Chapter 247: Ken was adjusting his mask when amotion on the field caught his attention.


    Narrowing his eyes, he was surprised to see Allison, who had been taking some time off, now present at the event as well.


    Turning to Ferdinand, who had just arrived, Ken remarked, It seems youre quite cozy with that Green family girl.


    Ferdinand shrugged and shed a casual smile.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, dont tease me.


    You know my father is obsessed with setting me up on blind dates with someone from the Green family practically every other day.


    He paused, then added, But all that matchmaking nonsense? Its way over my head.


    I wasnt exactly in the right frame of mindst time, and I offended Miss Green.


    Ive been meaning to apologize, but she already blocked and deleted me.


    Kens lips curled into a faint smirk.


    No surprise she stepped on you.


    Ferdinand rolled his eyes, silently cursing how infuriating Ken could be.


    It was a wonder how anyone, especially Allison, could tolerate him.


    Dude, you should keep that mask on.


    That smile of yours is downright creepy! The yful banter between them was typical; neither of them took it too seriously.


    By the way, Ms.


    rke seems pretty chummy with you.


    Why didnt you step in when she got into that mess earlier? Ferdinand shook his head, already knowing the answer.


    Ah, right.


    Youre cold as ice.


    No wonder all the women in Ontdale steer clear of you.


    You dont know how to be proactive.


    Kens face remained indifferent, his voice slow andzy.


    Sometimes, jumping in just gets you smacked down, like what you just witnessed.


    In truth, Ken had kept the secret of his legs under wraps for years, evenpeting under a pseudonym.


    Though he recently revealed it, he never fully showed his hand.


    And now, more than ever, he knew that Allison and Reba could handle things without his intervention.


    Ferdinand smiled, teasing, Is that so? Then exin why youre always asking me to help Ms.


    rke with her problems.


    Seems like youre not far from getting caught in the crossfire yourself! He left the thought hanging, amused by Kens evasive heart, wondering when it would finally give way.


    Inside the arena, Allison was suited up and ready for action.


    Though she hadpeted internationally, this was her debut in Ontdale.


    Colton, geared up as well, was ring daggers at Allison from across the field.


    Reba, impatient and irked, muttered, Why does that idiot keep staring at us? Makes me want to gouge his eyes out! Allison, unaffected, replied coolly, No need for that.


    Its not worth getting your hands dirty.


    Men like him you give them attention, and they cling like glue.


    Her words dripped with irony.


    For three long years of marriage, Colton barely gave Allison the time of day.


    Yet now, post-divorce, he seemed fixated on her every move.


    Before Allison could finish her thought, Colton, fuming from being ignored, finally lost it.


    Allison, Im not here to take whats not mine.


    If you have any decency left, return the jade.


    He couldnt decide if it was the jade or Allison herself that gnawed at his conscience.


    All he knew was that just one look from her had the power to unnerve him, and that shook his confidence to its core.


    Allison let out a soft, mockingugh.


    If the jade belongs to the Stevens family, Id dly return it to the rightful heir.


    Her gaze held his, calm and steady, as if she could see right through his bravado.


    But tell me, are you really the heir? .


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