WorldNovelChapter 249: Even Melany hadnt expected it despite Allisons cold and heartless facade lately, Colton still harbored scare for her.
Allison was blunt, her tone unflinching.
I dont care what any of you think.
Falling for the wrong person and getting torn apart because of itits all behindnow.
There wasnt a trace of hesitation or sadness in her voice, as though she had shed the weight of her past. Although, she added with a slight edge, speople seem to think they knowinside and out.
Too bad theyre not mind readers! Her thoughts flickered to that winter day when she had tried to cheer up Colton by taking him ice skating.
He had seemed to soften at first, the two of them skating in unison.
But then, out of nowhere, without a word, Colton had told her to get lost and shoved her onto the ice.
From that moment, Allison swore off extrsports entirely, as if the memory had left a deep, unhealed scar in her mind.
Now, however, those wounds had begun to scab over.
Colton no longer haunted her thoughts.
When Rebecca suggested signing her up for the competition this time, Allison hadnt resisted as she had years ago.
She embraced the challenge, welcoming the new chapter in her life.
Then, as though something humorous struck her, she chuckled.
Speople do look like fools now.
If they had any sense, theyd stop running their mouths.
Who knows, I might even pity them.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtRebecca, ever the actress, adopted a high-pitched, teasing tone.
Exactly! Mr.
Stevens is practically a charity case now.
Allison, darling, you should go easy on him and stop rubbing salt in the wound.
She then mimicked Melanys saccharine voice.
Oh, sweetheart, do you think Im too soft-hearted? Allison chuckled at her friends antics.
What am I supposed to do with you? But yes, Mr.
Stevens does seem rather pitiful.
He might just lose his precious heir status soon... Though Allisons words were delivered lazily, almost casually, they cut deep, each syllable driving a dagger into Coltons chest.
Allison! Coltons fleeting guilt was wiped clean by his anger.
Do you dare compete with me? If I win, youll return the family heirloom! His words cthrough gritted teeth. And if you lose? If I lose, the heirloom is yours! Allison replied coolly.
Mr.
Stevens, youre treatinglike a child.
No matter the outcome, you wont actually lose anything.
How is that fair? Allison sneered, her composure unshaken.
Rebecca, always ready to escalate things, threw in her own suggestion.
Exactly! If you lose, why not kneel and beg for forgiveness in public? How about that? Her words dangled like bait.
Silence stretched between them as Colton considered her words.
He hadnt forgotten that tin Athton when he had knelt, humiliated, to beg for forgiveness after a failed bet. Melany, on edge, wondered what was really going on.
She suspected Allison was out for blood, fueled by stwisted combination of jealousy and hate.
How else could their paths have crossed so conveniently? Yet, the way Allison carried herself calm, collected, unbothered made Melany pause.
Was there something they didnt know? But before she could voice her concerns, Allison spoke again. Oh, I forgot.
Youve done this before, havent you? Knelt, begged, the whole pitiful display.
No wonder youre hesitant.
It must have left a bit of a psychological scar.
Rebeccas laughter bubbled over.
Well, if you cant stomach it, dont play.
Just stop pretending youre tough when you might be the weakest one here.
Coltons frustration had no outlet.
His face darkened, and his voice dropped to a low growl.
What do I have to fear? Just because Ive been busy with work and havent competed recently doesnt mean Ive lost my edge.
I still participate in extrsports.
I wont be bested by someone with your limited experience! The reason Colton agreed so readily was simple he had watched Allison skate before.
Graceful, yes, but slow, always struggling to keep up.
She had never had the training hed had.
Beating her would be a walk in the park.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAllisons lips curled into a sly smile.
Its a deal, Mr.
Stevens.
Just dont try to back out later.
You better not back out either! Colton ing retorted, storming off with Melahy by his side his fury barely contained.
Melany hesitated, then leaned in closer to him.
Colton, dont you think Allison seems a bit... too confident? Shes always been stone-cold, never shows fear, Colton replied, his eyes narrowing. Even if shes picked up a few tricks, she cant beat me.
In competitions like this, where every second mattered, Colton trusted his skill.
Hed been the best before there was no way Allison could outpace him now.
Thats good.
Melany wrapped her arms around him warmly.
Colton, once we secure the Ruby Jade, well keep it safe.
You know Keanus getting older, and its too easy for someone to take advantage of him.
Her words were a subtle nudge, a reminder of the stakes.
They had to win today, secure the heirloom, and lock in ock in Coltons position against the other heirs. Coltons eyes hardened.
I will win.
No matter the cost! .
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