Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine
Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Kellan's gaze remained inscrutable, especially as he held the scent strip of perfume number five.

Lemonade The doubt lingered in his mind: this was the signature of Scarlet Serpent, and that meant that Allison was Scarlet Serpent! Kellan he realized with the force of lightning.

Of all the fragrances on display, only this one carried the unmistakable touch of Scarlet Snake.

The scent was not only strikingly similar, but it had a calming effect on him.

Only Scarlet Snake's extraction technique could have done that.

Congratulations, Miss Clarke, on your victory.

Kellan's words contained a measured curiosity.

I have to admit, I didn't expect it to hide so well.

That rare fragrance you said you'd stumbled upon.

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it was one of your creations.

His mind rewinded to their first meeting in his office, when she said she had just casually bought that perfume.

Kellan then ordered his men to shop at the most exclusive perfume stores in the center.

However, none had come close.

Each attempt paled, like comparing gold to fool's gold.

Allison, as sharp as ever, caught the hint in his tone.

I could never compare to your reputation, Mr.

Lloyd.

The Carisma company is already a legend in the sector.

But on the other hand.

.

.

its base aroma doesn't exactly scream originality.

Allison hadn't anticipated that Kellan was the founder of Carisma.

The news left a bitter taste in her, knowing how close she had been to finding clues about her mother years ago.

Her eyes remained fixed on him, searching for any sign of offense.

But, to his surprise, there were none.

What was essentially a veiled accusation of plagiarism didn't faze him in the slightest.

Of course not.

Kellan's lips curved into an imperturbable smile.

It's a family secret, passed down for generations.

And using 'Lemonade' as an alias.

You've kept a much lower profile than I thought.

Now, I was sure.

Allison was Scarlet Serpent! Kellan marveled at her.

From the Royal Princess cruise to Athton and now the perfume contest, this woman kept revealing layer after layer, each revelation more surprising than the last.

And Allison knew perfectly well that Kellan had the answers she needed.

But it was neither the time nor the place for it.

Not yet.

His words dripped with congratulations, but his steady eyes told another story: a silent duel that unfolded like the clash of two magnets, opposite but undeniably drawn to each other.

Sparks flew, but no one else seemed to notice the heat.

Rebecca, oblivious to the undercurrent, sighed wistfully.

Too bad.

If you hadn't married that scum, you would have taken the international market by storm centuries ago.

Heck, you'd probably be sitting with the judges right now! Her regret was sincere.

Allison's eyes briefly dropped to the bracelet she was fiddling with.

It's no shame.

I chose my path.

The wrong path, yes, but at least I got out of it in time.

Her voice sounded confident, although there were moments when regret crept in.

She remembered when she had married Colton with new hope, she had even created a personalized fragrance for his birthday.

But instead of appreciation, she had been met with cold disdain from him, who had thrown it in her face, calling him useless.

It had hurt her, although she could now admit that it was part of a larger mistake: her misguided loyalty to a man who She didn't deserve it.

But she had only herself to blame.

Colton, who was nearby, was now the one fighting a storm of emotions.

His earlier mockery now felt like a slap to his own pride.

His face darkened as he picked up perfume number five and held it to his nose.

His expression immediately soured.

This smells like Melany's perfume.

His comment caused a wave of unease in the crowd.

It could be cheating.

They smell similar.

The murmur spread, quickly silencing the previous murmur in the room.

Colton, encouraged by the growing suspicion, doubled down.

Melany is Scarlet Serpent! There's no way Allison could have gotten over her.

Sniff everyone, the number five is almost identical to Melany's perfume.

In response to rumors of possible cheating, several contestants who had not placed in the top ten raised their heads, intrigued by the drama that was unfolding.

One by one, they bowed to compare.

Base notes of pine and violet lingered, artfully blended.

Yet they were undeniably familiar.

Scarlet Snake's unique style, layered, intricate, and enigmatic, was not easy to imitate.

Colton, emboldened by the audience's hesitation, turned to Allison, his voice accusatory.

You stole Melany's formula.

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