?<strong>Chapter 635:</strong>


    She had walked into the cafe with hopes of winning Ken’s favor, only to feel like a pawn in his game. She still remembered how Gordon had stormed in, how both men had seemed to share a silent understanding as theypeted for Allison’s attention. She was on the sidelines, drowning in jealousy.


    Just that single thought made her throw another cutting stare at Allison. “Don’t think Ken’s protection willst forever. If you’re smart, you’ll leave Ontdale before things get worse. Or the Perry family won’t be your only problem.”


    A small crowd had started to gather around them, drawn by the tension radiating from the two women. After all, Charisma Company was one of the most influentialpanies in the industry, with peopleing and going all day long. And this particr confrontation had something juicy. The whispers were already flying through the crowd.


    “Isn’t that the daughter of the Greenfield Group’s president? What’s she doing here?”


    “I heard Miss Perry’s a handful. Gets along with plenty of men and doesn’t like fake women. She’s got a bit of a reputation.”


    “Yeah, but isn’t she hung up on Mr. Lloyd?” All eyes darted between the two women.


    Carole, catching wind of the murmurs, rolled her eyes dramatically, lifting her chin with a haughty expression. “Yes, well,” she said loudly, as if performing for the audience, “I suppose men make betterpany. Women are nothing but trouble — always scheming and hiding behind sweet little smiles.”


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    Her gaze fell back on Allison, sharp and full of hate. “Perhaps you don’t know, but I have been engaged to Ken,” she said, her voice rising, as if to stake a im in front of the gathering crowd. “But now, some shameless little thing is trying to worm her way in!”


    As Carole was the daughter of the Greenfield Group’s president, no one doubted what she said. Soon, the crowd began murmuring among themselves. “I didn’t expect Ms. rke, who seems so innocent, to be that shameless behind the scenes.”


    “And she’s actually a member of Charisma Company — such an embarrassment!”


    “That can’t be true. I work in a nearby department and always heard Ms. rke was genuinely nice.”


    “You must be new. Not long ago, Mr. Lloyd was openly pursuing her.”


    The crowd’s chatter was filled with mixed opinions. Carole had assumed they would rally to her side, but now her confidence wavered slightly as she processed what she had just learned: Ken had openly pursued Allison.


    Regardless, she was determined to get rid of Allison.


    “Ms. rke, I care about what’s going on between you and Ken,” Carole sneered. “But if you truly care for him, don’t drag him down. After all, you’re worlds apart in terms of status.” She eyed Allison after speaking.


    Carole assumed an orphan who had entered these elite circles must have some lingering insecurity. So, she tried to corner Allison morally, hoping to see her squirm. But despite the brewing rumors, Allison’s expression remainedposed.


    “Miss Perry, you’re absolutely right,” she said calmly, her gaze meeting Carole’s. “The difference in status is worlds apart.”


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