Chapter 71
Their discussion had drawn an audience, especially when the crowd learned that the striking young woman in front of them was rumored to be a black card holder.
Murmurs began to swirl among the curious onlookers.
"Could he be faking it? A black card at his age?"
«Sure, it's possible.
Power doesn't come with a birth certificate.
Keep your eyes peeled, you might want to go online if you come across her again.
»
Everyone in the restaurant understood that dining here was about more than just the kitchen.
Many came looking for the opportunity to close important deals.
Having a membership card meant having the necessary contacts.
Naturally, profit was the most important thing.
Therefore, everyone was eager to find out if this woman was the real deal or just a pretender.
Allison, meanwhile, looked at Colton and Melany as if they were mere clowns, her arms crossed, defiant.
“I didn’t want to cause a fuss, but with clowns like you spoiling the mood, I might as well do it.
”
With a dismissive gesture, Allison walked over to the identity verification machine, pressing her hand against it.
The moment his fingerprint was scanned, the lights flashed dramatically.
The machine’s screen flashed red and a cheerful AI voice announced, “A warm welcome to black card user 001!” The scene left diners speechless.
There were only ten black cards in the entire world, and she was the first.
That meant she was probably a close confidante of the enigmatic restaurant owner.
Many were stunned.
"These black cards were personally given by the restaurant owner! Each holder is someone of incredible stature.
"
“I heard that the owner is shrouded in mystery.
She attracts major financial giants to do business here, so her connections must be something else.
For her to have the 001 black card? She must be someone notable.
”
Colton was the most nervous.
“No… it can’t be.
” He had brought clients here with his silver card, reaping countless benefits from it.
The reality of the situation hit him hard: he was completely out of his mind.
Never in his wildest dreams had Colton imagined that the woman he once called a housewife, an orphan and without connections, could maintain such ties to that prestigious establishment.
He suddenly realized that he had never really known Allison.
Memories of the past few months flashed through his mind like a movie.
He remembered Allison’s calm, her meticulous work at the pottery, her youthful face illuminated as she made perfumes, her elegant hands fluttering among the instruments like butterflies.
From her eyes to her nose, she was the same woman he had shared three years with.
Yet in that moment, Colton recognized that he had never truly seen her.
Melany's face twisted in disbelief and jealousy.
Surely, Allison must have used some shady connection to get promoted! There was no other explanation.
“Colton, my stomach hurts.
Can we go?” Melany whispered urgently.
She grabbed onto his hand, desperate to escape the humiliation.
All she wanted was to disappear.
But Colton remained motionless, lost in thought, his hand limp.
Frustrated, Melany pleaded again, her voice tinged with desperation.
“Colton, I told you my stomach hurts.
Can we go to the hospital, please?”
Still consumed by his memories, Colton unconsciously pushed her hand away.
He grabbed Allison’s arm, unable to understand how he had been fooled.
“Ceramics, perfume… I could blame it on my negligence.
But have you been wearing a black card at Jasmine Restaurant all this time? Have you been playing me for the past three years?”
Allison also felt as if she was seeing Colton for the first time.
With a cold smile, she pushed him away.
“Colton, have you forgotten? For three years, you and your mother told me that all you wanted was for me to be a good housewife.
Not once did you ask me for anything else.
”
"I even offered to help you with your business.
What did you say to me then?" Reflecting on that moment, Allison felt a mixture of anger and absurdity.
“You told me you liked me better when I was obedient.
You said I was a pale imitation of Melany.
Judging by how you’re completely ignoring your girlfriend’s stomach ache just to face me, I’d say you might still have feelings for me after all.
”
Colton's eyes widened for a brief moment before he caught sight of Allison's mocking smile.
"Well, let's not go there, okay? Honestly, I find you repulsive.
"
Colton snapped, “You!” For an instant, his heart responded to her words, but his mind quickly took over, forcing him to wrap his feelings in coldness.
“I just want Melany.
I could never want someone like you.
”