Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Melany's heart skipped a beat as she absorbed the words.

By no means!!!

Years ago, she had spent a fortune trying to track down Scarlet Snake.

Allegedly, Scarlet Snake was an elusive figure in his sixties, someone who had disappeared from the spotlight.

And at the time, Allison was nothing more than a penniless orphan stranded on a desert island.

There was no way she could afford to travel to Leswington to enter a major competition, let alone learn the art of perfumery.

“I’m not Scarlet Snake,” Melany admitted.

“But I learned from her.

Over time, people started confusing me with her, and it was impossible to sort it out.

She’s been like a mentor to me.

”

I had to reveal it now.

There was no other option, with everyone watching.

If its carefully constructed facade were to collapse here, it would be a disaster.

Melany tried to keep her composure, avoiding looking at Colton beside her.

She dug her nails into her palms, using the pain to keep calm and resist Allison's provocation.

“Allison,” she said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, feigning calm.

“Don’t go making wild accusations without proof.

I respect my mentor too much to allow you to slander her name.

I have no idea why our perfumes share similarities, but let’s not forget that Scarlet Snake won the first perfumery competition when you were sixteen.

Forgive me, but back then, you were a destitute orphan.

There was no way you could have afforded to travel abroad, let alone study the trade.

”

His words stirred the crowd.

Rumors had always painted Allison as nothing more than a country girl, someone far removed from the world of luxury and high-end perfumery.

Colton remained silent, but his thoughts echoed in his mind.

For as long as she could remember, she had believed Melany was Scarlet Snake.

Her friends had even praised her as a young genius worthy of the legend itself after the cruise.

After all, she had never flatly denied it.

Modesty, he thought.

He had admired her modesty, her humility.

But now…?

Colton clenched his fists, memories flooding back: the time Melany had saved him five years ago, the trust he’d placed in her.

Could it all have been based on a lie? Was he imitating the real Scarlet Snake, taking advantage of someone else’s legacy?

“Melany is right,” she finally snapped, her voice heavy with disdain, her gaze shifting to Allison.

“You were a nobody then.

You couldn’t even afford a plane ticket, let alone perfumery classes.

And now you’re here, trying to discredit Melany? You’re nothing but a thief and a liar, but too proud to admit it!”

But before Allison could respond, a thunderous voice boomed.

"Enough of unfounded accusations!"

Heads turned and the crowd parted to reveal an old man holding a thick stack of papers.

Mack Lloyd, one of the most respected names in the perfume industry, stepped forward.

His very presence silenced the crowd.

A legend in his own right, he had mentored countless perfumers, many of whom were now in this very room.

"I've heard there are questions about the results of our contest," Mack said, his deep voice echoing through the room.

"Let me make this clear: we have video recordings of all ten finalists.

And for the record, I have already met Scarlet Snake.

"

Colton straightened, his face hard as he sneered at Allison.

“Did you hear? A man like Mack Lloyd won’t let a fraud like you stand here pretending.

If I were you, I’d leave before things get any worse.

”

“Stop it, Colton!” Melany hissed, tugging at his arm.

“It’s okay.

If Allison has benefited from my perfume, let her have it.

The Scarlet Snake herself has chosen to live in anonymity.

She wouldn’t care about public opinion.

” Melany was desperate to end this quickly.

If the real Scarlet Snake showed up, she would have no way to escape the shame.

"Just.

.

.

learn your lesson and don't try anything like that again, Allison," he added.

But Rebecca, standing next to Allison, was having none of it.

She let out a mocking laugh and said, “What’s wrong with you, Melany? Are you afraid the truth will come out? It seems to me that you’re the one who has something to hide.

”

Mack turned his gaze to Melany, his expression unreadable.

“No.

This can’t be swept under the rug.

The truth will come out today.

”

With slow, deliberate steps, Mack approached Allison.

«I must say, I thought you would still be using the name Scarlet Serpent, but it seems you've switched to 'Lemonade' this time.

A smart move, but your talent still shines through.

What kept you away for so long, our true prodigy?»

His words fell like a bomb.

Because of his height, what he said mattered.

So Lemonade had won the first Perfumery Competition as Scarlet Snake?

The room erupted in gasps and whispers.

Scarlet Serpent? Here, among them? Competing under another name?

Melany's knees nearly buckled.

"No.

.

.

no, that's impossible," she muttered, her vision blurring.

Colton, equally stunned, stood frozen, unable to process the bombshell that had just been dropped.