Chapter 198: Colton's face darkened as he considered Allison's possible machinations. The obvious conclusion, of course, was money. He immediately called his assistant.

"I just remembered the northern branch hasn't had a financial audit in some time. I want you to look into that."

Melany's casual remark had triggered a long-dormant memory. Two years prior, his grandfather, Keanu, had placed Allison in a temporary position at the northern branch. Colton had found the idea absurd, believing she would damage his reputation. He'd told her to resign and stay home. But now, something felt amiss. That branch had consistently underperformed. Who knew what Allison might have done?

The assistant investigated quickly, calling back within half an hour. "Mr. Stevens, the finance department reports continuous losses from the northern branch over the past two years, totaling over twenty million dollars. No discrepancies appear in the books, but shareholders are concerned and considering a meeting."

Colton's breath hitched at the staggering figure. "I see," he replied coldly, hanging up with finality. He was certain Allison was involved.

Before he could process this, Melany's voice, laced with feigned concern, interrupted. "That's a lot of money, Colton. What made you think to check on the branch? Do you think Allison's behind it? Who else would it be?" she added, feigning innocence.

Colton's anger flared. "No wonder she was so eager to sign the divorce papers. She knew she was guilty!" He immediately tried calling Allison, only to find his number blocked. The disconnection fueled his suspicions. "If she wasn't hiding something, why wouldn't she answer?" he muttered, his voice icy.

His unease intensified. He booked a flight back to Ontdale, intending to confront her. He'd take her to court if necessary. She wouldn't get away with stealing that much money.

As the plane landed, Melany said sweetly, "Colton, I think your mother is still upset with me. I want to get her some supplements."

Preoccupied, Colton waved her off. "Sure, do whatever you want." He didn't care.

Once alone, Melany's pleasant demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold calculation. She stepped into a secluded corner and pulled out her phone. Recent events had spun wildly out of her control. She hadn't married into the Stevens family to fight Lindy or watch Colton obsess over his ex-wife. She'd married for wealth and status. Lately, Colton's distraction, particularly when Allison was involved, had intensified. He was jealous, especially since Kellan had entered Allison's life. Melany, however, harbored her own jealousy. Kellan Lloyd, heir to the Lloyd family, was a prize. How could Allison, that wretch, be with him? Allison needed to be brought down.

Melany dialed a number, her face impassive. "I've got a job for you."

Melany had already researched Allison's past. She knew of the harsh orphanage life – the bullying, the humiliation, the scars. Despite Allison's glamorous ascent, there were those who'd gladly help her fall.

"I don't care how you do it. Get close to Allison, embarrass her, make sure everyone knows. You'll get seven hundred thousand once it's done."

Melany envisioned Allison's downfall. Once humiliated, she'd ensure Kellan learned of Allison's "double-dealing." He wouldn't want a woman with such a dark past. "Allison, your fall is coming!" she muttered.

"Oh, one last thing," Melany added. "She's trying to keep up appearances. Forget about pestering her. Use her past. You know where she came from. Use that to break her down."

"Shouldn't be too hard, right? Not at all! As long as the money's there, I'll get right on it!" A small, stocky man emerged from the shadows, a sleazy smile on his face. Devin Myers stepped into the light. Allison's name had been lucky, but the promise of seven hundred thousand made his eyes gleam. After hanging up, he began plotting. Now that Allison had risen so high, it was only fitting she helped an old friend, wasn't it? He smirked, calculating how much he could extort from her. If he couldn't take it all at once, he'd take it piece by piece, until she had nothing left.