?<strong>Chapter 427:</strong>


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    She hoped that involving Roderick would be the perfect opportunity to drag Allison down. Colton took the number Mny handed him and nodded. “Alright. I’ll give it a try.”


    But something felt off.


    Despite their repeated attempts, most calls went unanswered. And when someone finally picked up, they hung up the moment they heard the reason for the call.


    Colton’s expression grew frustrated. “Mr. Astley is impossible to get a hold of. He’s aloof and arrogant.” Even Louis hadn’t anticipated this.


    He frowned. “Well, top masters are often unpredictable. Word is he’s been teachingtely, so he might be unavable.”


    Louis had nned to use Roderick’s presence to thoroughly embarrass Allison. But instead, his n was backfiring. He was the one getting embarrassed.


    Unfazed, Allison calmly sipped the tea a servant handed her. After a few moments, she stood up, approaching the table casually. “So? No luck getting in touch with Roderick?”


    The silence that followed was thick with embarrassment. No one could meet her gaze.


    Without a trace of fear, Allison added, “This painting means a lot to Keanu.” Colton, still holding his phone with furrowed brows, said, “Enough with the mocking. Why don’t you try helping us figure out how to reach him?”


    Mny’s face tightened as she listened. Something felt off about Coltontely. He wasn’t teasing or belittling Allison like he usually did. In fact, he was suggesting working with her.


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    A wave of unease swept over Mny, and she forced a smile. “Exactly, Allison. Keanu’s been so kind to you. You wouldn’t want to ruin his prized painting, would you?”


    All eyes were on Allison, waiting for her to crack under the pressure. But instead of showing any sign of stress, she turned to Keanu, her gaze steady.


    “Keanu, do you trust me?”


    Without missing a beat, Keanu responded with unwavering confidence. “Of course, I trust you, girl.” His voice carried authority as he addressed the room. “Enough. I’ve made my decision. Allison will restore the painting. Whatever the oue, it’s my call. None of you get to bully her.”


    The eighty-year-old man’s protective stance made Allison feel a sense of calm wash over her.


    In that moment, she realized there was no point in wasting energy on petty disputes. Her priority was Keanu and the painting.


    She slowly pulled out her phone and dialed a number as she addressed the group. “Since none of you have managed to reach him, let me take a shot.”


    Louis scoffed in disbelief. “Mr. Astley’s whereabouts are always a mystery. Even in our circles, only a handful have his contact info. And you, Ms. rke,” he chuckled mockingly, “You’re just setting yourself up to fail.” The others seemed to agree. After all, they had all tried, including Colton using the Stevens family’s name. Yet, Roderick refused to engage.


    But then, the room was filled with the unmistakable sound of a phone ringing, followed by a “beep.” Someone had quickly answered Allison’s call.


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