“Mr. Blakely’s chef? That man could give any top kitchen a run for its money! And while I was savoring the food, I also managed to get some juicy info,” Rebecca boasted, her eyes gleaming with self-satisfaction. “I found out Kellan’s stepmother was his dad’s mistress, the one who pushed his real mother over the edge. His father? No better. He’s got his sons locked in some twisted battle royale, practically making them fight for survival. Even worse, Kellan’s competing with his illegitimate siblings!”
Rebecca shook her head, eyes wide with disbelief. “Good thing I’m an only child. None of that sordid family drama for me.”
Allison grinned, her eyes piercing. “You spent very little time with Mr. Blakely, yet you learned a lot. You two must have hit it off.”
Rebecca gave a nonchalant shrug. “It was fine. Ferdinand’s easy on the eyes, I’ll give him that, and he doesn’t waste time with nonsense. But please, Allison, I’ve got a line of men waiting. I don’t need to shackle myself to one. Relationships? They’re a cage. You’re much freer on your own.”
Allison chuckled softly. Rebecca’s carefree attitude was as bold as ever.
Then, as if remembering something, Rebecca leaned closer. “So, how’d it go with Kellan? Any breakthroughs on the perfume front?”
Allison’s face clouded slightly at the question. She explained her suspicions and carefully pulled out the hair strand from her bag, now sealed in a plastic pouch. “Rebecca, I need you to help me with a DNA test. This is too much of a coincidence.”
Rebecca took the pouch with an easy wave. “No worries. I know a lab that’s discreet and top-notch.”
Rebecca, too, felt the oddity of the situation. The timing of Allison’s mother’s disappearance and Kellan’s mother’s death was unsettlingly close. Even their perfume methods bore uncanny resemblances. The theory seemed plausible, yet…
“Let’s just hope this doesn’t end up being one of those weird ‘soulmates who turn out to be siblings’ situations,” Rebecca teased with a mischievous grin. “And don’t pretend you didn’t notice. There was some serious spark between you two back there.”
Allison rolled her eyes at the teasing but eventually threw up her hands in mock defeat. “It’s nothing. Just two people who crossed paths by chance. No way we’re ending up together.”
Rebecca lifted an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Don’t be so quick to count out fate. It has a way of throwing curveballs.”
Later, at the lab, Rebecca cheerfully handed over the hair samples. “Doctor, take good care of these. And make sure your team stays tight-lipped. This could affect your funding for the rest of the year.”
Her words were wrapped in a smile, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.
The doctor gave a respectful nod. “Of course.”
In truth, the lab’s operations in Ontdale were largely funded by the Green family, serving only high-profile clients who needed utmost confidentiality. In their world, discretion wasn’t just a courtesy; it was survival.
Rebecca grinned. “Relax, darling, we’ll have the results soon. How about a celebratory dinner? It’s been one hell of a day.”
“Why not? Let’s head to Jasmine Restaurant,” Allison agreed, though her appetite wasn’t particularly strong. It had been years since she’d visited, and Rebecca’s excitement was hard to turn down.
As soon as she sank into the car seat, fatigue washed over her, and she quickly dozed off. When her eyes fluttered open again, they were pulling up to the familiar restaurant. The elegant, private dining spot was just as she remembered – classic, refined, and serene, with lush gardens and pavilion-style decor that lent it an air of exclusivity. Only the elite dined here.
“It hasn’t changed at all,” Allison remarked, smiling as she followed Rebecca up to the top floor.
They’d planned a quiet evening of catching up over good food, but the moment they stepped inside, an unwelcome sight greeted them.
In the corner, looking as fragile and pitiful as ever, stood Melany, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Colton, after all these years, how can you still doubt me? I never claimed to be Scarlet Snake, and I didn’t know Allison was the legendary perfumer.”
“You know, I dove into the world of perfumery just for you. I’ve always yearned to be of help.”
Melany bit her lip, tears cascading down her cheeks as she looked up at him.
She could have sidestepped punishment, but then the president of Everett Group suddenly intervened, canceling her eligibility and competition results. As a result, Colton lost the chance for collaboration, and they faced humiliation in front of the media.
Once they exited the competition venue, Colton remained quiet and brooding, even treating her with a frosty demeanor.
Determined, Melany took it upon herself to apologize.
“All these years, I’ve poured over and recreated Scarlet Snake’s perfumes, enduring countless hardships. If only I had known sooner that Allison, who stood by your side for three years, was Scarlet Snake, I could have spared myself this turmoil.”
Colton’s stern expression began to thaw, his heart softening at the sight of the beautiful woman with tears in her eyes.
“Alright, enough with the tears,” he said, finally forgiving her as he gently wiped her face.
Yet, beneath his forgiving exterior, frustration bubbled. Something felt amiss. “Allison pulled the wool over even my eyes. How could I hold you responsible? She kept her secret well for three long years!”
He had never considered how formidable Allison truly was.
What gnawed at him more was how she had distanced herself. Once, she cooked for him and handled his laundry; now, she treated him like a mere stranger. What vexed him most was that even post-divorce, his thoughts were still tangled with Allison.
“No matter how renowned she is, your kindness far outweighs hers.”
Colton wrapped his arms around Melany, trying to comfort her, though it felt like he was soothing his own wounds.
Just then, he glanced up and spotted Allison strolling by. She wore a silver dress, topped with a sleek black coat for the chilly evening. Mysterious and cool, she exuded a heroic air, completely ignoring them.
Colton’s expression morphed from shock to icy disdain. “Stop!”
At his command, Allison and Rebecca halted, their words sharp as daggers.
“What, do you want us to stop and admire your public display of affection? Do you need to drag me into this circus?” Allison’s tone dripped with mockery, showing no regard. She and Rebecca clearly wished to avoid the disruption of their rare, enjoyable evening.
Seeing Colton provoke them again, Rebecca turned her head, looking at him with contempt.
“Allison’s right. Can’t you save your cuddling and kissing for home? Even animals have more decency than you do.”
Colton’s anger ignited at those cutting words. “Miss Green, you belong to the Green family. You shouldn’t be siding with outsiders. Our Stevens family might not wield as much power as yours, but we’ve been working on a few projects together.”
Not only had he lost the cooperation opportunity today, but the media also captured his humiliation. The hush money alone was a hefty burden. His gaze hardened at the thought.
“I don’t know how Allison has deceived you, but you should at least support me, considering we’re business partners.”
Rebecca laughed, disbelief painting her features. “Thanks for reminding me of our collaboration. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I might have forgotten. After all, those tiny projects rarely reach my desk.”
With a sly smile, Rebecca picked up her phone. “I’ll let my dad know right now. Our Green Group won’t partner with a failing company like yours; it’s just too risky!”
“You!” Colton had aimed to remind her of their partnership to garner some respect, but he never anticipated losing another contract, further fueling his frustration.
Melany, standing beside him, was incredulous. “Miss Green, this is simply a personal vendetta. But dragging business into it? Isn’t that a bit petty?”
“Petty? Compared to money, I value integrity far more. Our family isn’t in short supply of cash,” Rebecca shot back, her tone dripping with arrogance. “But we’ve encountered our share of unsavory characters!”
Allison nodded lazily in agreement. “Absolutely, this restaurant should raise its standards. Otherwise, anyone unsavory can stroll in.”
Colton stood there, speechless. His fury only deepened.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.