Chapter 109: Understood.
Sherman stepped forward, his presencemanding immediate attention.
You both have to go.
We don''t tolerate rude behavior here.
Mny''s face twisted in frustration, but she quickly tried to save the situation.
Mr.
Lloyd, this must be a misunderstanding.
We didn''t know this store was yours.
My mother just wanted to buy me a wedding gift, nothing more….
She knew that Ken owned several luxury brands, but she hadn''t anticipated that this store would be one of them.
If they were cklisted, it would be impossible to make luxury purchases in Ontdale, forcing them to go abroad.
It''s not too much for a few harsh words Mr.
Lloyd, cklisting us seems extreme, don''t you think? Her voice wavered a little and she began to back away.
Francene, who had been very happy a moment ago, stood dumbfounded, her eyes widening.
This ce belongs to you! What disturbed her most wasn''t the store, but Ken''s defense of Allison.
Colton''s face darkened as he realized Ken was drawing a line.
If the Stevens family was cklisted, their luxury brand partners would quickly withdraw.
Before Colton could speak, Ken approached Allison.
His expression was indifferent, but his tone was casual, as if they were old friends.
It is rare that we dine together, Miss rke, and yet you find yourself in such unpleasantpany.
But don''t worry, next time I''ll pick her up personally.
No one will bother her again.
Allison smiled weakly.
It was just a casual walk… Their easy, effortless exchange created an air of intimacy that left Colton simmering.
His mood darkened with each passing word.
Sensing the change in atmosphere, the store manager intervened wisely.
Miss rke, we will send the dress directly to your house.
With that, the drama finally came to an end.
But as Ken and Allison continued their conversation, Mny''s jealousy boiled beneath the surface.
He forced a sweet smile, but his words had a cutting edge.
Forget it.
Allison, I know you still have feelings for Colton.
That''s why you want my wedding gift, right.
But it''s my fault, I won''t me you.
With a deliberate flourish, Mny produced an ornate envelope.
Here''s our wedding invitation, Allison.
It would mean a lot to us if you could witness our happiness.
Her eyes drifted to Ken, gauging his reaction.
But instead of the polite rejection she expected, Ken let out a cold, cuttingugh.
You have feelings for Mr.
Stevens.
His voice dripped with disdain.
Johnson, your insults are impressively subtle.
Mny was speechless.
It was clear that Ken was making fun of them.
Allison''s eyes drifted to the invitation, stopping just short of tearing it into pieces, letting the shreds fall into the trash.
No, thank you.
I find it disgusting.
She reached for a wet wipe, but before she could, Ken was already offering her a ck tissue with a faint knowing smile.
Better clean yourself well.
You just touched something disgusting.
Reba, who had been quietly enjoying the show, interjected with a mocking smile.
Exact! Some people are really sinister.
Attending her wedding would curse you for a whole year.
Mny''s fury nearly overwhelmed her, but she was helpless when Allison and her group left, leaving her in her humiliation.
The store staff soon cklisted her and Francene and kicked them out.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Francene snapped at Colton once they were outside.
You''re supposed to be a CEO! How did you let that man humiliate us like that? Colton''s voice was cold as ice.
So you think I should start a public war with the Lloyd family.
Francene stiffened, her anger deting as she realized the reality.
Colton wasn''t just avoiding a scene, he was avoiding disaster.
The Lloyd family''s reach was enormous, and crossing paths with them could bring down their entire empire.
Sensing his growing impatience, Mny quickly intervened, grabbing his arm.
Colton, my mom didn''t mean that.
She''s just angry at being treated so unfairly.
Then she nced at Francene.
Mom, it''s just a dress.
What''s more important than our wedding When it''s Mrs.
Stevens, we''re sure to surpass the Lloyd family.
Realizing, Francene forced a smile and patted Colton awkwardly on the shoulder.
Of course.
Mny is very business-minded.
It will help thepany grow when you get married.
Don''t take my outburst personally, Colton.
Colton nodded, unfazed.
Years ago, Francene had forcibly broken off her rtionship with Mny.
Now that he finally approved of the wedding, it should have been a relief.
But it wasn''t.
The excitement he once felt about marrying Mny had faded, reced by growing frustration.
After watching Allison tear up the wedding invitation without a second thought, that frustration became impossible to ignore.
.
.
.