Alexander smirked, "Since when did gossip count as evidence?"
Allison was just a kid in middle school, and with her icy personality, the idea of her shacking up with a troublemaker and getting an abortion was just ridiculous.
But some people actually bought into that crap. James couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Her sister, Yasmin, spilled the beans."
"Yasmin?" Alexander was even more puzzled. He barely remembered anyone's name.
"Mr. Carter, are you planning to get involved in Ms. Bennett's business?" James asked.
Alexander thought for a moment, then said, "That girl seems interesting. Bring her here; she might be useful."
James's jaw dropped. Was this the same Alexander who usually avoided drama like the plague?
"But, Mr. Carter, she's only eighteen, still in high school. Are you thinking of bringing her into the Carter Group?" James was stunned. This was nuts.
"Even if I am, got a problem with that?" Alexander shot back.
James quickly shook his head. No way he was going to argue. "Of course not, Mr. Carter. You're the boss. I'll go find Ms. Bennett right away!"
After Blair's plea to Elliot fell flat, she wanted to meet Mr. Morgan. But she couldn't find him, and Allison was missing too, which made Blair furious.
Just as she was about to storm off, her phone rang. It was Hayden.
"I heard Allison's in trouble in Avalon City. I don't care how you do it, but you better bring her back safe. If you can't, don't bother coming back to the Bennett Villa!" Hayden Bennett, Allison's grandfather scolded.
his voice was firm, making Blair heart race. "Dad, it's not what you think. Allison's still defiant. Five years ago, it was her fault too..." she tried to explain.
Hayden abruptly interrupted,"Enough! I just want Allison back. Or you can leave the Bennett Villa too!"
With a sharp click, Hayden ended the call, leaving Blair seething. Remembering how Allison had shamed the family in Skycrest five years ago made her even angrier.
Before she could find Allison, her son Jasper showed up.
Blair asked, "Weren't you on a business trip? Why are you in Avalon City?"
Jasper replied coldly, "I'm here to take Allison home. Where is she?"
Blair's face hardened. "Jasper, have you forgotten how Allison embarrassed the family five years ago? Bringing her back will make us a joke in Skycrest's high society!"
Jasper frowned slightly at the mention of five years ago. "We never actually confirmed what happened. We just took others' words and blamed Allison. Mom, I sent her to Avalon City back then to protect her studies. She's about to graduate; it's time for her to come back to Skycrest."
Blair was taken aback by Jasper's words. He was right; they had never confirmed the incident and just assumed Allison was at fault. So, she didn't argue.
"You might care about her, but she might not appreciate it. She's stubborn. Even if you find her, she might not come back with us!" Blair warned.
Jasper replied calmly, "I'll handle it. You go pack. I'll talk to her."
When Jasper found Allison, it was their first meeting in five years. Allison wasn't thrilled to see him; she just got colder.
Jasper said, "Allison, I'm here to take you home."
Looking at Jasper's sincere face, Allison only felt it was ironic. Where was he when she was most helpless and in pain? Now he suddenly showed up and wanted to take her home? No way.
"Sir, you sure you got the right person?" Allison stared at him, her face as cold as ever.
Jasper frowned at her icy tone. He knew how stubborn she could be and that it would take time for her to thaw. "Allison, I get that you're still mad, but back then, Mom, Dad, and I had no other option. Sending you to Avalon City was for your own good!"
Allison scoffed, "No other option? You chose to believe everyone else over me! I cut ties with the Bennett Family five years ago. I'm not going back with you, Mr. Bennett!"
Jasper had expected her to be upset, but he hadn't anticipated this level of frostiness.
Jasper persuaded, "Allison, Grandpa's back. He wants to see you. He always doted on you the most, and his health isn't great. Even if we messed up back then, can't you come back to Skycrest for Grandpa's sake?"
To Allison, Hayden was probably the only family member she still cared about. Jasper was banking on that.
"I'll go see Grandpa," Allison said.
Jasper let out a sigh of relief as he saw the impact of mentioning Hayden. "Grandpa asked me to bring you back personally. I've already told Mom to pack up; we'll leave right away!"
Allison shook her head slightly, her voice cold. "Mr. Bennett, I said I'll go see Grandpa by myself. As for the rest of you, stay as far away as possible. I don't want to see any of you!"
Without another word, she went to her place, packed her things, and sent an email to the oversight agency in Avalon City.
A small-time boss ruling Avalon City with a useless son—she couldn't wait to see what would happen when the Morgan Family fell.
After packing, Allison headed straight to the airport. When she arrived in Skycrest, she didn't go to the Bennett Villa but checked into a five-star hotel. To her, the Bennett Villa had long ceased to be home.
After changing clothes, she took a gift for Hayden and went to the Bennett Villa.
When Yasmin heard Allison was back, she rushed downstairs, panic written all over her face. "Mom, is it true? Is Allison really back?"
"It was Hayden's decision. Jasper went to get her himself," Blair replied, equally frustrated.
"Grandpa's showing favoritism towards her. Allison disgraced us back then, and our family still can't hold our heads up. How can he let her come back? If word gets out she's back at the Bennett Villa, how will we ever show our faces again?" Yasmin ranted.
As Allison walked in, she heard every word Yasmin said.
Seeing Allison, Yasmin's hatred flared up. "Allison, how do you have the nerve to come back? We've suffered so much because of you. You should never show your face here again!"
Yasmin, who usually played the gentle and virtuous lady, now looked utterly spiteful.
"If you hate me so much, why don't you kill me now? If you can't, then deal with it!" Allison shot back. "I'm here to see Grandpa. I'm not interested in you, so move aside!"
If it weren't for Hayden, Allison wouldn't even step into the Bennett Villa. Did Yasmin really think she could bully her?
"Mom, seriously, she's already on my case as soon as she's back!" Yasmin whined. Unable to win the argument, Yasmin resorted to playing the victim, a tactic Allison knew all too well.
"What are you all arguing about?" Hayden's powerful voice rang out, and the living room fell silent immediately.