Chapter 194: After stepping into the research institute, Allison spotted Ken and the others standing near a ss-walled room, with little Lorna cradled in her arms.


    Smiling warmly, she greeted a foreign man in front of her.


    Jackson, its been ages.


    Jackson Burton, who had been engrossed in a pile of documents, looked up immediately.


    A grin spread across his face as he rose from his chair.


    Ms.


    rke! It has indeed been too long.


    With the weight of running this massive ce on my shoulders, Ive barely had a moment to breathe.


    And when I heard you were visiting, I Before he could continue, Allison quickly cut in with a knowing smile.


    Your institute is so shrouded in secrecy that getting here feels like trying to catch smoke.


    But today, I do need your help.


    She lifted Lorna slightly and added, This little girl is one of my students.


    Shes dealing with a number of psychological issues, including autism.


    Im hoping you can provide your expertise in her therapy.


    Jacksons brow lifted in recognition, a flicker of concern crossing his face, though his smile remained warm.


    Ah, youvee to the right ce then.


    We recently brought on a specialist whos been diving deep into autism research.


    Their new medication has just cleared clinical trials, and theres a fair chance it could help.


    However, we still need to do some tests congenital and acquired autism are as different as night and day.


    Allison nodded thoughtfully, knowing that no doctor could offer guarantees.


    She patted Lornas head gently and said, her voice soft but steady, Can I stay with her during the tests? I dont want her feeling overwhelmed or frightened.


    Of course, you can stay with her.


    But rest assured, were very gentle here no need to worry, Jackson replied, shing a reassuring smile as he guided them toward the testing room.


    Before long, the preliminary results came in.


    Jackson skimmed through the behavioral report with a slight nod.


    This little girl doesnt have congenital autism, which makes treatment possible.


    We can aim to help her respond to the world around her, rather than retreating into herself.


    But as for speaking… thats a far moreplicated matter.


    Speech is deeply tied to the mind, and predicting its recovery is like trying to predict the winds direction.


    Itll depend on her own pace.


    Since Allison wasnt Lornas legal guardian, the final decision wasnt hers to make.


    She turned to Ken, her expression gentle yet firm.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, are youfortable with this? Yes, Ken replied quietly, lowering his gaze as he gently stroked Lornas hair.


    After the initial treatment, Lorna clutched her porcin doll tightly, her gaze distant and unfocused.


    Her eyes, usually full of wonder, now seemed hollow, as if her thoughts were drifting somewhere far beyond reach.


    Most children her age would be brimming with energy, but Lorna always remained eerily quiet.


    She never caused a fuss, but her silence weighed heavily on the hearts of everyone around her.


    Kens voice was steady, but there was a deep resolve beneath it.


    As long as she can gradually open up and connect with the world, thats more than enough for now.


    Were in no hurry for her to speak.


    We have time, and more importantly, we have patience.


    Despite having gone through the first test, Lorna remained shy.


    She nestled into Allisons arms, unwilling to lift her head when she heard that more tests were toe.


    Its alright, Lorna.


    Ill take you there, Allison murmured gently as she carried the girl into another ss-walledboratory.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, please wait here.


    Ill bring her out as soon as were done.


    Alright, thank you, Ms.


    rke.


    Ken watched them disappear through the door, his mind churning.


    He had noticed that while Allison often kept others at arms length, there was an undeniable kindness in the way she cared for Lorna.


    Suddenly, Sherman spoke up beside him, his tone cautious.


    Sir, Ms.


    rke isnt just anyone.


    Ive looked into her background.


    Shes not formally associated with this institute, but shes quite close to the director here.


    Theyve been friends for a long time, it seems.


    Given how involved she is with both you and Lorna, dont you think we should investigate her a little more? No need, Ken replied briskly, his tone leaving no room for debate.


    Sherman furrowed his brow.


    Was Ken letting his personal feelings cloud his judgment? Even if he trusted Allison, shouldnt they at least verify her background? To Shermans surprise, Ken continued, With the skills you have, even if theres something suspicious about her, I doubt youd find anything useful.


    Sherman felt a small pang of defeat.


    It wasnt often that Ken expressed doubt in his abilities.


    Ken, of course, knew exactly what was running through Shermans mind.


    But he also understood that someone with Allisons talents wouldnt have kept her true identity hidden for so long if she didnt know how to do it wlessly.


    Fools like Colton and Mny had bought into the idea that Allison was just an ordinary person, without any connections or influence.


    Besides, Ken had already investigated her background after the cave incident.


    Her lifes path seemed almost too ordinary, too neatly woven together.


    Keeping her under surveince would likely lead them nowhere and only waste time.


    Allison was, at her core, a powerful ally.


    And if not a friend, at least someone worth keeping on neutral ground.


    It would be sheer foolishness to turn her into an enemy.


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