“I have a niece,” Ken began, his voice softening.


    “She’s incredibly bright and charming, although she has autism.


    Her only passion is pottery.


    ”


    Allison noticed the fleeting softness in Ken’s usually steely expression as he spoke of his niece.


    It was a rare disy of tenderness from the man known for his cruelty, and it stirred aplex mix of emotions in her, leaving her momentarily uneasy.


    As an orphan who had always lived alone, Allison unexpectedly found herself reflecting on her own experiences in light of Ken’s vulnerability.


    “I have seen your talent, Miss rke,” Ken continued, his tone as cold as a business negotiation.


    “I would like you to teach my niece pottery.


    In return, I can offer you substantial assistance.


    ” He spoke with clinical detachment, as if he were discussing a mere business transaction and not matters of life and death.


    “My resources could be of great assistance.


    As skilled as you are, some things require a more official touch, don’t you think?”


    Allison frowned.


    She was well aware of the Lloyd family''s great influence in both the business and political arenas.


    Their help could open many doors for her.


    With a smirk, Allison crossed her arms.


    “So, is this your roundabout way of begging for your life?”


    “Not exactly.


    ” Ken looked at her sharply, as if he could see right through her.


    “You didn’t want to kill me, did you? If you’d truly wanted me dead, you would have acted without hesitation.


    Your moment of indecision gave you away.


    Since we’re both cautious, why not work together? It could be mutually beneficial.


    ”


    “You really don’t know when to quit, do you? What a businessman,” Allisonmented, her tone indicating grudging agreement.


    With one deft movement, he snatched the de from her and, with a flick of his wrist, ripped the bandages from her hand.


    "Let me take care of that wound as a gesture of goodwill," he offered.


    Ken looked at the small bottle she handed him and raised an eyebrow.


    Did that woman carry a full first aid kit? It was amazing how she seemed to have everything she needed at hand.


    "You''re a man with an army of bodyguards.


    Of course, you don''t carry these things around with you.


    But I''ve always had the habit of being prepared.


    It''s a survival instinct for people like me," he replied with a hint of amusement.


    “Open your mouth,” Allison ordered, gently grabbing Ken’s chin and cing a red pill in his mouth as she applied the ointment and wrapped it around his hand.


    Her movements were precise and her intuition seemed almost telepathic, as if she was in tune with his thoughts.


    Carrying bandages and medicine had be more than a precaution for her; it was a deeply ingrained habit, born of years of survival.


    “What is this?” Ken asked, swallowing the pill.


    Although he suspected it was an antibiotic, he was curious.


    “Poison,” Allison said with a mischievous smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of humor.


    Ken started.


    Allison giggled, noticing his slightly stunned expression as she gathered her supplies.


    “Have you ever heard the saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’, Mr Lloyd? How can I be sure your niece exists? What if she decides to send her guards after me when we get out of here? It would be a shame to save you only to be betrayedter.


    ”


    He gave her a reassuring smile.


    “That’s why I gave you the poison, to add ayer of trust to our deal.


    Don’t worry, I have the antidote.


    ”


    Ken leaned back with azy smile, amusement shining in his eyes.


    “Now that I’ve been properly poisoned, perhaps you can tell me: who are you?”


    He didn''t know how many times this woman would amaze him.


    With her cold, distant exterior, Allison had an edge that was both sharp and unyielding.


    She wasn''t just calcting; there was something almost primal about her.


    Carrying bandages and medicine made sense for someone focused on survival, but poison?


    That was somethingpletely different.


    No one had ever dared to take Ken so far or put him in such a precarious situation.


    His heart raced uncontrobly, adrenaline pumping through him.


    It was a thrill that not even the most extreme sports could match.


    It was fascinating.


    What kind of life had shaped Allison into the person she was today?