Chapter 181: As CEO, Ken faced a mountain of tasks piling up after just a few days away.


    Once he was sure that Allison was fine, he plunged back into his work.


    Allison, on the other hand, had been bedbound for several days, allowing her strength to return.


    Once she felt revitalized, her mind turned to the task at hand sneaking around the Lloyd Mansion to dig up answers.


    But just as she began hatching her n, the door creaked open, revealing a small head peeking through.


    For a moment, Allison was caught off guard, but a smile soon spread across her face.


    Lorna,e here, she called out warmly.


    Jim had taken Lorna back to her room earlier for a nap, but now, wide awake and brimming with energy, Lorna stood there, not even bothering with shoes.


    Allison scooped the little girl up in her arms, and Lorna melted into the embrace without hesitation, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Allison nced at the rose garden, her eyes full of significance.


    She inquired in a quiet voice, Do you want to y in the garden for a while, Lorna? Lorna, without uttering a word, gave a small nod of agreement.


    Alright then, Allison said with a quiet smile.


    Lets go take a look.


    The rose gardeny in the southeast corner of the Lloyd estate, a ce Allison had yet to explore.


    She hadnte up with a reason to visit it until today.


    This seemed like the perfect chance.


    The garden was a kaleidoscope of colors, brimming with every variety of rose imaginable, plucked from every corner of the globe.


    At its heart stood a ss greenhouse, shining like a hidden gem,plete with a small swing that added a touch of whimsy.


    The air was thick with the sweet, heady fragrance of roses, the kind that lulled the senses into a peaceful haze.


    Behind the greenhouse, Allison caught sight of what looked like a hidden chamber, almost camouged by the dense flora.


    It was a detail so subtle that it would be easy to overlook if not paying close attention.


    Lorna, look at that.


    Isnt it lovely? Allison murmured, as they strolled deeper into the garden, her fingers grazing the delicate petals as they passed.


    She plucked a rose from its stem, gently cing it behind Lornas ear.


    The two shared a quietugh, but the moment was cut short by Jims sudden appearance.


    He bowed, his presence blocking Allisons path.


    Ms.


    rke, forgive me, but this area is strictly off-limits.


    Jim was well aware of the special bond between Allison and Ken.


    But the forbidden area was an entirely different story it harbored the remnants of Kens mother, a ce steeped in memories too sacred to vite.


    No one had ever dared to cross that threshold.


    Mr.


    Lloyd never lets anyone in here, Jim exined.


    Im sorry, I hadnt realized, Allison said, her voiceced with feigned innocence as she arched her eyebrows, acting as though she had just be aware of her mistake.


    She shed a sheepish smile.


    I must not have been paying attention.


    Jim, not suspecting a thing, maintained his friendly demeanor.


    Mr.


    Lloyds never brought a woman here before, so no one outside the family has any clue about this off-limits area.


    Allison was slightly caught off guard, a flicker of realization crossing her mind Ken truly didnt seem interested in women.


    Yet, in bed, Ken had always been relentless, as if he drew from an endless well of energy.


    Without making a scene, Allison decided to leave first.


    Lorna, what do you say we head back and grab something to eat? Sure, Lorna agreed easily.


    As dusk settled over Lloyd Mansion, night draped the estate in a nket of darkness.


    The maids, who had worked tirelessly throughout the day, retreated to their quarters, leaving only the distant shimmer of starlight and the pale moon casting faint shadows over the ground.


    Allison slipped through the maze of rose bushes, her movements as quiet as a whisper.


    Its supposed to be right here, she muttered, easily pinpointing the location of the so-called forbidden area.


    Her gut told her the answers she sought were buried within this space.


    With practiced ease, Allison removed a hairpin from her coiffed hair and inserted it into the lock.


    Within moments, the heavy door swung open with a soft creak.


    The interior resembled a simple lounge, nothing extraordinary at first nce.


    A few books scattered here and there seemed catered to a womans taste.


    The room was furnished with a plush sofa, a delicate teapot on a table, and paintings covering the walls.


    A framed photograph stood nearby, catching her eye.


    Allison approached and studied the photo.


    The woman in it radiated elegance and grace, her gaze filled with such warmth that Allison felt as if shed been wrapped in the gentleness of a spring breeze.


    Allisons instincts kicked in immediately this had to be Kenste mother, and this room was likely her private retreat.


    She examined the photo closely, noting with growing certainty that Kens mother bore no resemnce to her own.


    She murmured to herself, So, they arent the same person after all.


    Her eyes drifted to the bookshelf, where a particr title caught her attention.


    She furrowed her brow and gently pulled the book free.


    As she did, a thin photograph fluttered from its pages.


    It was a group picture.


    Kens mother stood with Kinslee and another woman, her features delicate, her gaze as cold as winter frost.


    The three appeared to share a close bond.


    Allison froze, her heart skipping a beat.


    Mom… she whispered in disbelief, staring at the photo as though it might vanish if she blinked.


    Her fingers trembled as her eyes misted over.


    There, in that photograph, was her birth mother.


    She could never have imagined that her mother had known Kens mother, Gianna.


    But the timing gnawed at her.


    The year Gianna passed, Kinslee grew ill, and her mother disappeared without a trace.


    What dark secretsy hidden in that year? Allison took a steadying breath, determined to uncover more pieces of the puzzle.


    Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed from outside.


    She quickly tucked the photo back into the book and pressed herself against the cold wall, her ears straining to catch any sound.


    The room was too small anyone entering would see her immediately.


    She edged to the side, her thoughts racing like a runaway train.


    Suddenly, her fingertips brushed against a small protrusion, and on instinct, she pressed it.


    With a barely audible click, the cab door shifted, splitting the bookshelf down the middle to reveal a narrow, hidden passage.


    There was more to this room than met the eye! As the footsteps grew dangerously close, Allison slipped into the passage without a second thought, disappearing into the shadows beyond.


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