SWNOVELS Chapter 21
Colton, who had been pampered since birth, had never experienced anything like this.
Keanu, who had made an impressive recovery after his hospital stay, swung his cane with precision, hitting the sensitive spots where the pain would linger the longest.
Colton's face drained of color, while Allison stood there, as indifferent as if the whole scene was taking place in a faraway land, far removed from her concerns.
“Get out! From this moment on, neither of you will set foot in this mansion again without my permission.
” Keanu bellowed, his voice echoing in the room as he pushed them out.
Once the door slammed shut, he collapsed onto the couch, his chest heaving with heavy breathing.
Allison, unfazed by the storm that had just broken out, calmly poured him a glass of water and handed it to him.
“Keanu, take care of your health.
That cane of yours has been with you for years.
It would be a shame if it broke.
”
Outside, Colton struggled to his feet, pulling Melany along as he staggered forward.
He hadn't even caught his breath before Allison's scornful words, carried by the wind, nearly sent him stumbling in fury.
Did Allison really think she was worth less than a cane? Keanu, sinking now under the weight of it all, spoke in a quieter, regretful voice.
“I feel sorry for you.
” After decades of navigating the choppy waters of business, never shedding a tear for anything or anyone, Keanu found himself feeling genuine remorse.
He had raised an ungrateful soul, a disappointment who had not only betrayed his benefactor, but had tarnished the reputation of the Stevens family.
“Are you really never coming back?” Keanu asked quietly, his voice tense with the weight of the question.
Allison turned to him, her expression a mixture of sadness and certainty.
In her mind, there was no debt to settle between her and the Stevens family.
This was simply the closing of a chapter.
“You know how I am,” she began, choosing her words carefully so as not to hurt him.
“I’ve always hated unfinished business.
Me and Colton? That’s in the past.
But you… I’ll always think of you as my grandfather.
If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.
I’ll be there.
”
His words were both a promise and a farewell.
Keanu, understanding everything, sighed deeply, knowing that her mind was made up.
After exchanging a few more words, Keanu reluctantly walked her to the door.
He watched her disappear into the garden, her grace not fading.
Her figure blended into the vegetation, and he was struck by how beautiful and strong she was.
All he could do was let out a sad sigh.
“What a tangled web we weave.
”
Outside the mansion, Melany clung to Colton’s arm, her eyes filled with guilt.
“I’m so sorry, Colton.
This is all my fault.
If it weren’t for me, your grandfather wouldn’t be so angry.
”
“It’s not your fault,” Colton reassured her, gently stroking her hair.
“Grandpa has a temper.
The more time we spend with him, the more he’ll see who you really are.
” Even as Colton spoke, her mind began to wander.
Although Melany was the woman he loved, the one he had fought for, his thoughts kept returning to Allison.
Her distant and serene attitude made him increasingly uncomfortable.
Allison had also always kept a polite distance from her mother.
The woman who had once shared his life now seemed like a shadow, growing distant with each passing day.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was slipping through his fingers like sand from an hourglass.
But no, Melany was the woman he had always loved, the one he had fought so hard for.
He hugged her tighter, then took her hand and led her forward.
“We’ll go back to the mansion when Grandpa calms down.
He’s stubborn, but he’ll come to his senses.
In the meantime, let’s go back to the villa.
I’ve had your old room cleaned and prepared.
”
Colton had no idea what was in store for him.
As they approached the entrance to the villa, he saw a group of men in black suits cleaning up the place.
“One more load and we’re done!” one worker shouted.
Colton stopped dead in his tracks, his mind struggling to process what was happening.
His eyes followed him as they took in everything related to Allison.
They were taking everything away.
Elegant vases, clothes she had designed for him, even the wallpaper from three years ago.
There was no trace of her left.