SWNOVELS Chapter 20
Keanu had lived long enough to see through every type of person that crossed his path.
With a sharp edge to his words, he joked, “Miss Johnson, let’s not pretend.
The Stevens family wasn’t a big name in your eyes.
I know that’s why you abandoned the engagement and ran away to get married abroad.
You almost made us into a joke! And now, you come back waltzing.
Funny, isn’t it? Now that we’ve been resurrected, you’re interested again.
Did you really think I wouldn’t notice?”
Keanu didn't mince his words, unleashing his scolding without restraint.
“You think you can fool me? I’d rather leave it all to Allison than let you take a single cent.
” Melany’s face drained of color as Keanu’s words hit home.
Colton instinctively pulled her closer.
«She had her reasons then.
We were apart for three years and now we can finally be together.
How can you come between us? And you know what? She's not after my money.
Her family even wants to invest in the new business.
All they want is for us to be happy.
Grandpa, you're being unfair to her.
»
As Colton spoke, his gaze briefly shifted to Allison.
She sat there, unfazed, almost indifferent, as if this had nothing to do with her.
The sight of her calm demeanor only fueled his frustration.
Keanu was furious.
“Don’t you dare mention these last three years! You’re ungrateful.
A fool, that’s what you are.
You have no idea who really cares about you.
”
Keanu couldn't understand how his grandson could be so blind when he had been so shrewd his entire life.
His fury was palpable as he glared at Colton.
“When you were sick, it was Allison who stood by your side, day in and day out.
And when our company was on the brink of collapse, who do you think stood up to Kellan? That man is as unpredictable as a thunderstorm, yet she went to save our company alone.
Do you think we would be where we are today without her?”
Keanu’s voice wavered as the memory of those days stirred something deep within.
Everyone in town knew Kellan’s temper, but Allison, young as she was, had somehow managed to handle it.
The rumors were that she had been kneeling outside his office for hours, waiting to make her case.
Keanu never thought the day would come when Colton, after everything Allison had done, would treat her like this.
His heart ached with a bitter mixture of sorrow and rage.
“Have you ever heard the saying? Ingratitude never goes unpunished.
”
Colton replied in a cold tone: “I haven’t forgotten what he did for the family.
That’s why I gave him four million and a villa.
He has more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life.
”
He knew he owed her something, but in her eyes, he had already paid that debt.
"Allison was a good woman, sure, but you can't force me to love her now.
"
As if sensing the weakness of her argument, Colton looked at Allison and added, almost pleadingly, “I know you love me, but I don’t feel the same way.
You can’t twist my arm into loving you, and whatever game you’re playing with Grandpa, it won’t work.
I’m staying with Melany, no matter how hard you try to break us up.
”
Allison’s voice was calm, but it held a sharp edge.
“Try to break us up? I haven’t even said anything.
” To say she wasn’t hurt would have been a lie, but after the divorce, she’d distanced herself from the memories.
Now, the situation seemed almost absurd.
Maybe it wasn't Colton she had loved all those years, but the version of him from a time long ago, the one that had been full of life, passion, and sincerity.
Colton caught the flash of anger on her face, but quickly hid it.
It was like a slap in the face.
“Take the money and leave.
I’ll never be with someone like you…”
Before he could finish, Keanu's patience snapped.
In one swift motion, he raised the baton and slammed it hard into Colton's back.
The sharp sound of the blow echoed through the room.
Keanu's anger had boiled over.
He struck without holding back and Colton fell to his knees.
Melany tried to run forward, but the butler blocked her way, his face expressionless.
"Miss Johnson, it's a family matter.
"