Chapter 248: Whats that supposed to mean? Colton bristled at the mention of the word heir.
It struck a nerve, like poking a hornets nest.
His temper flared, but when it cto Allison, he always felt powerless.
She knew exactly how to push his buttons, and in front of this crowd, he was stuck between biting his tongue or trading snide remarks.
Allison, of course, didnt miss a beat.
Mr.
Stevens, I hear you have two very capable younger brothers.
So, who knows? Maybe the next head of the Stevens family isnt set in stone yet.
But when the day comes, III send my congratulations.
The barb hit its mark, and Colton stiffened.
Congratulations from her? He didnt need them, nor did he want them.
Only the urge to wipe that calm expression off her face gnawed at him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMelany, always quick to fan the flames, piped up, Allison, thats harsh! You were once married to Colton, after all.
Isnt it a bit cruel to say things like this just to hurt him? Her words dripped with false concern, but deep down, she hoped the rift between them would grow.
Lately, Colton had been distant, distracted by thoughts of Allison, and it gnawed at her, stirring up insecurity. And, Allison, did you show up today just to throw him off his game? After all, you spent years playing the housewife and dealing with health issues.
Even Keanu mentioned how fragile you were.
So why on earth would you compete now? Shed done her homework, digging into Allisons past with the Stevens family, though she was unaware of Allisons hidden abilities.
But the gossip was easy enough to find stories of how Allison had followed Colton like a shadow during their early days of marriage.
One incident had stood out: the day they went skating.
He had shoved her aside with such casual disdain that she ended up sprawled on the ground.
That fall hadnt just sprained her ankle; it had left her with a high fever for days.
The memory clouded Coltons face, his frown deepening.
Melanys words stirred something inside him.
Allison, he started, his voice softer than usual, If this is about getting back at me, you dont have to risk yourself. Short-track skating isnt like the casual stuff you might have done before.
He knew full well that the incident at the rink had been his fault.
His anger at Melanys departure had been misdirected, and Allison had borne the brunt of it.
Hed thought about apologizing briefly but his pride had gotten in the way.
Back then, it didnt matter how he treated her; Allison always cback, no questions asked.
But now, she seemed... foreign.
Her detachment was unnerving, even frightening.
Rebecca, standing nearby, let out a scoff, unable to hold back her amusement.
Really, Colton? You think this competition is life or death for her? Get over yourself! The story of the rink incident was something Colton had exaggerated in his own mind.
Rebecca, however, assumed it was just another one of his inflated tales.
Her smirk was as sharp as her words.
Only someone with two left feet would think a little competition is dangerous! Coltons face flushed with anger. Miss Green, watch your mouth! For a moment, he had believed that Rebecca was above Allisons level.
He had thought that Allison had somehow manipulated her.
But now, standing there, watching the two of them, he realized they were cut from the scloth sharp, brazen, and infuriating! Colton, letmake this clear, Allison said, her voice steady and final.
Im done with you.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmRevenge is the last thing on my mind.
Youve already disappointedenough.
Coltons brow furrowed in confusion.
Youre lying.
If youre not here to settle the score, then why show up? A sneer tugged at Allisons lips.
You really think everything revolves around you, dont you? Her tonem dripped with contempt, and the coldness in her gaze was unmistakable. It hit Colton in a way he wasnt prepared for.
He couldve handled anger, even hatred those would have been easier to swallow, because they hinted at sremnant of care. But this? This icy disregard? It twisted inside him.
Allisons voice took on a mocking edge.
Colton, maybe you should focus less onand more on Miss Johnson.
Arent you worried shell get jealous? True to form, Melanys face tightened with suppressed rage, though she ΕΠ managed a tight-lipped smile. Of course not! I cant possibly get jealous! I trust Colton completely.
Inside, though? She was boiling!.