Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

"Colton is here with me.

"

Rebecca couldn't suppress the laughter bubbling up inside her.

She echoed Melany's words with feigned sweetness.

«Well, even dogs have a taste for dirt.

It's in their nature.

But when they parade around in public like it's something to be proud of? That's disgusting.

You should get out before I say anything worse.

»

Melany's face drained of color and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

She grabbed Colton's sleeve desperately.

«Miss Green, I understand that you come from a privileged background, and your family may indulge you, but that doesn't give you the right to hurl insults.

Allison's deception was truly masterful.

Otherwise, Colton wouldn't have fallen for it…»

Colton's expression darkened at Rebecca's words.

Although he was restrained by his social position, his voice was cold.

“Miss Green, before you rush to Allison’s defense, you might want to consider her true nature.

This woman is all vanity, always on the lookout for an opportunity.

Don’t let her fool you.

” His gaze was sharp, clouded by memories of Athton, the irritation of being outdone evident.

“Allison used to act like the perfect, loving partner, but she could turn off her emotions like flipping a switch.

Be careful, she could be using you too.

”

Rebecca didn't flinch.

Instead, her laughter rang out, louder this time.

«At first I didn't want to believe it, but you're playing its strings like a violin.

It can't even see what's in front of it.

Should I applaud your performance or pity its lack of brains?»

Colton's expression twisted as he replied,

"What are you implying, Miss Green?"

Rebecca casually put an arm around Allison's shoulders, a smile full of disdain.

“Oh, nothing at all.

You’re just blind, Colton.

I’ve known Allison for years.

Do you think your words are going to change my opinion of her? When you were chasing your little fantasy of a perfect, submissive woman, Allison gave you exactly what you wanted.

But now? She doesn’t need you, and she’s done playing that role.

Now, it seems like you’re angry at her wise choice.

”

She gave him a look, shaking her head.

"Honestly, a man as unconscious as you is a rare find!"

Rebecca then elbowed Allison.

"You have to teach me those acting skills sometime.

It might stop my dad from always calling me a wild child.

"

Allison sighed,

"That's because some people can't tell the difference between gold and trash.

When someone is born with bad taste, there's no one to help them.

"

He couldn't help but smile slightly at the absurdity of it all.

Allison couldn't help but think back to that time at Athton.

Kellan, with only subtle hints, had put two and two together, even admitting that she had once been Emanuel's teacher.

But Colton, oh God! He'd been living with her for three years and he hadn't heard a thing.

It was a matter of intelligence, plain and simple.

As the banter between the two women continued, Colton was at a loss for words.

The mockery was obvious, but he knew better than to let his frustration show.

Rebecca’s reputation for rebellion and her family’s fierce protection made any attempt at retaliation futile.

If she got angry and slapped him, the Green family would stand firmly behind her, so he would have no choice but to swallow his pride.

Melany, for her part, forced a tense smile as she tried to maintain her composure.

“The competition is about to start.

Allison, I know you like these perfume contests, but maybe you should stay in the audience section, in the back.

We don’t want you to miss out.

” His words were dripping with sarcasm, the implication clear: Allison didn’t belong here.

Colton's face remained stony as he added, "Not just anyone can get into this stadium.

"

She put her arm around Melany’s waist and pulled her along as if to make a point.

“Truly talented women like Melany don’t need to scratch and claw to get attention.

Not like those who make their way through vanity.

Maybe one day someone will realize her worth, but until then, it would be a shame to see her thrown out by security.

”

Just then, a staff member wearing a red brooch approached.

“Hello, Miss Lemonade,” he greeted.

At these events, staff members were distinguished by the color of their pins, which indicated their roles within the pageant organization.

This particular staff member was responsible for the SVIP room.

Colton scoffed at the mispronunciation.

“Lemonade”? Allison shouldn’t be here.

You should escort the unqualified out before they make fools of themselves.

”

But the staff member ignored her.

His attention remained fixed on Allison, his demeanor changing to one of utmost respect when he noticed the champagne in her hand.

Bowing slightly, he gave her a polite nod.

“We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival.

And knowing your preference for red wine, we have made sure to have it prepared in advance.

The champagne in the main area does not meet the requirements, so please allow me to escort you to the SVIP lounge.

We have prepared a private space just for you.

”