Chapter 210: In this situation, logic held no weight; it was all about who could seize control of the narrative, whose story could create the most .
Allison, ignoring Coltons seething anger, let her gaze drift over to a figure in the crowdFloyd.
She softened her expression, letting out a deliberate sigh before turning back to Devin.
Weve known each other for years, Devin.
I didnt expect you to go this far, to lie so shamelessly in front of everyone, she said, her voice taking on a sorrowful edge.
Ive never wanted to expose you, but I didnt think youd be this outrageous.
Allison scanned the reporters, then turned her focus back to Devin.
Everyone here might not know about your criminal record for theft when you were younger.
But thats not even the worst of it.
Whats more concerning is your violent tendencies.
Every tyouve undergone a psychiatric evaluation, the results werent good.
People even say youre mentally unstable.
Her eyes glinted with mock pity.
Ive always tolerated you because we grew up in the sorphanage, Devin.
But I cant let you keep harassingand spreading these delusions about us being together.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDevins face twisted in fury.
Who are you calling crazy? he snapped.
Allisons gaze remained steady.
Your medical records are all there.
Its not hard to confirm.
Lies! Its all slander! Devin roared, his voice rising.
Allisons words drew murmurs from the crowd, salready stepping back as if they believed the label of crazy could be contagious.
As if on cue, Floyd maneuvered through the crowd, moving closer to where Devin stood, oblivious to the small syringe hidden in his palm.
It was the drug that Allison had asked him to bringone that could temporarily induce mental disorders.
The needle was sharp and fine, causing a sensation similar to a mosquito bite, so Devin didnt notice.
Although the movement was almost invisible, it didnt escape Allisons notice.
She exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Floyd.
Moments later, a surge of erratic energy seemed to overtake Devin.
You bitch! You liar! His voice broke into a shout, wild and unhinged.
Is spreading rumors all youre good for? Youre the crazy one! Your whole family is crazy! He could somehow sense that his state wasnt normal, but he couldnt control his rage.
Allison feigned a frightened expression, backing away quickly.
Devin, calm down.
Are you having another breakdown like yesterday? Devins outburst caused the onlookers to stumble backward in alarm.
Whispers flew as people began to wonder if there really was something wrong with him.
Devin beceven more agitated.
What the hell are you all staring atfor? Arent you reporters? Why dont you go after them for my medical expenses? He jabbed a finger wildly at Kellan and Allison, then at the retreating crowd, his gaze darting frantically.
Youre all a bunch of damned enablers! He continued ranting, his words dissolving into disjointed accusations. Seeing the audience shrink away in discomfort, Devin grew more incensed.
Hallucinations clouded his vision.
His gaze zeroed in on Melany, and suddenly, he lurched toward her like a drowning man reaching for a lifeline. Miss Johnson, why are you just standing there? Werent you the one who promised to paya fortune to ruin Allisons reputation? He threw the words out desperately, each one landing like a bombshell.
The crowd gasped.
Coltons head snapped toward Melany, his eyes wide with disbelief.
What? His voice was barely a whisper, shock etched across his face.
How could this be related to Melany? The reporters sprang to life, their microphones nearly shoved into Melanys face.
Miss Johnson, is what he said true? Did you really hire him to spread false accusations about Ms.
Clarke? Mr.
Stevens, did you know about this conspiracy? Questions bombarded them like a relentless wave.
Melanys heart raced, and she took a step back, her composure slipping.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThis wasnt how things were supposed to go.
Devin was ruining everything! Its not like that! I dont even know him! She raised her hands defensively, En. instinctively avoiding Coltons eyes.
Hes lyinghes a madman! How can you believe a single word from someone like him? At this point,m Melany desperately wanted to distance herself from the situation, but Devin only laughed, a hollow, manic sound. Fine.
Since Im crazy, III show you just how crazy I can get! In a blur of motion, he pulled a pocketknife from his jacket En and lunged straight at Allison. Chaos erupted.
Kellans fingers tightened around the armrest of his wheelchair, veins bulging as he struggled to hold back.
But before he could move, Floyd intercepted.
With a swift, powerful kick, he sent Devin sprawling to the ground, the knife clattering harmlessly away.
Im a doctor from the MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Floyd announced, holding up a badge with calm authority.
This man has a severe mental disorder.
He looked down at Devin, who was still thrashing on the ground, eyes glazed and wild.
And at the moment, hes exhibiting violent tendencies.
Hes a danger to everyone here and needs to be committed to a mental hospital immediately.
Floyds words hung in the air.
He turned to the reporters, his expression composed and unyielding.
I can take full legal responsibility for my statement.