Chapter 32: Colton's confidence collapsed as he took in Kellan's icy demeanor.
In that instant, the cockiness he had carried moments ago vanished.
Suddenly he remembered Kellan's reputation: a man you can't betray.
It had been years since Colton had first heard of Kellan.
While dining out for a business meeting, he witnessed a man being dragged out of a restaurant and thrown onto the freezing street, soaked and shivering.
Colton's supplier, who was regarding him with a mixture of disdain and sympathy, had murmured: Of all the people to offend, he had to choose that devil.
Colton later learned that Kellan had ordered the man to be immersed in subzero water repeatedly in the cold winter, a brutal and cold-blooded act.
The man's company, once a strong competitor, disappeared from Ontdale shortly after, vanishing without a trace.
That business is not going well does not excuse our lack of decorum.
“We went too far today,” Colton said, his breath coming hard as he remembered Kellan's cruelty.
With the image of that man's fate vivid in his mind, Colton tried to save the situation.
We won't take up any more of your time, Mr.
Lloyd.
But Melany wasn't about to let him go that easily.
He bit his lip and took a step forward.
"Mr.
Lloyd," he began softly, his voice heavy with mock regret, "it's our fault.
" We shouldn't have wronged Allison.
If you've heard any exaggerated rumors that may have clouded your judgment, please allow me to apologize on Colton's behalf.
.
.
Before he could finish, Kellan's chuckle cut through the air.
His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes remained as cold as ever.
.
What are you to apologize on behalf of another person.
His voice dripped with disdain.
Not even the Stevens family has the right to offer me an apology.
The words stung like a slap, and Melany froze.
The innocent and demure act that had always worked with others didn't affect Kellan.
And as for the rumors, Kellan continued, his tone colder than before.
Considering that Miss Clarke is Emanuel Welsh's esteemed teacher, he would naturally choose to believe her over people like you.
Colton's mind reeled.
Allison The teacher of the world-famous potter, Emanuel Welsh It was too absurd to believe.
But Kellan seemed totally convinced.
As Colton glared at Melany, her words took root in his mind, further cementing his prejudices.
Now he was sure that Allison was behind all of this, scheming to ruin his plans.
The coincidence of her presence here felt like proof.
Mr.
Lloyd, you're being tricked, Colton protested, his voice gaining strength.
How is it possible that Allison is Emanuel's teacher? Nobody knows her better than me.
He's making up a ridiculous story, and sooner or later the truth will come out.
Allison, unfazed, met Colton's gaze and spoke calmly.
And if it's trueIf it's true, then I'll owe you an apology, Colton replied, unwilling to back down.
An apology won't be enough, Allison replied, her tone sharp.
At Athton we follow local customs.
When someone's reputation is slandered, the apology must be made on one's knees, with three bows.
Do you dare? Colton smirked, his confidence unwavering.
What's there.
.
.
Colton was so sure of himself because he had meticulously dug into every detail of Allison's past.
It was undeniable that he came from a modest rural background.
Abandoned by her birth parents in the dark days of her childhood, she had been left on the doorstep of an orphanage like an unwanted package.
She hadn't even made it past high school.
Instead, Allison had barely survived on a barren island.
If fate had not intervened in the most unlikely of ways, leading her to save Keanu, she would never have entered the Stevens family circle.
How was it possible for someone like her to have ties to Emanuel, the famous master potter? Emanuel's reputation was rock solid, forged over decades.
He had always been a rebellious soul, rebelling against authority in his youth and not very respectful of his elders.
His art reflected his proud, reclusive nature: untouchable, aloof, and undeniably brilliant.
Even now, in his last years of life, there was no way he could have become so weak-minded as to make a clueless young girl his teacher.
But if you're not Emanuel's teacher and you've been fooling everyone - Colton looked at Allison continued, with a voice full of contempt, "then you should kneel and apologize to everyone present.
.
.
" Before she could finish her petulant sentence, the kitchen door burst open and an old man with gray hair He came out furious, with fury etched in every line of his face.
Who is this fool who says such nonsense!.
.
.
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