Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine Read Online Free

Chapter 17: Allison had no intention of accepting the bracelet.

As a top designer, she had a collection of priceless jewelry.

Besides, she wasnt naïve enough to overlook the subtle weight behind Lindys words.

With a smile as smooth as silk, she effortlessly shifted the conversation.

I heard Melany earned your approval the moment she returned.

Colton told me she even had dinner with you, and you gave her your blessing.

Thats how they ended up renewing their engagement, isnt it? Even with Lindys usual poise, her expression slipped ever so slightly.

In Lindys eyes, Allison was the smarter choiceno doubt about it.

But being an orphan with no significant connections, no matter how graceful and capable, Allison didnt bring much to the table.

She just hadnt expected her son to be foolish enough to brag about such things in front of Allison.

As for Melany, well, she came back from overseas with a hefty settlement and a family business that had grown into a successful farming empire.

She could, at the very least, back Colton up in their ventures.

But someone as sharp as Allison? Far harder to control.

Lindy sighed, the sound of a chess player conceding a minor loss in a larger game.

Im just a woman.

Ive been out of the companys dealings for so long.

In the end, all I have to rely on is my son.

She gave a small, calculated pause.

Fresh updates available at ɢ@lnσνeℓs․com Melany isnt as capable as you, and even after the divorce, youll always be family to us.

Youre just like my daughter, you know.

But if Coltons heart is no longer in it, theres only so much anyone can do.

Allisons smile widened, but it was a smile sharper than a serpents fang.

Lindy had a masterful way of twisting the narrative.

Despite having kept Allison in the dark, she spun the situation as if she were some benevolent figureas if she had been saving Allison from the disaster of a loveless marriage.

It was pure manipulation, cloaked in pleasantries.

Today, Allison saw it clearer than ever.

No need for the sentiment, Allison said, her tone polite but cool.

Im a bit of a clean freak.

Now that Colton and I are divorced, I prefer things to be clean-cut.

Dragging it out doesnt suit me.

Besides visiting Keanu today, Im also here to take back the invitation to the Cobweb event.

Shed decided to drop the game.

The polite dance was over.

Allisons voice was steady, but the edge was unmistakable.

Since you consider me a daughter, then let me meet Keanu.

Lindys smile tightened, her earlier warmth freezing over like a pond in winter.

Keanu is busy at the moment.

Theres no rush, she replied, her voice colder now, the temperature of the room dropping with it.

You did receive the Cobweb invitation, and for that, the Stevens family is grateful.

But lets be honest.

What good does it do you to hold on to it? Without the Stevens name behind you, do you really believe getting that invitation was a simple matter? Unlike Colton, Lindy knew how to keep her cards close.

She understood just how pivotal Cobwebs intelligence network was to the companys survival.

Im truly thinking of whats best for you, Allison, Lindy added with the air of someone offering a favor rather than a threat.

You dont have family, and holding on to that invitation isnt going to help you.

Why not hand it over and do us all a favor? Who knows? If you ever run into trouble, we might be able to shield you.

Its a win-win, dont you think? Youre still young.

Dont close all your doors and make things more difficult than they need to be.

Though Allison had expected Lindys veiled threat, it still sent a cold chill down her spine.

Three years of service, years spent at Lindys side, brewing her remedies when she was bedridden, caring for her.

And this was the thanks she received? But Allison had always harbored a stubborn streak deep within her.

She raised her eyes, her smile now dripping with sarcasm.

The Stevens family can shield me? Lindy met her gaze, but something shifted.

For the first time, she saw an edge in Allisons eyes she hadnt noticed before.

Sharp, like glass ready to cut through even the thickest façade.

If Cobweb had truly given that invitation because of the Stevens family, Allisons voice remained calm, almost too calm, I wouldnt have needed to get involved in the first place.

There was a faint undertone of mockery in her words, and Lindy felt it.

And even if it was for you, the name on the invitation is mine.

Now that Colton and I are divorced, the Stevens family has no claim over it.

Lindy nearly choked on her tea, her calm exterior crumbling for the briefest moment.

She hadnt anticipated Allison outmaneuvering her so smoothly.

A storm brewed behind Lindys eyes as she searched for a solution.

Cobweb was the largest intelligence network around.

Without them, the Stevens family would be blind, left stumbling in the dark while Ontdales advertisers danced circles around them.

If only.

If only Colton had understood what was at stake before the divorce.

At that moment, the sound of the front door opening cut through the air.

Mr.

Colton Stevens and Miss Johnson have returned! Kaelyns voice rang out from the hallway as she swung the door open.

Melany entered, clinging to Coltons arm, her smile syrupy sweet.

Thank you.

But the moment they stepped into the parlor and spotted Allison, they froze as if seeing a ghost from a past life.

Coltons eyes flickered with surprise.

Could this be the same woman he had once known so well? There she stood, in nothing but a simple green dress, without a trace of jewelry, yet radiating an undeniable brilliance.

She looked more striking now than she had on that lavish cruise.

And those eyescold and distant.

They stirred something in Colton, something he couldnt quite grasp, but it rattled him more than he cared to admit.

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.

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