?<strong>Chapter 421:</strong>


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    Meanwhile, Allison’s steady hands continued their work, focused solely on restoring the painting. She wanted no part in the confrontation and kept her attention on her task.


    Colton flinched but didn’t dare retaliate. “Grandpa, please,” he started, his voice strained. “I brought the best restoration team. They’ll make sure the painting is restored perfectly. Just give me one chance. Trust me.” The mighty reputation of Colton, CEO of Stevens Group, was hanging by a thread.


    Mny, tears welling in her eyes, stepped in before Keanu could speak. “Keanu, don’t be so hard on him,” she sniffled, blinking back crocodile tears. “No matter how upset you are, you can’t turn your back on your own grandson. Colton’s only trying to make things right. He brought this team for you!” She positioned herself dramatically between Colton and Keanu, her hands outstretched.


    “If you’re still angry, Keanu, hit me instead.”


    Keanu’s irritation deepened, but Mny’s theatrics were too much for him. With a groan, he lowered his cane, his rage fizzling out into resigned annoyance.


    Meanwhile, Allison stepped back, her eyes scanning the canvas onest time before releasing a soft breath of satisfaction.


    “It’s finished,” she said calmly, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over the room. Everyone turned toward her.


    Only then did Colton’s gaze drift to the beautiful figure behind the desk.


    He blinked, as if seeing her for the first time.


    “Allison?” he murmured, his throat dry, as if the words had gotten stuck halfway.


    He swallowed hard, the bruises on his lips stretching painfully, but he didn’t seem to care. His eyes remained locked on hers, filled with something he couldn’t quite mask.


    But shepletely ignored him.


    Her attention remained solely on Keanu. “Does it look right to you?” she asked.


    The room fell silent as Keanu and Mny both approached the painting, scrutinizing her work. Allison stepped back to give them space.


    After a long pause, Keanu’s face softened into a rare smile of approval. “It’s perfect!” he eximed. “Exactly as I remember it. You’ve done more than I could have asked for.”


    His earlier fury seemed to melt away, and even Mny and Colton, despite his previous anger, were given a softer nce.


    Keanu held Allison’s hand, his excitement evident as he struggled to find the right words.


    But before she could reply, one of the men from the restoration crew spoke up with a smirk. “Miss, you’ve done your part. Now it’s time for the professionals to handle the real work.”


    Mny stepped forward with a smug smile to introduce the team.


    “Keanu, these are the specialists Colton hired — paid handsomely, mind you — for their expertise in relic restoration. They’ve been called upon by the National Museum itself to restore countless priceless antiques. This is no job for amateurs.”


    Her gaze flickered toward Allison, shooting silent daggers. “Only those with exceptional skill and vast experience can be trusted with such delicate work. Keanu, it would be far wiser to entrust the restoration to them rather than… someone whocks purpose.”


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