Chapter 53: Chapter 53

“Rankings? They don’t mean anything to me.

I prefer to rely on my own abilities.

” Allison completely dodged Kellan’s question, using her words to lightly poke Melany while sporting a carefree, almost playful smile.

“I’m just here for the show, a little fun on the side.

”

Kellan chuckled, clearly amused by her detour.

Their unspoken understanding was palpable.

Allison was deliberately downplaying her true potential, and it didn't go unnoticed.

Intrigued, Kellan smiled and said, “Well, in that case, I wish you the best of luck, Miss Clarke.

”

It took Kellan only a moment to grasp the situation.

The contest was a trivial matter to Allison.

Her tone held a hint of shared knowledge, as if they were both in on the same secret.

This silent connection between them felt like a thorn digging deeper into Colton's side.

The idea that the woman who had once been at his side now shared an unspoken relationship with another man gnawed at him.

It disturbed him more than he cared to admit.

Even though they were divorced, the fact that Allison had once been his only added insult to injury.

“Colton, we should go,” Melany urged, clinging tighter to his arm.

“We don’t want to be late for the waiting room.

”

Sensing her bad mood, he squeezed her arm even more possessively, hoping to flaunt their relationship in front of Allison.

But Allison had already turned on her heel, walking away without even looking in his direction.

When the staff arrived to escort Kellan to the SVIP room, Allison followed.

Rebecca, as perceptive as ever, narrowed her gaze and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“When did you become friends with Kellan?” she teased, her voice playful, as she reached out to pinch Allison’s cheek.

“He even wished you good luck.

Oh, how sweet! Best of luck.

”

Allison coldly grabbed Rebecca's wrist.

“Rebecca, don’t think about it too much.

He’s just an acquaintance.

Relax.

You’re still my favorite.

”

Rebecca’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she swelled with mock pride.

“Of course I do! I’m the boss here.

”

Their playful banter would have amused anyone, but for Colton it was a trigger.

He could no longer swallow the growing knot of jealousy and rage.

The moment Kellan disappeared from view, the anger boiling inside Colton finally erupted.

Even with Melany clinging to his arm, he spun around, his eyes burning with accusation.

“It’s obvious that you and Kellan have crossed paths before.

How long have you been on good terms with him? Why does he still support you?”

His grip on Melany’s hand tightened, though his gaze remained fixed on Allison.

“No wonder you’re so cocky lately.

You’ve already found someone to replace me, haven’t you?”

The sound of Colton’s voice grated on Allison’s nerves, triggering a headache she could feel coming.

She gave him a look so cold it could freeze the air between them.

“There’s nothing between me and Kellan! What about you and Melany? Everyone knows you’ve never been apart.

Frankly, this whole thing disgusts me! And for the record, we’re divorced.

You have no right to tell me what I can or can’t do.

”

Her words cut through the air with icy detachment, her complete disinterest in anything Colton-related evident on her face.

Those nearby were quick to whisper about the scene.

Rebecca, never one to hold back, commented with a smile, “Exactly! You’re nothing but a stain on Allison’s life.

Can you please stop lurking around like a bad smell? You’re not fooling anyone with that sad, forlorn act.

” She rolled her eyes dramatically, throwing his own words back at him.

“So stop playing these games to get Allison’s attention.

This charade ends now.

”

As if to make her point, Rebecca covered her nose theatrically.

“Allison, we should go! I feel like I’m starting to stink just being around this trash.

”

Colton was speechless, unable to find a retort.

All he could do was watch as the two women walked away, leaving him standing there with a sharp pain constricting his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe.

His grip on Melany's hand tightened even more, making her shudder, though she didn't dare complain.

The jealousy boiling inside him towards Allison was a fire he couldn't contain.

How could Allison continue to get his attention?

“Don’t worry, Colton,” Melany cooed, trying to reassure him.

“Let’s focus on what matters.

I’ll do everything I can to get into the top ten.

”

Her words were filled with determination as she squeezed his hand reassuringly.

“Once we get that partnership with the Everett Group, there will be nothing that will stand in our way!”