Chapter 226: Half a monthter, Ken called Allison.


    Ms.


    rke, any chance youre free toe over for dinner at my vi? Allison, busy typing at herputer, sighed helplessly.


    Shouldnt I be the one inviting you? After all, he had taken a knife for her.


    Its because of Lorna, Kens deep voice replied through the line.


    She said she misses you.


    In truth, during the past half-month while recovering, Ken had been quietly yearning to see her again.


    The longing, like an ever-tightening knot, had be almost unbearable.


    Allison replied, Alright, once I wrap up this work, Ill swing by.


    She didnt think twice about it and quickly agreed.


    Meanwhile, Kens young niece, Lorna,y on hisp, intently studying the bandage that wrapped his healing wound.


    Every slight prod from her tiny fingers sent a sharp pain through him.


    Floyd, standing nearby with a gentle smile, quipped, Lorna, sweetheart, you shouldnt touch his injury.


    Despite the words, he didnt move to stop her.


    Some part of him found an odd satisfaction in watching Ken wince in pain.


    Its fine, it doesnt hurt, Ken murmured, gently patting her head.


    Though the pain was real, he would never let it show.


    His affection for the little girl ran deep, far deeper than the difort she unintentionally caused him.


    The old butler, Jim, watching this, chuckled softly before scooping Lorna into his arms.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, Ill take Lorna to rest.


    The little girls eyes darted around, her gaze finallynding on Ken with visible reluctance.


    The depth of her expression was a far cry from the distant and vacant stare she used to carry.


    Allison noticed the shift in her immediately.


    The change in Lornas demeanor over just a few short weeks caught her by surprise.


    Jim, now carrying the girl, beamed warmly when he spotted Allison.


    Ms.


    rke is here, sir! Allison returned the smile.


    Im just here for a meal and to check in on Lorna.


    Seeing her express her emotions like this puts my mind at ease.


    Ken nodded and gave the order for dinner to be served.


    Now that youre here, we can start.


    At the dining table, Floyd adjusted his sses, his smile calm and measured.


    Allison, I apologize for having to put a temporary hold on Lornas pottery lessons this past month.


    She bes so engrossed in her work that it could impact her treatment.


    But today, maybe you can help her get back into it, even if just a little.


    Once Lorna starts interacting more with the outside world, she mighte up with even better things.


    That way, she can see her progress and feel more motivated to keep going.


    Allison raised a brow and shrugged nonchntly.


    I dont mind.


    Besides, Mr.


    Lloyd here kept paying me, so… Allison couldnt help but smile softly.


    I really cantin.


    She noticed the flicker of curiosity in Lornas eyes, like a flower slowly blooming in the sunlight.


    Though Lorna remained silent, her improvement was clear.


    The once perfect, doll-like demeanor had softened, reced with shes of mischief and curiosity.


    Kens voice, low and warm, broke the moment.


    I couldnt possibly withhold your wages, Ms.


    rke.


    Allison caught a fleeting hint of regret in his eyes as they shifted toward Lorna.


    It was subtle, a buried emotion, but one she easily picked up on.


    Softly, she added, While we cant promise that shell start speaking, healing the wounds in her heart may help her find her voice again.


    Floyd leaned back in his chair, thoughtful.


    I dont know what caused Lornas trauma, but its clear that its something significant.


    Sometimes, the only way to heal is to let time work its magic.


    In a family like the Lloyds, whatever hurt her mustve been more than just a passing matter.


    He hesitated, choosing his next words carefully.


    There was a patient oncesimr symptoms.


    He recovered after re-enacting the traumatic event under intense emotional stress.


    His survival instincts kicked in, and he made a full recovery.


    But Floyds tone darkened as he continued.


    That methods dangerous, though.


    It could easily backfire and send her spiraling deeper into despair.


    I wouldnt rmend it.


    Kens response was immediate and resolute.


    I would never take that risk with her.


    The weight of his brothers death hung heavily over the family, a shadow that still loomedrge, carving deep wounds in their hearts.


    Even now, just thinking about it suffocated him.


    No one truly made peace with the loss of a loved one.


    Ken nced at Lorna, now drifting to sleep under Jims gentle hand.


    If Lorna can ovee her trauma with time, that would be the ideal oue.


    But if she never speaks again, shell always have a ce here.


    The Lloyd family will take care of her.


    Allison observed him in silence.


    Beneath the hardened exterior the world saw, Ken was far moreplex.


    For those close to himwhether it was Jim or Lornahe carried a weight of responsibility and care that was often hidden from in view.


    After a beat of reflection, she spoke softly, her words chosen carefully.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, have you ever thought that maybe… she doesnt want to be a marite? .


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