Chapter 804:
But Colton cut her off, saying, âIâm not up for it tonight; I canât go with you.â
His hand tensed, the veins in his forearm standing out starkly. âYou should head back.â
With a casual wave, Colton flagged down a taxi. âYou need to rest at home for the babyâs sake.â His voice left no room for argument; it was an order.
Reluctantly, Melany climbed into the cab and departed. Silence reclaimed the space.
From her spot, Allison could just make out Coltonâs solitary figure. He slumped down on the chilly rim of the fountain.
A beep echoed.
Colton started dialing a number he knew by heart. But the call went unanswered.
After all, Allison had long ago blocked his number, so the call didnât connect.
Beside the fountain, his face bore the marks of heartbreak, yet he seemed not ready to let go.
âAllison, Iâm sorry.â His voice was raspy, tinged with the weight of abandonment.
His mind replayed the last three years, all the moments with Allison. Yet, he had never truly valued her presence.
Nearby, Allison overheard his remorseful admission, her face unreadable.
She shifted her gaze and walked away, her steps firm, leaving no room for second thoughts, as if what Colton and Melany had talked about had nothing to do with her.
Just as Allison was about to head back to the banquet hall, her phone rang. It was Verruckt.
âMy people have already met with Mrs. Blake. You did well,â he said. The noise on his end was chaotic, hinting at some kind of mess. His voice was raspy but surprisingly clear. âNow, take Elevator No. 3 to the top floor. Jareth will meet you there.â
âGot it,â Allison replied. She followed his instructions, stepping into the elevator with ease. It was a glass lift, designed for sightseeing. Her call with Verruckt was still active, and she could hear faint static from his side. Something felt off, so she kept her tone casual to probe further.
âMr. Shaw, Iâm in the elevator. Where are you?â
Verruckt didnât answer her question. Instead, he said something else. âLook up, Alice.â
Allison raised an eyebrow, thinking something was amiss. She glanced outside the elevator. In that instant, she froze. All the lights in the city had gone out! Only the headlights of cars on the road flickered, their glow resembling stars in the dark.
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