Chapter 580: Chapter 580

Chapter 580:

In that critical moment, Kellan’s arm wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her back before she could fall. “Watch your step,” he said, his brows creasing. His gaze was steady, deep, and unfathomable, captivating like the lake she had just described.

“I’m fine, just a moment of carelessness,” Allison responded, steadying herself with a small shake of her head. “The stairs are old and look like they haven’t been maintained in years. That’s probably why I slipped.”

Kellan nodded, releasing her with a gentle touch that seemed to linger even after he let go. “As long as you’re alright.”

The warmth of his fingertips stayed with her as he added, “I’ll make sure the staff looks into it later.”

“Good idea.”

Just then, two familiar figures emerged by the lake.

Melany’s face froze in shock. She and Lindy had come to confront Allison about settling her debts from last night’s underground poker game but instead found her looking intimate with Kellan. A mix of jealousy and resentment flashed across Melany’s face as she reached out to stop Lindy from advancing.

“Lindy, maybe we should leave. It looks like Allison’s… busy,” Melany murmured, blocking her path.

But Lindy’s gaze followed Allison’s hand entwined with Kellan’s, realization dawning as her face contorted in disbelief. “That woman… shamelessly holding hands with a man? And it’s actually her?” Lindy’s voice dripped with disdain.

Melany quickly tried to calm Lindy, her voice gentle yet insidious, subtly fueling Lindy’s rage. “Don’t be too angry, Lindy. That’s Mr. Lloyd.”

She paused, feigning a look of innocence. “Maybe she used Mr. Lloyd to get the money she needed last night, and now they’re out here to celebrate.”

Beneath her calm exterior, Melany’s envy boiled. After all, Kellan was a billionaire, one of the wealthiest people in the world, and leagues above Colton in status and wealth.

The thought alone fueled an unexplainable jealousy within her. Allison was an orphan who, by all accounts, should have struggled after leaving Colton’s side, not flourished. And yet, she had emerged even stronger, defying every expectation.

The irony gnawed at Melany. The man she had tried so hard to win, Colton, seemed insignificant in Allison’s world.

Melany maintained a facade of gentle innocence as she leaned closer, her voice low but laced with implications. “But isn’t Allison being a bit too bold? Holding hands with Mr. Lloyd so openly… Could those old rumors actually be true? Maybe their relationship started years ago?” Whispers about Allison’s past lingered in the air, fueling curiosity and suspicion. When she married Colton, the Stevens Group had been crumbling, barely holding on. Then, she’d met with Kellan privately and somehow turned the company’s fortunes around.

Gossip was terrifying. Perhaps their connection had started long before anyone knew.

The more Lindy considered this, the angrier she grew.

.

.

.