A month later, in the heart of Golden Reef Bay, Rebecca steered the car smoothly into the restricted area, letting out a low whistle at the sight of the bustling crowd.
“Wow, what a circus.
The classic Everett Group show.
”
This year's Perfume Competition had pulled out all the stops to secure the largest venue in Ontario.
Despite the anonymity required for presentations, the ten finalists were to be revealed in public, which explained the flood of journalists and media outlets swarming the streets, cameras at the ready, hoping to capture a scoop.
"Let's go inside.
"
Allison barely glanced at the press.
After showing off their invitations, she and Rebecca headed to the contestant room, where a group had already gathered.
As Allison scanned the room, her gaze fell on two all-too-familiar figures.
He grimaced.
What bad luck.
Lately, it seemed like wherever he went, they were always lurking.
Melany was snuggled up against Colton, fluttering her eyelashes and purring sweetly.
“Colton,” Melany asked casually.
“I heard that the mysterious CEO of Carisma is also competing.
What if I can’t keep up with him?”
Colton smiled indulgently at her and lightly patted her on the head.
“No way, you’re a genius when it comes to perfumes.
In my eyes, you’re unbeatable.
Relax.
We’re not even aiming for the top spot.
We just need to be in the top ten to get a meeting with the head of the Everett Group.
”
“Colton, you are so good to me!” Melany lovingly put her arms around him.
Rebecca couldn't suppress a snort.
"Some people should look in the mirror.
"
Melany turned sharply, sensing the mockery in Rebecca's tone, and saw her smirking.
Allison, calm as ever, said in an even voice, "Rebecca, be careful.
Stay away from the trash or you'll get dirty.
"
His voice was low, but the sarcasm was unmistakable.
Colton's eyebrows furrowed as he looked in her direction, his eyes settling on Allison.
She was wearing an elegant silver sequin dress, paired with limited edition Christian Louboutins.
She radiated untouchable grace.
There was something regal and aloof about her, distant yet commanding.
It was as if a single glance from her was a rare privilege.
Colton felt momentarily lost.
He had never seen Allison like this.
Compared to the soft green dress she had worn last time, this look was not traditionally seductive, but there was something undeniably dignified about it, and it left him strangely captivated.
“Wow, wow, Allison, what a coincidence,” Melany said, catching the brief flicker of interest in Colton’s eyes.
She pressed her hand tightly against his.
“I didn’t know you liked perfumery.
I’m glad you came.
It’s hot in here.
”
Colton's expression darkened at her words.
“Allison, do you really think I don’t see what you’re doing? Stop playing these games to get my attention.
I already told you, no matter how hard you try, begging me for help won’t change anything!”
Rebecca nearly choked on her disbelief, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Allison.
“Allison, you have a lot going for you, but girl, what were you thinking? I mean, really? This guy? It’s like a bad decision that just keeps coming back to haunt you.
”
Allison laughed softly and replied, “Yeah, I must have been blind back then.
”
Now, standing before him after her divorce, free of the rose-colored glasses of youth, she could finally see Colton for who he was: arrogant, conceited, and woefully clueless.
He thought she was trying to play cat and mouse.
Colton didn't miss the contempt shining in both women's eyes and his face turned cold.
«Allison, the first two times may have been coincidences, but this is the third time you've 'accidentally' bumped into me.
Stop planning these meetings.
I'll never fall in love with you.
»
Rebecca couldn't contain her laughter any longer.
“Are you listening to yourself, you idiot? Do you think Allison is after you? Wow, that’s hilarious.
You’re even more disgusting than I thought.
”
When Rebecca was in full swing, most people didn't stand a chance.
"Honestly, you two make a perfect couple: a jerk and a spoiled brat!"
Melany's face colored at the insult.
"You should be careful what you say," he managed to mutter.
"There's no need to stoop to insults.
"
«I'm happy for you.
At least you know when you're being insulted.
You learn fast, huh?»
"You!
Melany's face paled even further, but she remained silent, knowing full well who she was dealing with.
Rebecca was the only daughter of the CEO of Green Group, the company that dominated the real estate market in Ontdale.
Betraying her was not a risk Melany could afford to take.
“Colton is here with me.
I wasn’t expecting to see Allison either.
I guess it’s fate, right? So let’s not be too hard on ourselves.
”
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