Chapter 201: As the evening rush hour descended and dusk painted the sky, Ken drove, acutely aware of the peculiar silence that enveloped them, likely a byproduct of the restaurants atmosphere.


    He seized a moment to send a quick text to Sherman: Dont forget to throw a wrench in the server.


    After hitting send, he put his phone away and, donning a calm mask, casually asked, Ms.


    rke, when did you first meet Dr.


    Pierce? He seems to have quite the grasp on your little habits.


    Allison, unreserved and candid, responded without hesitation, I met him ages ago.


    He once pursued me, but I turned him down.


    He deserves someone better.


    Rolling down the window, she weed the cool night breeze, letting it sweep over her.


    Ken felt his mood lift at her words, the earlier annoyance melting away.


    You deserve better too, Ms.


    rke, he said gently.


    He tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel before asking, almost casually, But tell me, what sort of man do you fancy, Ms.


    rke? Allison stared at the passing cars, her voice almost blending with the evening air.


    A man in a ck suit, aloof and reserved, preferably with slightly wavy hair and a small mole on his Adams apple.


    She tossed her wind-tousled hair, putting on a serious act.


    And he should haveyers; thats what really spices things up.


    Ken listened closely at first, but as she continued describing her ideal man, an unsettling feeling crept in.


    By the time she mentioned the mole andyers, he instinctively nced over at her, only to find her beaming with a radiant smile.


    Allison wasughing at his expense.


    Yet, Ken had never seen her look so blissful, her smile lighting up the dim evening like a lighthouse guiding lost ships.


    He froze for a moment, his heart racing, as he grappled with hisposure while a horn red behind them.


    Ms.


    rke, you certainly know how to keep things lively, he managed, his heart still pounding in his chest.


    Upon arriving at thepany, Allison swiftly tackled the firewall breach.


    Its a small hup; no need to send us on a wild goose chase.


    If it happens again, just call in two security personnel to keep watch.


    Information security is paramount.


    She reclined in her chair, confident that she could resolve the issue in minutes.


    But then her expression shifted as she slowly added, But thiswork intrusion didnt stem from an external breach.


    Someone essed internal permissions on purpose; theres probably a mole within thepany.


    She suspected that the previous team hadnt been entirely cleared out and might be up to their old tricks.


    Ken remained unfazed, casting a discreet nce at Sherman.


    Sherman quickly chimed in, I cant believe we just cleared out a pack of corporate spies, and now we have another mess.


    There must be some stragglers still hanging around, causing this security headache.


    He was sweating bullets but held onto his facade ofposure.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, Ms.


    rke, dont worry.


    I will conduct a thorough investigation! This is a serious matter that needs to be handled from top to bottom! Allison nodded.


    It should be taken seriously.


    Those internal traitors are the worst! She wasnt particrly worried, confident in Kens ability to handle it.


    But Shermans expression shifted oddly.


    After another pointed look from Ken, Sherman reluctantly closed his eyes and echoed, Yes, those traitors are truly despicable! He couldnt help but grind his teeth in frustration.


    Kens recent decisions had be increasingly erratic.


    He had called Sherman inte at night, only for Sherman to be branded as the traitor.


    As the sky grew darker, Ken slipped on his suit jacket.


    Its gettingte; Ill take you home, Ms.


    rke.


    Lloyd Mansion and Muisvedo are in opposite directions, Allison teased, echoing his earlier words.


    So really, theres no need to trouble yourself, Mr.


    Lloyd.


    Ill see you tomorrow.


    Ken frowned slightly, sensing an odd shift in Allisons mood, but he couldnt quite put his finger on it.


    Was she upset that he hadnt been friendly enough to her friend? After all, they had navigated the route to Lloyd Mansion and Muisvedo before without her objecting so strongly.


    Just as he hesitated, Allison waved and strode toward the elevator, making a beeline for the underground parking lot, leaving no room for him to change her mind.


    In that fleeting moment before the elevator doors shut, Allison caught a glimpse of Kens slightly bewildered expression, unaware of his thoughts.


    She had concocted an excuse to brush him off, not because of the lighthearted banter at dinner, but because she needed to head to Muisvedo tonight to fix the server.


    Her schedule had been dyed after a trip abroad, and now she was scrambling to catch up on her workload.


    However, those details were not ones she could easilyy out for Ken.


    As soon as Allison reached the underground parking lot and was about to unlock her car, she unexpectedly spotted a familiar figure, which only soured her already frazzled mood.


    Frowning deeply, she asked, What are you doing here? .


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