Allison couldn't help but laugh at Colton's desperate attempt to use his grandfather as a shield.

"But, as your grandfather also said, integrity is key in both life and business," she stated. "As CEO of the Stevens Group, honoring your word should be a given."

Colton's face flushed; his usual sharp retorts failed him.

Kellan, who had been watching with lazy amusement, opened his eyes long enough to pet a cat's chin. He remarked nonchalantly, "I especially dislike people who don't keep their promises. Perhaps now would be a good time for my assistant to review our contracts with the Stevens Group, just to make sure everything is in order."

The threat was unmistakable, and Colton's complexion drained instantly. The new luxury stores, collaborations with malls owned by Kellan's company, were jeopardized. A scandal could seriously affect his brand, especially with investors watching closely.

"Colton, you really should learn to bow gracefully in these situations," Melany advised quietly, trying to ease the tension. "Considering Allison has the backing of Kellan, CEO of the Lloyd Group, it might be wise to consider the future…"

Gritting his teeth, Colton reluctantly agreed. He and Melany knelt, their knees trembling under the weight of their humiliation. A loud thud followed as they finally settled into their kneeling position.

Colton squeezed his eyes shut and bowed his head, his voice strained as he muttered, "I'm sorry, we were wrong." The words, dripping with reluctance and discomfort, were barely audible. Even the distant buzzing of mosquitoes seemed louder.

Allison's gaze remained coldly distant. "I must be hearing things, or perhaps the illustrious CEO of the Stevens Group has lost his voice," she scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. "Is that why your apologies are barely above a whisper? CEO?"

"Don't you dare push me…" Colton began, his voice filled with fury, but was cut off by Kellan's cold, piercing glare. Kellan, cat nearby, looked at Colton with eyes as dark and intense as a midnight storm. Colton felt an icy chill.

"I'm sorry, we were wrong!" Colton blurted, his face flushed, his teeth clenched against his anger.

Even Melany, tears in her eyes, bowed deeply, inwardly seething.

After three heartfelt bows, Allison finally relaxed, methodically arranging her carving tools, treating Melany and Colton as if they were mere shadows.

"Now that you're done, you can go," Kellan said.

Melany stood, struggling to maintain her composure. Pampered all her life, she had never faced such humiliation. Despite her fury, she knew better than to attack. She couldn't believe Allison had secured Kellan's support.

"Now that we've cleared up this little misunderstanding, I'm sure you can let the past be the past, Allison," Melany said, her words laced with false concern. "But speaking of the past, you mentioned during the divorce that you'd been with someone. When could we meet this person? If you've found your true love, we can go in peace." Underneath the veneer of generosity, Melany was trying to provoke Kellan.

"He's just a gigolo, so what if I slept with him?" Allison replied bluntly.