Chapter 180: As Ken watched Allison sip the warm water, he hesitated before offering, Ms.
rke, if youre hungry, I can have something prepared for you.
Allison shook her head gently.
Im not feeling up to eating right now.
Ill stick to water and see how I feelter.
Unustomed to this kind of attention, Allison felt as though she were wrapped in aforting warmth something foreign, yet not entirely unpleasant.
Normally, she dealt with pain on her own, retreating into herself, never expecting anyones concern.
When she had been with Colton, even if she fainted from a fever, he wouldnt so much as nce at her.
Worse, hed mock her, using her of faking it for sympathy.
Her throat felt dry as she looked up with a small smile.
Actually, Im feeling much better now.
Maybe Im just a bit weak from sleeping so long.
But thank you for looking after me.
Then, as if something urred to her, she asked, When did wee back from the sea? Two days ago, Ken replied smoothly, though he withheld the detail of how hed spent those days anxiously watching over her.
Youve been asleep for two full days.
Your fever finally brokest night.
Its good youre awake, he continued, his tone more casual now.
The kitchen made some porridge for you.
Whenever youre ready, you can have a bit see if it sits well.
I cant promise its anything special, but it should help.
Allison shifted slightly, feeling awkward under his care.
Im not picky.
That sounds fine.
She still couldnt quite believe that two days had passed.
Her mind was still stuck on the night aboard the yacht.
Usually, her senses were sharp, always on high alert in unfamiliar situations, ready to react to danger.
Yet the fact that shed slept beside Ken for two whole days left her unsettled.
Maybe it had been the fever, or maybe… something else.
She frowned, her thoughts drifting.
What happened with the Mafia? Ferdinand took care of it, Ken said coolly, not bothering to mention how hed tortured the thugs to death.
The police think it was just a case of thieves turning on each other.
No ones looking our way.
Were just some innocent survivors.
Allison nodded.
Deep down, she knew well enough that the police werent easily misled.
The Lloyd familys influence must have been involved.
But there was no need to say that aloud; they both understood the game.
With you handling it, Im not surprised everythings in order, she said, offering him a faint smile.
Thank you so much for taking care of me during this time.
But a fever is just a minor issue… Ken met her gaze, interrupting her.
Your health is important to me.
Even something as small as a fever matters.
His deep eyes made it easy to get lost in them.
His words caught her off guard.
She nced at his face and noticed the exhaustion etched into his features the dark circles beneath his eyes, the weariness in his posture.
It almost looked like he had been the one bedridden for days.
And I should be the one thanking you, Ken added, his voice low and steady.
He reached behind her, adjusting a pillow so she could sit morefortably.
What you need now is rest.
The earnestness in his tone made her look away, unsure how to respond.
Alright, she murmured.
Youre still weak, and its better if you dont push yourself.
Why not stay here until youre fully recovered? My private doctor can monitor you, make sure everythings fine.
If you go back to Muisvedo now, you wont get the care you need.
Kens mind briefly wandered to her nearly empty fridge, stocked only with unhealthy snacks.
He wasnt convinced she would take proper care of herself.
Thats really not necessary, Allison replied instinctively.
Its no trouble, Ken insisted, shaking his head.
Your healthes first.
Besides, I… Ken paused, interrupting himself.
He didnt want toy down his thoughts and push her away.
He then rephrased, Lorna… she was really worried about you on the ne.
You made her feel better just by being there.
If you leave now, it might upset her again.
His eyes softened slightly.
And I know you care about her too.
At that, Allison hesitated.
She didnt want to admit it, but Ken had a point.
With everything that had happened, staying might be the safer and more convenient option.
Alright, she relented, her voice quiet but resolute.
Thank you, Mr.
Lloyd.
But inwardly, Allison knew this wasnt just about rest.
She saw an opportunity here, a chance to learn more about the Lloyd family.
After the incident at the nursing home with Kinslee, it was likely they would shift the elders location again.
Information was power, and Allison intended to gather as much of it as possible.
.
.
.