Chapter 193: Allison noticed the staff exchanging uneasy glances, as if about to speak. Before they could, she interjected, "I helped the owner of this institute once, and we've been friends ever since. It's not as sordid as you're imagining."

Predictably, Colton and Melany found no membership records in her name. Allison wasn't just a member; she was an investor. She had no interest in revealing this, however.

Colton sneered, clearly insulted. "You think anyone's going to believe that story? Only a toddler would fall for that," he scoffed, his skepticism deepening. The idea of her saving the institute's elusive owner seemed too far-fetched.

Sensing Allison's reluctance to disclose her investor status, a staff member quickly interjected, "Ms. Clarke did save our boss's life. Because of that, she holds a special place here. It's on the boss's orders. If you insist on causing trouble, we will have to take action."

Colton's disbelief was evident, but with the staff affirming Allison's story, their options dwindled. They knew better than to antagonize the institute, with its powerful connections. Backing down, however, was a bitter pill. Colton's fists clenched, frustration simmering.

What rattled him further was Allison's fluency in a foreign language with the staff. He'd always considered her crass and uncultured, a woman who had wormed her way into his life after a favor for his grandfather. He'd felt contaminated by her presence. Yet, she repeatedly proved him wrong, especially considering her supposed status as a middle-school dropout from the countryside. "Let's go," Allison said, clearly finished, turning to leave.

Colton's scowl deepened as he watched her effortlessly acquire medicine. The thought of her meeting the institute's owner grated on him. He stepped forward, desperation lacing his tone. "Allison, I have no other choice. My mother was good to you once, and I've said things I regret. But I don't want to see you make a mistake. We were married once. There has to be something left between us. And what about my grandfather? Don't you care if he gets hurt? He's old. If my mother dies, it would break him. My mother, for all her faults, has stood by him for decades. Can't you let us in, just this once?"

Colton believed he was showing humility, unaware of the dangerous shift in Kellan's gaze. The mention of their marriage stirred something primal within him. Had Lorna not been present, Kellan wasn't sure what he might have done. Sherman, sensing the change in mood, retreated. The day's warmth couldn't dispel the chill that accompanied Kellan's anger.

Allison's voice, cold as ice, cut through Colton's pleading. "That won't work on me anymore. You think bringing up your grandfather will soften me? Last time, you used his illness to drag me back, and I fell for it. You showed no concern for his health, and now, all of a sudden, you're so worried about him?" Colton's sanity seemed to waver. "That man protected you for half his life. Yet, at your and Melany's wedding, he wasn't even there because you couldn't be bothered to respect his wishes. But now, when you're in a bind, you trot him out like some kind of shield. What a grandson you've turned out to be!"

Colton's face darkened. He opened his mouth to retort, but his wrist was seized. Kellan's assistant had intervened, gripping him firmly. "Mr. Stevens, our boss has made it clear no one touches Ms. Clarke." The warning was clear, but the threat in Kellan's eyes spoke volumes. "And let me give you one more piece of advice. Don't ever bring up your marriage around her again. We both know what you did during those three years. I've warned you before—if I hear you digging up old dirt or parading around your pathetic excuse for a marriage, I'll make sure the entire city knows every sordid detail. You've already turned the Stevens family into a joke, but I can guarantee it will only get worse if you keep at it!"

Colton paled, his bravado crumbling. A staff member interjected, stepping to block their way. Melany, barely above a whisper, urged, "Colton, let's go." With no other option, Colton stormed out, humiliated. His fists clenched, knuckles white with rage. "What a disgrace! Kellan might come from money, but he's still just a cripple. One day, Allison will realize she chose the wrong man! When that day comes, they will both pay."