Chapter 196: Ken casually remarked, If it werent for my close bond with Allison, I doubt Id have had the pleasure of meeting you today.


    It was rare that he referred to her by her first name.


    Floyds expression remained serene, his eyes curving into a smile as he nced at Allison.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, theres no need for such formality.


    Allisons friends are naturally my friends.


    We share a solid rapport, so youre not an outsider here.


    Kens tone deepened as he replied, Oh, I dont feel like an outsider at all, especially since Allison is a friend of mine too.


    Sherman, sensing the rising tension beneath their polite exchange, quietly stepped back.


    The air in the room felt heavy, thick with unspokenpetition.


    Kens mood seemed darker than expected when the doctor arrived.


    It was clear that his mood was far from cheerful.


    What a sweet little girl, Floyd cooed, crouching down to Lornas level.


    Lorna instinctively recoiled, gripping Kens pants for protection.


    Floyd didnt flinch at her response, maintaining his warm smile.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, rx.


    Ill do everything I can for Lorna.


    Its the least I can do after all the care youve given to Allison recently.


    His words wereced with Allisons name.


    And by the way, Ive reviewed Lornas reports.


    Theyre not as grim as I initially thought.


    Like Allison, she maye off as aloof to strangers, but deep down, shes just as charming and lovable as anyone who knows her would tell you.


    Floyd threw a yful wink at Allison.


    Am I right, Allison? She shot him a nce.


    Stick to the point, or Ill give you something to regret.


    Ken dipped his head slightly, his gaze growing colder.


    Looks like you two are pretty close.


    Ken knew Floyd was trying to stir things up, but instead of losing his temper, he remained calm.


    And you know what? Allison keeps her distance with most, but when shes asleep, shes as harmless as a baby.


    In fact, cuter than my niece.


    The mere mention of sleep made Floyds smile falter, a frost settling into his expression.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, there really is no stopping your mouth, is there? Allison sighed, cutting through the tension.


    If you two want to bond, find another topic.


    Stop dragging me into your nonsense.


    She cast a sideways nce at the two men, wondering if they had collectively lost their grip on reality by making her the punchline of their little game.


    Never one to hide her emotions, she furrowed her brow and spoke up.


    Sure, sharing amusing stories can bring people closer, but you cant just make things up.


    Why dont you two shake hands and introduce yourselves properly? Ken and Floyd exchanged subtle, unreadable looks, heavy with unspoken words.


    Floyd broke the tension first, extending his hand with a smile that barely reached his eyes.


    Pleasure to meet you, Mr.


    Lloyd.


    Likewise, Ken responded, his voice deep, tinged with a shade of uncertainty.


    The handshake was brief, yet it carried the weight of a silent duel, each mans grip firm, refusing to yield.


    Momentster, they unconsciously pulled their hands into their sleeves, hiding the growing bruises on their knuckles.


    Floyd, quick to shift focus, waved a stack of papers in the air.


    Ill take another look at the test results.


    If alls clear, I can join you on your trip.


    Could use the time off maybe recharge a bit.


    His eyes slid toward Allison, lingering on her thick, wavy hair, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips.


    Allison, if I recall, you usually hate having loose strands around your face, always pinning them up.


    No hairpin today? Couldnt find one that suits your style? He paused for a moment, his smile deepening.


    I picked up a ruby at an auction recently, had it made into a hairpin.


    Ruby against your ck hair now thatd be striking.


    Before she could respond, Floyds grin widened.


    And no, you cant refuse this time.


    Its just sitting with me otherwise, collecting dust.


    Ill bring it to you.


    Kens frown deepened at Floyds words, irritation blooming unexpectedly.


    His mind wandered had Allison ever worn a hairpin when they were together? The thought gnawed at him, and a quiet, unreasonable frustration settled within him.


    Did Floyd, with all his little tricks, really know Allisons tastes that well? Allison remained quiet for a beat.


    She once adored wearing hairpins and other essories, but Colton had always been indifferent, even dismissive.


    Over time, she simply let the habit die.


    Floyd remembering this small detail stirred a nostalgic flicker in her that Ken couldnt ignore.


    That flicker only made Ken more uneasy.


    He wasnt sure why it irritated him longtime friends naturally held onto details that others missed.


    Yet, there it was, a tightness in his chest, pressing down.


    Before he could stop himself, he asked, Arent there any other doctors at this research institute? Allison shook her head.


    Floyds the top specialist here.


    I thought you two were getting along fine a minute ago? Ken paused.


    Its not that.


    I just thought he might have too much on his te.


    But in truth, it was bing increasingly clear Floyd would be joining them in Ontdale, and that rubbed Ken the wrong way.


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