Chapter 191: Outside the MDH Research Institute, Melany and Colton arrived.

"Colton, we've spent seven days tracking this place down," Melany said, apprehension lacing her voice. Her face reflected a concern meant to mask deeper anxieties. The Stevens Group plagiarism scandal still festered, and now Lindy had them running errands in Vrining.

"We don't have much choice," Colton replied. "Let's give it a shot." He was far from confident. He'd hoped to obtain the medication through the underground hacker network, but their anticipated holographic game hadn't materialized. His mother's worsening migraines were tearing their household apart; her violent outbursts had driven away nearly all their staff. Desperation had brought them here, clinging to the faint hope this institute could offer salvation.

As they entered the lobby, they saw Allison. Melany's eyes narrowed, then, with a forced smile, she approached. "Allison, well, isn't this a small world! Fancy meeting you here." Her gaze fell on the young girl beside Allison. "But I didn't expect you to have a child! How curious. You and Colton have only been married three years. I wonder where this little one… popped up from. Quite the secret you've been keeping."

Colton's brow furrowed. "Allison, who is this girl?" he demanded. Before Allison could answer, Kellan rolled up in his wheelchair. "If you don't need your eyes, I'm sure someone could use them," he drawled coldly. "The Stevens Group is sinking, and here you are gallivanting abroad. Maybe enjoy your vacation before bankruptcy strips away what's left!" Sherman, sensing Kellan's disdain, added, "This girl's my boss's niece, Miss Johnson. And yet, you're quick to throw around accusations. Could it be you're hiding something?"

Melany's face flushed, anger briefly flashing before she smoothed it over. "Oh, no, I didn't mean it like that. I was just… surprised." She turned to Allison. "Since you're here, why not help Lindy? It's been ages, and surely you're not still upset. It's not like you'd want to hold a grudge forever, right?"

Colton, sensing Melany's manipulation, intervened. "Allison, if you're here to get medicine for my mother, I'd appreciate it. I'm willing to put the past behind us if you are."

Allison gestured for Sherman to take the girl's hand. "Medicine? For your mother?" she replied coldly. She scoffed. "They were just acting! The institute might treat mental illnesses, but for cases as far gone as yours, I wouldn't hold my breath."

Colton stiffened. His patience frayed at her indifference. Melany seized the opportunity. "Allison, that's not fair. Lindy adores you, treated you like her own daughter. How could you forget all she's done for you?" Her voice dripped with false sympathy. She had no intention of helping Lindy. "And it's not like this is your first time getting medicine for people in need. You helped Mr. Lloyd in Ontdale, didn't you? Surely, you wouldn't want to leave empty-handed. Imagine the scandal if word got out."

Her words fooled Colton, but not Allison. "You're kidding, right? Even a kid knows you should handle your own problems. How can two fully grown adults be so shameless? Why don't you get the medicine yourselves instead of trying to pressure me?"

Colton's fists clenched. "Don't think you're invincible just because you lucked out last time. The institute is fully booked, so whatever brought you here, you're leaving disappointed." Seeing her with Kellan, he felt his irritation grow.