Chapter 243: Kens voice, low and smooth like velvet, carried an undercurrent of something alluring as his eyes lingered on Allison.


    Though his face remained as calm as still water, his hand unconsciously clenched.


    Allison responded with a wry grin.


    Oh, I believe you.


    After all, Mr.


    Lloyd, youve pointed out before just how… valuable I could be to your grandmother and Lorna.


    Beyond the surface, Allison had be so tightly woven into the fabric of Charisma Company that any scandal involving her would ripple across its value.


    Her seemingly offhandment served as a reminderto herself more than to himthat she needed to remain on her guard around this enigmatic and dangerously unpredictable man.


    Their connection, after all, was merely a practical alliance.


    Yet, despite knowing this, she couldntpletely ignore the strange way her pulse quickened whenever he spoke.


    This was foreign to her.


    People like them, well-versed in calcted detachment, didnt get tangled up in emotions after something as fleeting as a one-night affair.


    So, after a short pause, she quickly added, That said, I should thank you, Mr.


    Lloyd, for showing up today just in the nick of time.


    It was nothing, Ken replied, his eyes dark as if he were suppressing thoughts that didnt belong in the open air.


    The evening breeze, soft and cooling, brushed their faces, while the dim streetlights cast their shadows long and thin.


    For a brief moment, the shadows stretched and intertwined, as though mimicking the closeness of lovers.


    Kens gaze drifted from those intertwined shadows.


    He understood that Allisons words were meant to reinforce a boundary between them.


    ncing upward, he remarked casually, My grandfather had only a passing connection with Keanu.


    But now that my condition is no longer a secret, its only fitting that I pay my respects.


    Besides, in the Lloyd family, were always surrounded by wolves.


    Expanding oneswork never hurts in a ce like this.


    Kens reasoning was sound, his words hinting at theplexities and power ys lurking within wealthy circles.


    I see, Allison responded, her smile forced.


    Walking side by side, a heavy silence settled between thema silence that felt almostforting in its unspoken understanding.


    Allison still clutched the brocade box in her hands, her emotions in turmoil.


    For someone like her, who had the strength to face nearly anything, this feeling of being cared for was something foreign, something she wasnt ustomed to.


    The Ruby Jade inside, crafted with care and affection by an elder, was more than just a giftit was a symbol meant to empower her with confidence.


    Noticing her gaze on the box, Kens voice broke the silence.


    Even though you and Keanu arent bound by blood, the bond you share is probably deeper than what most families can im.


    He truly treated me like his own granddaughter, Allison admitted, her voice softer as she took a deep breath and gazed up at the night sky, glittering with stars.


    But I always knew I didnt belong with the Stevens family.


    A flicker of satisfaction passed over Kens face.


    Keanu wouldnt mind that.


    He just wants to see those he cares about happymuch like you.


    Allison smiled in return.


    Even though someone in your family may have ill intentions, I know your grandmother and Lorna only wish for your happiness and freedom.


    It was trueAllison and Ken were very much alike.


    They wore their coldness like a shield, but beneath ity a fierce loyalty to the few they held dear.


    Her words about freedom tugged at Kens memory, recalling the night he hadid bare his most vulnerable secret to her in that room.


    Even the way he had surrendered his desires to a silicone mannequin seemed to be something Allison understood instinctively.


    Both of them had chosen to pretend nothing had happened between them afterward.


    On that night, Allison had whispered something simr, urging him to stay true to himself and ignore the suffocating expectations of others.


    Kens eyes became serious.


    Youre right.


    When they finally reached the parking garage, the moment to part ways lingered in the air.


    But unexpectedly, they both spoke at once.


    This weekend… I… The words collided, and Ken broke into a rare, helpless smile.


    Ladies first, Ms.


    rke.


    Allisonughed, the tension easing.


    I have somemitments next weekend, so I wont be able toe teach Lorna.


    I thought I should let you know in advance.


    Quite the coincidence, Ken responded smoothly.


    I was nning to take Lorna out next weekend myself.


    I was actually going to suggest you take a break.


    Perfect, Allison said, waving goodbye.


    Then Ill skip next weekend and see you the week after.


    She didnt think much of it.


    Reba had recently signed her up for apetition, and she needed the time off to focus.


    Now that she had divorced, Allison was intent on reiming her life.


    If her days in the Stevens family had been about ying by the rules, now she sought the freedom to write her own.


    See you, Ms.


    rke, Ken replied, watching her as she started the car and drove off.


    Long after she disappeared from view, he stood there, lost in thought, contemting the uncertain path that stretched before them both.


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