Chapter 63: Colton, caught between his desire to protect Melany and the mess that was unraveling before him, forced himself to suppress his frustrations.
Let's not dig up the past, he said, his voice tight.
Furthermore, Melany did not steal or copy anything.
It just added something to your original formula.
Now that it is in the public domain, the formula has as much value as a broken watch.
Still, I'm willing to offer you $200,000 as compensation.
The last sentence escaped his lips like a bitter pill, each word slurred between clenched teeth.
Let's finish here.
We can still walk away with our heads held high.
Melany's eyes shone with unshed tears, carrying the look of someone deeply wronged.
This isn't Allison's fault.
It's my fault for creating this misunderstanding.
Allison has been hiding her identity as the famous perfumer Scarlet Snake for years, and honestly, I've always admired her.
That's why I've spent time studying her perfumery techniques.
With practical ease, Melany sidestepped the real problem, diverting attention from her dishonesty.
But the public remained skeptical, with a silence full of doubts.
Noticing the change, Melany burst into tears and wasted no time in playing the victim.
Allison said, her voice shaking with manufactured emotion.
I know you never liked me, thinking I destroyed your marriage.
I have carried that guilt for a long time.
I understand why you're 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, I will do it.
But please, I'm begging you, don't bring Colton into this.
You know how much this competition means to him.
.
.
He twisted the story with the skill of a skilled narrator, presenting the scandal as a love triangle.
Rebecca, fed up, replied: What nerve! Plagiarism is plagiarism, stop trying to divert the conversation from the truth! Allison, cold as ice, added: Melany, no matter how hard you try to spin it, cheating and stealing ideas will be dealt with according to the rules of the contest.
His gaze then turned to Colton, his tone sharp and unyielding.
As for you, staying friends after a divorce That's for people who enjoy keeping their lives tangled.
Dragging me into your mess, it's disgusting.
Allison's words cut through the air like a blade, leaving Colton and Melany reeling, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
Colton's face darkened, his voice raising.
We can fix this later, but let it be known that Melany did not cheat.
If you really read the rules…His defense was abruptly cut short as the crowd fell silent, parting like the sea before a storm.
Mr.
Blakely.
A member of staff spoke as a man with a head full of curls approached, his smile wide and friendly.
Kellan, how nice to see you here, the man greeted casually.
You still expect me to invest in your company.
Next to Kellan was Ferdinand Blakely, who added with a satisfied smile: Strange, isn't it? The Everett Group is always eager to back new talent, but with the wealth of the Lloyd family, one wouldn't think that my investment was necessary.
The room murmured in recognition: Fernando, the president of the Everett Group, had a reputation for being as sharp as he was astute.
However, today his presence radiated a friendly warmth that was strangely disarming.
But beneath his sparkling eyes and easy smile hid the edge of a well-sharpened razor.
It seems to me that you are taking advantage of the competition's advertising wave to launch your new perfume, Carisma.
How timely, don't you think? Kellan laughed, unperturbed.
You're not missing anything, Ferdinand.
Allison watched the exchange with calm reflection, noting the camaraderie between the two men.
Ferdinand turned to her with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Miss Clarke, I suppose.
I've heard a lot about you, winner of the first Perfumery Competition, haven't I? I'm flattered, Mr.
Blakely, Allison replied politely, although she couldn't shake the feeling that, despite his warmth, Ferdinand maintained a distance, a barrier that no one could pass through.
He sighed, almost as if the whole situation bored him.
It is a shame that the contest has been marred by so many unqualified entrants.
It has made a dent in his reputation.
His gaze drifted lazily to Melany, and his voice dropped to a chilling tone.
And if there's something I can't stand, it's dishonesty.
So, Miss Johnson, it's not time for you to offer a proper apology.
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