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

Chapter 63: Colton, caught between his desire to shield Melany and the mess unraveling before him, forced himself to bite back his frustrations.

Lets not dredge up the past, he said, his voice strained.

Besides, Melany didnt steal or copy anything outright.

She simply added a little something to your original formula.

Now that its public knowledge, the formulas got as much value as a broken clock.

Still, Im willing to offer you 200 thousand dollars as compensation.

The final sentence escaped his lips like a bitter pill, each word dragged out through clenched teeth.

Lets call it quits here.

We can still walk away with our heads held high.

Melanys eyes shimmered with unshed tears, wearing the look of someone deeply wronged.

This isnt on Allison.

Its my fault for creating this misunderstanding.

Allison has been hiding her identity as the famous perfumer, Scarlet Snake, for years, and honestly, Ive always admired her.

Thats why Ive spent time studying her techniques in perfumery.

With practiced ease, Melany sidestepped the real issue, turning the spotlight away from her dishonesty.

But the crowd remained skeptical, their silence thick with doubt.

Sensing the shift, Melany burst into tears and wasted no time playing the victim.

Allison, she said, her voice trembling with manufactured emotion.

I know youve never liked me, thinking I wrecked your marriage.

Ive carried that guilt for so long.

I understand why youre lashing out now, because Colton and I are about to get married.

As if on cue, she dropped to her knees, her sobs echoing through the room, painting herself as the sacrificial lamb.

Allison, if this is what it takes to make peace with you, Ill do it.

But please, Im begging youdont drag Colton into this.

You know how much this competition means to him… She twisted the narrative as deftly as a skilled storyteller, framing the scandal as nothing more than a messy love triangle.

Rebecca, having had enough, shot back, Youve got some nerve! Plagiarism is plagiarismquit trying to steer the conversation away from the truth! L∆Ŧ€$† Ç♄₳þŧëяŞ ¡η g????l????ovєl????.????оm Allison, cold as ice, added, Melany, no matter how much you try to spin it, cheating and stealing ideas will be dealt with according to the competitions rules.

Her gaze then shifted to Colton, her tone sharp and unyielding.

As for you, staying friends after a divorce? Thats for people who enjoy keeping their lives tangled in knots.

Drag me into your mess, its revolting.

Allisons words cut through the air like a blade, leaving Colton and Melany floundering, their faces reddening with embarrassment.

Coltons face darkened, his voice rising.

We can settle this later, but for the record, Melany didnt cheat.

If you actually read the rules His defense was abruptly cut off as the crowd quieted, parting like the sea before a storm.

Mr.

Blakely.

A staff member spoke up as a man with a head full of curls approached, his smile wide and amiable.

Kellan, fancy seeing you here, the man greeted with casual ease.

Still hoping to get me to invest in your company? Standing next to Kellan was Ferdinand Blakely, who added with a smirk, Strange, isnt it? The Everett Group is always eager to back fresh talent, but with the wealth of the Lloyd family, you wouldnt think my investment would be needed.

The room murmured in recognitionFerdinand, the president of the Everett Group, had a reputation for being as sharp as he was shrewd.

Yet today, his presence exuded a friendly warmth that felt oddly disarming.

But beneath his twinkling eyes and easy grin lay the sharpness of a finely honed blade.

Seems to me like youre riding the competitions wave of publicity to launch your new perfume, Charisma.

Convenient timing, wouldnt you say? Kellan chuckled, unfazed.

Nothing gets past you, Ferdinand.

Allison observed the exchange with quiet thoughtfulness, noting the camaraderie between the two men.

Ferdinand then turned to her with a smile that didnt quite reach his eyes.

Miss Clarke, I presume? Ive heard plenty about youwinner of the first Perfumery Competition, arent you? You flatter me, Mr.

Blakely, Allison responded politely, though she couldnt shake the sense that despite his warmth, Ferdinand maintained a distance, a barrier that no one could cross.

He sighed, almost as if the entire situation bored him.

Its a shame the competition has been marred by so many unqualified entrants.

Its done a number on its reputation.

His gaze lazily drifted toward Melany, his voice dropping to a chilling tone.

And if theres one thing I cant stand, its dishonesty.

So, Miss Johnson, isnt it about time you offered a proper apology? .

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