NovelEnglishChapter 241: The slap echoed through the room, leaving Melany reeling, her mind swimming in a haze of pain and humiliation.
Stunned for a moment, she then clutched her face, sobbing bitterly.
When did I ever cause trouble? Lindy, you cant just blme for everything thats gone wrong! A sharp sting of resentment surged through her heart.
She had hoped to gain an advantage today, but instead, all she had done was earn Lindys complete scorn. Even Keanus gaze had turned cold, his eyes appraising her with an aloof detachment that made her skin crawl. Once, during her first love with Colton, Keanu had reservations about her, but he never let them show. However, everything changed after she left to study abroad, and Allison had swooped in to marry Colton in her absence.
From that point on, Keanus favor had gradually shifted, leaning toward Allison.
When Melany finally married Colton, Keanu hadnt even bothered to attend the wedding.
And now, he was stripping Colton of his influence within the family.
Regret clung to her like a shadow, weighing heavily on her heart.
Desperate, she cast a pleading look toward Colton.
Colton, please believe me! I didnt mean for any of this to happen.
But such pleas could only deceive fools like Colton.
Keanu, with two sharp thuds of his cane on the floor, said, So, you chere to ruin my birthday, and now you dare to lie? Ive never been so disappointed.
His voice trembled with fury as the years seemed to fall from his face.
He glanced at the gathered members of his family, his rage barely contained.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAllison warned you tand again to stop stirring up trouble.
She tried to protect our familys name.
Yet, instead of gratitude, you repay her with blame.
Coltons not the only one undeserving of her none of us are! His anger made him sway slightly, and if not for Allison rushing to his side, he might have fallen.
Im fine, Keanu said, stabilizing himself, but when he looked up again, his eyes were cold.
Colton, sensing the gravity of Keanus words, stammered, Grandfather, I didnt mean to cause a scene.
I only wanted to show you who Allison is.
How could I have known she would Enough! Keanu cut him off sharply.
Do you think this humiliation hasnt gone far enough? He closed his eyes for a moment, as if the weight of disappointment was too much to bear.
When he opened them again, his gaze softened, but only for Allison.
With a gentle pat on her hand, he shifted his attention to Kellan.
I may be old, but I still know how to judge character.
Mr.
Lloyd, you seem to be a good man.
Take care of Allison.
And dont think you can mistreat her just because shes without family! Keanus voice quivered as he spoke, and the bitterness in his heart spilled over.
Had Colton been wiser, Allison would have stayed with the Stevens family.
But Colton, blinded by his own foolishness, had thrown it all away! Allison had once saved Keanus life, and throughout her years within the Stevens household, she had cared for him as though she truly mattered.
To him, she was family in every sense that counted.
As long as Im alive, even if its just for another day, III stand by her.
Mr.
Lloyd, I hope youll treat her as she deserves.
Keanu leaned heavily on his cane, his body trembling with exhaustion.
He was certain that Allison and Kellan were well-suited for each other, and the Stevens family owed a great deal to Allison.
Keanu, youve got it all wrong, Allison interjected, startled by his assumptions.
She opened her mouth to clarify, but Kellan beat her to it, stepping forward with ease.
Dont worry, Mr.
Stevens.
Ill ensure Allison is well taken care of.
In my eyes, shes priceless... to the company, Kellan said, his tone calm yet weighted with unmistakable gravity, as if he were making a vow.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
For a fleeting moment, Allison wasnt sure whether the seriousness in Kellans eyes was for show or something far deeper. I like that.
Keanu, clearly reassured by Kellans words, signaled to his butler.
Bring the box.
The butler returned with a brocade box, carefully opening to reveal a radiant Ruby Jade nestled inside. This Ruby Jade was a precious family heirloom, representing Keanus high status.
I have kept this jade safe for years.
It has been in our family for generations, a symbol of our heritage.
Keanus voice softened as he gazed at the jade.
He knew the Stevens family owed Allison much.
I always intended to pass it to you, Allison, but fate had other plans when you left us too soon.
Still, it belongs to you.
Keep it with you.
If ever you find yourself in a bind, my nwill open doors.
From across the room, Rex stood up, his face twisted in disbelief.
Dad! Are you out of your mind? That jade is our familys legacy! It's meant for the rightful heir, not....
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