challenging Ken like that.


    And after that public blow-up with Keanu? Whats he thinking? Hes going to fall t on his face if hes not careful.


    The whispers grew louder.


    They said marrying the wrong woman could ruin a man, and Colton had mistaken fools gold for treasure.


    The scandal alone would keep tongues wagging for weeks.


    Mny, standing beside him with tear-stained cheeks, tugged at his sleeve.


    Her voice trembled as she whispered, Colton, lets go.


    She knew all too well that staying would only invite further humiliation.


    But she made a silent vow todays insults would not be forgotten.


    In a shadowed corner of the room, Hoyt watched the spectacle with a grin that barely touched his lips.


    Quite the drama, he muttered to himself, his eyes sparkling with amusement.


    As he saw Mny helping Colton leave, a n began to form in his mind.


    With a casual wave, he summoned his assistant and slipped a VIP card into his hand.


    Make sure Miss Johnson receives this… quietly.


    The assistant nodded, already understanding the game Hoyt intended to y.


    Hoyt leaned back, propping his chin in his hand, his thoughts spinning.


    The enemy of his enemy could easily be a tool.


    Mny seemed like someone he could mold to his liking.


    Dont disappoint me, Mny.


    He raised his ss, emptying it in one swift gulp, already savoring the idea of using her to his advantage.


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