In the early hours of the morning at the Stevens' villa, the family's private doctor had been deep in sleep when Colton dragged him out of bed to examine Melany.
After a thorough examination, the doctor finally put down his stethoscope.
"Mr.
Stevens, Miss Johnson is fine.
She just inhaled some water and will wake up after getting some rest.
"
âThatâs a relief,â Colton sighed, his tense body relaxing as he sank into a chair, exhaustion taking over.
A lot had happened today and his thoughts were racing, desperate for a moment to catch up.
He gently wrapped Melany in the blanket before stepping out into the garden for some fresh air.
However, just as he crossed the threshold, Lindy appeared with a glass of wine in her hand, blocking his way.
âWhatâs going on here? Melany just got back and sheâs already kicked up a fuss in the middle of the night,â Lindy said, her expression warm and motherly.
Only Colton, who had known her for years, could detect the anger beneath her calm facade.
"She hasn't even left and she's already turned our family upside down.
When Allison was around, she was obedient and never created this kind of chaos.
"
âMom!â Colton yelled, clearly upset.
âAnd why are you yelling at me? Youâve already lost the deal with the Everett Group; what else can you take?â Lindyâs voice became as sharp as ice.
âIâve heard everything about today.
Isnât Melany supposed to be a genius in the world of fragrances? Yet she couldnât handle something so simple.
She even had the nerve to jump into a river?â
Colton's frustration boiled over.
Lindy's words felt like salt on an open wound.
âSo what if we lose the sponsorship of the Everett Group? Iâm working hard to expand our overseas market,â he replied softly.
âMom, donât worry.
I can handle it myselfâ¦â
A slap!
Before Colton could finish, his face was whipped to the side by a vicious blow.
He clutched his stinging cheek, disbelief clouding his features.
Lindyâs eyes were cold and unyielding.
âHow did I raise such a useless son? Your fatherâs mistress already had a son.
Over the years, your father has secretly funneled millions to that woman behind my back, and I have had to turn a blind eye!â Her disappointment was a heavy shroud.
âSo hurry up and secure the backing of the Everett Group.
Prove that you are the rightful heir of the Stevens family.
â
âMom, how can you say that?â Colton slowly raised his head, wiping the blood from his mouth with his finger.
His eyes shone coldly.
âIf you really cared, youâd see that Iâm doing everything I can to fix this.
Iâm not the man you think I am.
â
âFather, why havenât you cut ties with the other men in your life? Or why donât you get a divorce? Why are you better?â
His voice dripped with bitter sarcasm.
A slap! Another hard slap landed on his face.
"And you dare to speak to me like that? I have sacrificed everything for you, I have raised you with the hope that one day you would take the reins of this family.
"
Lindy, though seething, softened slightly at the coldness in Colton's gaze.
âDonât you see my struggles? Everything Iâve done has been for your sake.
Your grandfather didnât like me and your father lives a lavish lifestyle.
What can I do? I have to trust you.
â
She wrapped her arms around Colton, sobbing, as if every burden she carried was for his sake.
âIf it werenât for you, would I have to go through this humiliation? That woman even came to show off in front of me.
Why donât I confront your father? Itâs to make your journey easier.
Thatâs why I had to swallow my pride! Colton, you have to understand my pain.
â
Hearing her words, Colton felt his resolve weaken and his expression soften.
Realizing the effect her words were having, Lindy reached over and adjusted his tie with a gentle touch.
âIâve always liked Allison.
If I hadnât, I wouldnât have treated her like family.
You two were married once, and I can see the way she looks at you: she still has feelings for you.
Believe me, I know these things.
â She caressed Coltonâs face tenderly.
«So, Colton, go see her again.
Ask Allison to resign from her position at the Everett Group.
Whatever she wants, whatever it takes, we'll make it happen.
»
Colton remembered the humiliation he had faced today, but the weight of Lindy's pained expression weighed on him.
Frowning, he finally said, âIâll do what I can.
â