Chapter 197

Outside the research institute, Colton's expression was a brewing storm. "She sure has a lot of male acquaintances," he muttered, bitterness lacing his voice. He still couldn't comprehend what had just transpired. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding, as he bitterly wondered how many more secrets Allison was keeping.

Melany, however, felt secretly pleased about not receiving the medicine. Her voice remained soft and soothing. "It's no surprise Allison can walk right into the institute. She's shrewd, Colton. She's been keeping her cards close for years. But why did she latch onto you? The way she acted today, she doesn't seem to like you much."

"You're saying she used me? For what?" Colton's voice was sharp, disbelief warring with frustration.

Before Melany could answer, Colton's phone rang. It was Lindy. "Did you get the medicine?" she demanded, her voice tight with urgency. Colton's throat tightened as he forced out, "No." The sound of shattering glass erupted from the phone, making him flinch. "What good are you to me, then?" Lindy screamed. "Do you want me to suffer and die, just so you can take that whore as your mother? I always knew you were nothing but bad luck!" Her words were venomous, each curse a lash.

Colton swallowed his anger. He knew she was hurting, and couldn't afford to lash out, not when she needed him. After what felt like an eternity, Lindy's rage subsided, her voice weak and defeated. "Forget it... My illness doesn't matter. It's the company that matters. Melany, when will you get your dowry? We need to reinvest it... for your and Colton's future security." Her exhaustion was palpable. Her illness had dragged on, and her useless brother only contacted her for money, never to ask about her well-being. Over the years, she'd poured so much money into supporting her family that her husband had frozen her credit cards, forcing her to sell her jewelry to survive.

"My parents promised that once I've gained enough experience as general manager, they'll release the funds," Melany explained. "Until then, they're worried I might squander it and won't know how to explain it to you, Lindy." Melany wasn't naive; she knew Lindy was eager for the money. "Besides," she added, her tone saccharine, "they specifically told me not to let you fret over this. Your health, after all, is delicate. They think it's better for you to focus on mentoring me than worrying about these financial matters."

For a moment, Lindy thought she'd misheard. A general manager position wasn't easily obtained, especially not for someone like Melany. "General manager? Melany, you can't be serious!" "Oh, I'm very serious," Melany replied.

"I'm just worried about your well-being, Lindy," Melany said, her voice thick with feigned concern. Lindy saw through her innocent façade. "And let's not forget," Melany continued, "only as general manager can I truly lighten Colton's load. Don't worry; I won't sit around like Allison and do nothing!" Her so-called considerate remarks struck a nerve, igniting Lindy's anger. "If Melany had half of Allison's sense, we wouldn't be having this conversation! Don't even think about it!" Lindy spat, her patience exhausted. "Since you're already part of the Stevens family, your dowry belongs here, not with your parents! I don't care what they promised. Bring me the ten million right now! And as for that general manager nonsense—forget it! It's far too ridiculous a thought to even entertain!"

Melany remained unfazed, as if expecting this outburst. She blinked, quickly forcing tears to her eyes before turning to Colton, her voice trembling. "Colton, I only wanted to help..." Colton had already suspected his mother's motives, but hadn't expected this directness. His tone grew cold. "Mom, what are you trying to say?"

"You know exactly what I mean!" Lindy shot back. "Just because you're grown doesn't mean you can ignore me. I absolutely refuse to let this happen!"

"Colton, please, don't argue with your mother," Melany interjected, dabbing at her teary eyes. "She's only thinking of you. You're still young. She's just trying to protect you from unnecessary pain..."

Colton, his anger mounting, finally erupted. "Mom, the Stevens family is under my control now," he said through gritted teeth. "I'm making Melany the general manager, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

Lindy's retort was cut short as Colton hung up. A shadow darkened Colton's expression. Ever since his messy divorce and impulsive remarriage, life felt like a series of endless battles.

Melany, sensing his turmoil, slipped her arms around his waist. "Colton, I'm sure Lindy will come around. She's your mother after all, and there's no grudge that lasts forever."

Colton sighed, running his fingers through her hair. "You're too kind, Melany. But we can't ignore her illness. Since the research institute is useless, we'll have to turn to Hacker's World. Hopefully, it goes live soon. You never know, maybe finding a cure will ease her temper too."

Melany slipped her arms around his waist, her lips forming a subtle pout. "If only Allison were willing to help, we wouldn't have to put up with all this. But I can't help but wonder... if she doesn't care about saving your mother's life, why has she stuck by your side all these years?" Her words hung heavy with unspoken meaning.

"Well, she's a selfish shrew. I, on the other hand, want to give you the world, Colton!" Colton's chest tightened as memories of his previous marriage flooded his mind. Three years. He hadn't treated Allison well after their marriage, that much was true. But Melany was right; why would someone as mysterious as Allison—a woman with so many hidden sides—stay with him for so long? What was she really after?