SWNOVELS Chapter 19
“Mrs.
Stevens, you’re overreacting.
I’m just claiming what’s mine.
There’s no need to turn this into a battlefield.
Besides, I’ve already had my things packed up at Green Lake Villa.
By the time I meet Keanu, everything will be done.
After today, we’ll be strangers.
” Allison glanced at her watch.
“The Stevens family has more money than they know what to do with.
They sure as hell wouldn’t hold on to an invitation like this.
”
Lindy's face turned red with anger at Allison's indifference.
"We don't need anything from you!"
Colton was quick to step in, standing next to his mother, staring at Allison as if she were a splinter under his skin.
“If I had known you were such a mean woman, I would have never let you set foot in our house.
Give her the invitation and let her go.
”
Allison didn’t even blink, her calmness deeper than any retort.
The more she ignored him, the more Colton’s temper flared.
“If it weren’t for you saving my grandfather’s life, I would never have married someone like you…”
Before he could finish, a voice boomed from the hallway.
"Ungrateful fool!"
Keanu stormed in, eyes wide with disappointment, as his butler assisted him.
Without warning, Keanu raised his cane and struck Colton across the back.
"What kind of grandson have I raised? That woman has deceived you.
"
He pointed the cane at Melany, with a fury that was impossible to ignore.
“Have you forgotten how she left you for a bigger paycheck? She ran off on your wedding day and almost made this family a laughing stock.
If it weren’t for Allison cleaning up your mess, would you have the life you have now?”
Colton stammered, struggling to defend himself.
“I… I haven’t forgotten.
But Melany was trapped in that marriage by her parents.
What was I supposed to do? Just like I was forced to marry Allison because of you…”
A slap!
Keanu's hand hit Colton's face before he could finish.
"You're an idiot, Colton! Melany has made a fool of you.
"
Seeing Keanu, the only person in the Stevens family who had shown her any respect, Allison was deeply touched.
She stepped forward to calm him down.
“Keanu, please…”
"Don't be like that.
Your health can't handle so much stress.
You just got out of the hospital.
You need to rest.
"
Keanu exhaled deeply, as if each breath weighed more than the last.
He patted Allison on the shoulder, guiding her to sit next to him on the couch.
His gaze locked on Colton, every word dripping with disappointment.
“For three years, Allison has held this family together so you could focus on your work.
Throughout my life, I have learned that gratitude is the foundation of everything.
If you can’t understand that, you don’t deserve to carry the name Stevens!”
Colton's face flushed red, a mix of embarrassment and anger.
He bit his tongue, not daring to argue.
When the sting of Keanu’s reprimand finally subsided, he turned to Allison, his expression softening.
“If this fool doesn’t shape up, I will disown him without a second thought.
As of today, I only recognize one granddaughter-in-law.
”
The words fell like a bomb.
Keanu's favoritism towards Allison was no secret, but the extent of his affection took everyone by surprise.
Lindy, standing to the side, had never seen Keanu speak so firmly.
She had been married into the Stevens family for decades and had never earned even half the favor Keanu showed Allison.
Now, in front of everyone, he was willing to throw away his own blood for her? However, Lindy didn’t dare lose her temper in front of him.
She excused herself instead.
“Keanu, I don’t feel well.
I’ll go upstairs.
”
When Melany disappeared, she found herself on shaky ground.
Trying to salvage the situation, she put on her most fragile expression and turned to Colton.
“Colton, Keanu clearly doesn’t like me.
Maybe I should go before I cause any more trouble.
”
Colton, falling into his act, squeezed her hand.
“I won’t let you go.
”
But Keanu's patience had run out.
"Get out, both of you!"