Chapter 350: Besides, I am far fromcking in money.


    And when ites to connections and resources, others are scrambling to offer what your family cannot provide to me.


    Allisons words sliced through the air, sharp and direct, striking at the heart of Coltons pride.


    So, you really have no leverage with me.


    Colton stood there, stunned, his pride taking a brutal blow from her remark.


    The memory of the auction resurfaced when Allison had casually swiped a card for a forty-million-dor badge, as if the sum meant nothing.


    It had been clear then that she never wanted for money.


    And when they divorced, he remembered her leaving with nothing but an old suitcase filled with simple clothes.


    All those years, she had barely touched the Stevens familys wealth.


    Onlyter, after their separation, did Colton truly grasp the magnitude of Allisons fortune.


    She had married beneath her status.


    His eyes locked onto hers, searching for any hint of vulnerability.


    So, what would make you agree? I wont.


    Her voice was calm, resolute, leaving no room for debate.


    Colton remained silent.


    The coldness in her tone was worlds apart from how things had been three years ago, and that stark contrast was unbearable for him.


    Having learned through bitter experience, Colton now understood that when Allison said no, she meant it with the finality of a thousand doors mming shut.


    Memories of their past confrontations shed in his mind moments when he had nearly lost his life at her merciless hands.


    But tonight, Colton wasnt the same man who would persist endlessly.


    His visit wasnt just about his mothers affairs; he hade seeking closure for himself.


    Finally, he asked the question that had been buried deep inside his heart.


    I need to know did you leave me because Mny came back, or because of those other men? His eyes were deep, like an ocean concealing countless secrets beneath its surface.


    Allison, however, found his question almostughable.


    She let out a sharpugh, one that felt as bitter as cold coffee left too long in the cup.


    What, Colton? Are you trying to win me back now? Herughter dripped with irony.


    Did you forget? Youre the one who initiated our divorce, she said, her words clear and unrelenting.


    She still vividly remembered the day Mny returned without warning and moved into the Stevens family vi a move everyone knew about except her.


    She had been made to feel like an intruder in her own life.


    Coltons expression soured as he tried to exin, Mnys return… it caught me off guard too.


    But Allison had no patience left for his exnations.


    She cut him off swiftly, her voice steady but biting.


    If I recall correctly, she said, that was the same day as our third wedding anniversary.


    I had prepared a table full of your favorite dishes, but you couldnt care less.


    Your hearts only ever had space for Mny, hasnt it? Her words no longer came from a ce of jealousy; they were an echo of release.


    If this conversation had taken ce three years ago, Allison might have desperately tried to mold herself into Mnys shadow, hoping to win Coltons affection.


    But now, she saw no point in such efforts.


    These past three years have been like living in a ghost town, Colton.


    No matter what I did, I was never enough.


    In your eyes, one word from someone else carried more weight than anything I could say or do.


    So, I let you go.


    And I let myself go, too.


    Allisons gaze remained cool and unflinching as she looked at him.


    Without the rose-colored sses of the past, she realized that the man standing before her was no longer the person she had once loved.


    In fact, he seemed pitiful almost repulsive.


    Ive made it crystal clear.


    We dont owe each other anything anymore.


    So lets just walk away, Colton.


    If you insist on bothering me again, next time, I wont hesitate to send you back to the hospital.


    She tilted her head slightly, her motionzy as if she couldnt be bothered to take him seriously.


    But her words were like ice, sinking deep into his bones.


    A sharp pain bloomed in Coltons chest.


    His breath hitched, and he pressed his hand over his heart, feeling it swell with the weight of regret.


    It was clear that Allison was drawing lines solid and unbreakable.


    Allison, he rasped, desperation creeping into his voice.


    Cant we at least be friends? Her expression twisted with disgust.


    Friends? Please.


    I find the idea revolting.


    His face drained of color, as pale as a ghost under the moonlight.


    Watching her walk away with such finality, Coltons heart throbbed painfully slow, agonizing pulses, each one cutting deeper than thest.


    It was a wound worse than death itself.


    .


    .


    .


    Message from Noa: Happy New Year, lovely people! May it be an excellent year filled with many novels and plenty of reading to enjoy! God loves you and Noa wishes you the best.


    (>??) .