billion book
Chapter 22
“Stop right there!” Colton’s voice echoed through the villa as he watched in disbelief as even the wallpaper was torn off the walls.
He burst inside, only to be greeted by an almost sterile space.
The couches were gone, the carpets had been pulled out, and even the large crystal chandeliers had been taken down.
Years ago, Allison had chosen every detail of this place, meticulously designing it to perfection.
But now, she felt as if someone was erasing every trace of her.
Where the hell are the security guards?
Colton’s face flushed with anger.
“I pay you a fortune, and you can’t even keep the place safe for me?” As he fumbled for his phone, ready to call for backup, the man leading the operation stepped forward, offering a polite nod.
“I’m sorry, sir, but we’re not trespassing.
This is all perfectly legal.
Your ex-wife requested it and we have all the documentation.
Everything is being recorded by surveillance, so you are welcome to check the details at any time.
”
Colton was speechless.
He didn't expect Allison to go this far.
Sensing his frustration, Melany wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice soft and soothing.
“Colton, don’t be angry.
Allison is probably just letting off steam.
You two were married.
You should let her vent.
A little decency never hurt.
”
Her tone was sweet, but the smugness beneath it was undeniable.
«She's also an orphan.
She got four million in the divorce, but after living as a society lady for so long, how is she going to go back to a simple life? Selling some things is to be expected.
»
Colton's jaw tightened, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
Sensing her moment, Melany added: “Honestly, it’s better to let her keep these things.
You wouldn’t want to see her struggling, would you?” Of course, the more they took, the better.
Melany's eyes scanned the villa with satisfaction.
She knew the trick to keeping a man was to quietly slip into his world.
Once she became Colton's wife, this place would be hers, and she would make sure it reflected her tastes from top to bottom.
After all, living in a space that had belonged to another woman? That was unthinkable.
Colton frowned, deep in thought.
“I used to feel guilty for her, but this? She’s showing her true colors, trying to make her way into a life she never belonged in.
Allison is erasing the last shred of pity I had left.
Even if she ends up penniless, I won’t feel a shred of remorse.
”
As soon as those words left his mouth, the man in the suit looked at Colton strangely.
He cleared his throat and answered a call, deliberately putting it on speaker.
"Miss Clarke, everything has been arranged as you requested.
"
Allison's voice came, calm and firm.
"Fine.
Take the items to the auction house.
"
Melany smiled, her expression smug.
“Looks like Allison has a bit of a brain after all…” But before she could finish her thought, Allison’s cold voice cut through the air.
“And as I have commanded you, auction off everything that can be sold, and donate the proceeds directly to charity.
As for the rest, destroy it.
Leave no trace.
”
“Understood,” the man replied, his tone professional.
He hung up politely, but the satisfaction on his face was unmistakable, while Melany’s smugness quickly turned to disbelief.
The others, however, were not so reassured.
“Miss Clarke is something else,” one of them laughed.
“That blue china vase? It is certainly antique.
It could be worth a fortune, but she gives the money to charity.
”
“Yes, she said she didn’t want to leave any of her stuff in a ‘dirty place.
’ Did you see that? Classy and generous.
” Every comment felt like a dagger to Melany’s pride.
Moments ago, she had confidently assumed that Allison was selling everything to survive.
But Allison wasn't selling these things for her own benefit.
She was donating everything, and what couldn't be sold, she made sure to destroy - every trace of her life here, erased without a second thought.
Colton frowned, deep in thought.
“I used to feel guilty for her, but this? She’s showing her true colors, trying to make her way into a life she never belonged in.
Allison is erasing the last shred of pity I had left.
Even if she ends up penniless, I won’t feel a shred of remorse.
”
As soon as those words left his mouth, the man in the suit looked at Colton strangely.
He cleared his throat and answered a call, deliberately putting it on speaker.
"Miss Clarke, everything has been arranged as you requested.
"
Allison's voice came, calm and firm.
"Fine.
Take the items to the auction house.
"
Melany smiled, her expression smug.
“Looks like Allison has a bit of a brain after all…” But before she could finish her thought, Allison’s cold voice cut through the air.
“And as I have commanded you, auction off everything that can be sold, and donate the proceeds directly to charity.
As for the rest, destroy it.
Leave no trace.
”
“Understood,” the man replied, his tone professional.
He hung up politely, but the satisfaction on his face was unmistakable, while Melany’s smugness quickly turned to disbelief.
The others, however, were not so reassured.
“Miss Clarke is something else,” one of them laughed.
“That blue china vase? It is certainly antique.
It could be worth a fortune, but she gives the money to charity.
”
“Yes, she said she didn’t want to leave any of her stuff in a ‘dirty place.
’ Did you see that? Classy and generous.
” Every comment felt like a dagger to Melany’s pride.
Moments ago, she had confidently assumed that Allison was selling everything to survive.
But Allison wasn't selling these things for her own benefit.
She was donating everything, and what couldn't be sold, she made sure to destroy - every trace of her life here, erased without a second thought.