Chapter 326: Everyone signed a contract before attending the auction, Mr.
Stevens, so you dont need to worry about how the payment will be handled.
Ferdinand, who had been quietly observing the unfolding drama, frowned at Coltons remark.novelbin
Sensing the situation, he immediately stepped in to offer Allison a way out.
It wasnt that he doubted her abilities Cobweb was, after all, an enigma that even he found difficult to navigate.
He had struggled to obtain a Platinum Card.
He wasnt entirely sure how Allison had gotten one, but if the card didnt bear her name, things would quickly turn awkward.
With that thought, he decided to step forward and back her up.
After all, they shared a bond she had saved Kellans life, and he wasnt about to let her be humiliated here.
Besides, Mr.
Stevens, Ferdinands eyes narrowed, his words slicing through the air, Ive heard your standing at home hasnt been all that steady lately.
No need to pull a cheap stunt like this.
His jab landed with unsettling calm, hitting its mark.
Everett Group is responsible for overseeing the auction.
No one else has any business interfering.
The person in charge of the event quickly caught on to Ferdinands meaning.
With a subtle nod, they directed their staff to escort Colton and Melany out, keen to prevent further disruption.
But Melany, not one to let an opportunity to discredit Allison pass, wasnt ready to back down.
Forget about the card for a moment, Allison.
If you truly have the means to cover the bid, why not start with a deposit? A simple 15 million dollars should suffice.
That way, no one will have any doubts.
Her voice was smooth, sugarcoated with false concern, but the venom beneath her words was clear.
She was stirring the pot, fully aware of what she was doing.
Oh, dont get the wrong idea, Allison, Melany continued with a mock sigh, her innocent expression betraying her true intent.
Were not questioning you.
Her tone implied quite the opposite.
Its just that Ive had my eye on that badge for a while now, and Colton agreed to help me win it.
I know you must be envious, but dont use that as a reason to outbid him for the sake of it.
If you cant produce the forty million dollars in time, legal action is inevitable.
Every word dripped with hidden malice.
She was suggesting that Allisons bid was nothing more than a petty act of jealousy, painting her as a vain woman desperate to impress others by flaunting wealth she didnt possess.
After Ferdinands sharp rebuke, Colton knew better than to slander Allison openly, but his suspicions about her card only deepened.
Something wasnt right.
Why else would Ferdinand rush to shield her so quickly? Mr.
Blakely, youve got the wrong idea, Colton said, his voice laced with mockery.
I just find it amusing when some women try to keep up appearances.
He could see Ferdinands bias, but in Coltons eyes, it only further proved her guilt.
Allison was hiding something, and he was determined to expose her, especially with all these influential eyes watching.
A rare urge to humiliate her took hold of him he wanted her to taste the bitterness of public disgrace.
Melany, ever the picture of innocence, wore a sweet smile that didnt match her intentions.
Allison, surely 15 million dollars is within reach, right? Or will you need the full seven days to scrape it together? Inside, Melany was practically glowing with satisfaction.
She could already envision Allison crumbling under the pressure, her facade shattered.
With Cobwebs involvement, the stakes were higher, and the fall would be all the sweeter.
But Allison, completely unruffled, remained as composed as ever.
Her sarcasm was razor-sharp.
Your world is embarrassingly small.
She didnt offer any justification, didnt present a deposit, nor did she care to explain.
Instead, with an almost casual grace, she handed over the Platinum Card.
Charge the full amount, she instructed.
Yes, Miss, the staff responded.
As soon as the card was placed on display, a palpable tension settled over the room.
The air seemed to thicken as everyone leaned in, eager to catch a glimpse of the name on the card.
A collective hush fell, as if the entire room was holding its breath.
Even Colton couldnt tear his eyes away.
His pulse raced, his mind consumed by one gnawing question: Which man had given Allison that card? Jealousy surged through him, fierce and unrelenting.
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