Chapter 610:
âYeah, and they embed sophisticated tech into the rings, engraving unique codes and recognition systems,â another added. âOnly the one who holds the ring is acknowledged as the rightful owner of the mountain.â
Darrel, standing with an impassive expression, confirmed, âYes, Ms. Clarke is indeed in possession of the black jade ring.â After all, he had been the one to extract that piece of jade himself many years ago.
Melany leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a soft murmur, almost too innocent. âSo, Allison, why not show everyone the ring? It would be the perfect way to prove your identity and clear up any doubts, donât you think?â
Allison barely lifted her eyelids as she responded in a bored tone, âI donât have it on me.â To her, the ring was nothing more than a meaningless object, and she had left it behind at Sunset Hill without a second thought.
Melanyâs eyes sparkled with newfound confidence, as if Allisonâs response confirmed her suspicions. âWell, isnât that just perfect timing, Allison? When you need to prove who you are, you conveniently canât produce the ring?â she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Melanyâs lashes fluttered with faux innocence as she added, âHow very convenient, donât you think?â
Lindy, catching on, turned to Darrel and pretended to ask casually, âIâve heard that despite all your years in the business world, youâve still got that certain⦠charm. Plenty of women are interested, and yet here you are â still single.â
Her tone was casual, but Lindy knew exactly how to stir up trouble. With a light sigh, she added, âThough maybe youâre a little too generous to these women. You wouldnât want them to get the wrong idea.â
Without mentioning names, she subtly implied something between him and Allison.
âWatch your trap, Mrs. Stevens! You never know when you might cross a line.â
Darrel wasnât accustomed to such brazen accusations. With his face devoid of expression, he radiated an aura of pure intimidation.
âI didnât mention anything specific; I just made a casual assumption,â Lindy, taken aback by his sudden intensity, stammered. âMr. Brennan, why are you so angry?â
Darrel sighed, weariness etched on his face. He turned to Allison, his voice sincere. âMs. Clarke, please donât misunderstand. Iâve never said anything like that.â His concern was palpable. He feared Allison could misinterpret the situation, especially with so many eyes on them.
âIs it true, Mr. Brennan? Are you as attentive to women as Lindy suggests?â
âIf I could find a woman as extraordinary as Ms. Clarke, Iâd be honored to.â
âBut Ms. Clarke is so young. Even if Mr. Brennan wanted to support her, it wouldnât seem right.â
Another chimed in, âI agree. Mr. Brennan is known for his integrity. He wouldnât do anything inappropriate.â Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Kellan, simmering with anger, couldnât take it anymore. âAnyone who dares to spread rumors will rue the day they were born!â His voice was a low growl, a warning that hung heavy in the air.
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