Chapter 277: Allison easily saw through Floyds intentions.


    The box of artisanal choctes was no small expense, and the message on the packaging was both bold and sentimental.


    Thanks, she said, leaning casually against the doorframe.


    But Ive been cutting back on sugar recently, so sweets dont really appeal to me anymore.


    Between adults, some things didnt need to be spelled out.


    It was a clear rejection.


    For a brief second, disappointment flickered in Floyds eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile.


    I get it.


    No worries.


    Maybe next time, Ill take you out for something different.


    He understood exactly what Allison was implying.


    Back in Leswington, Floyd had encountered rejection before more times than he cared to count but he never let it stop him.


    Still, he wasnt the type to linger when unwee.


    His perspective was simple: just being in Allisons presence felt like a win in itself.


    However, Kens face shifted when he spotted the choctes.


    Especially as he watched Floyd and Allison, talking andughing like old friends.


    They seemed so at ease,fortable in each otherspany.


    But after hearing Allisons refusal, Kens expression remained calm on the surface, though beneath it, a rush of excitement stirred.


    Peoples tastes do evolve, dont they? he said, settling into the couch with his legs casually crossed.


    When his gaze lifted, it felt endless, like an ocean of unspoken thoughts.


    His words carried a subtle meaning.


    Since Ms.


    rkes been favoring spicier dishestely, perhaps next time, Mr.


    Pierce, youd check before gifting her, Ken added, his voiceced with barely concealed slyness.


    Floyd was briefly thrown off by thement, unsure how to respond.


    Kens ambiguity stung a bit, but Floyd simply chuckled.


    Well, just because her ptes shifted doesnt mean her interests have.


    Kens smile softened.


    Is that so? He neither affirmed nor denied it as he tied off thest bit of gauze, his movements slow and deliberate.


    If memory serves, its time for you to help Lorna with her recovery session, Ken remarked, a subtle challenge in his tone.


    Looks like youll have your hands full, Dr.


    Pierce.


    Floyd sighed inwardly, realizing that now was indeed the time for Lornas treatment.


    Kens timing was impable, almost as if the entire conversation had been orchestrated to push him out the door.


    I should also thank you for earlier, Ken continued, his tone sincere.


    Despite the underlying tension between the two men, Floyd had stepped in when Hoyt and Nova had stirred up trouble.


    Kens gratitude was genuine.


    Youre too kind, Mr.


    Lloyd.


    I hardly did anything, Floyd replied, giving a reluctant wave to Allison.


    Well catch up over dinner tonight.


    He wondered, not for the first time, if Kens timing was always this precise, whether by ident or design.


    But now, duty called, and with onest nod to Allison, he headed off to tend to Lorna.


    As the others trickled out, only Ken and Allison remained, a rare stillness settling into therge room.


    Allison stepped forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.


    How did you know Ive been into spicy foodtely, Mr.


    Lloyd? Weve barely shared a handful of meals.


    Last time we ate together, you added extra hot sauce to your roast beef, Ken replied smoothly.


    His attention to detail was always sharp when it came to Allison.


    For instance, he knew that when they kissed, she craved passion, not mere passivity.


    Youre awfully observant, Mr.


    Lloyd, Allison remarked, though she couldnt quite decipher what was running through his mind.


    She had intended to bring up the matter of Hoyt and his mother but decided against it it seemed irrelevant now.


    But she had another question on her mind.


    By the way, could I take a photo of the ne you wore the other day? She had only glimpsed it briefly before, and the moment had passed too quickly for her to study it.


    Since she had found no further clues about the matching bracelet her mother had left her, Ken seemed like the next logical lead.


    Her face remained calm, which proved that she didnt hide anything.


    My mother left me a bracelet that matches the ne you wore.


    Ive been searching for information for years, but havent found anything.


    I thought… Kens eyes met hers.


    Of course.


    His swift agreement caught her off guard.


    She tilted her head.


    But I recall that ne being a family heirloom, reserved for the futuredy of the house.


    Arent you worried I might swap it out? Kens response was calm, but his eyes gleamed.


    Would you really do that, Ms.


    rke? Allison smiled lightly.


    Maybe I would.


    If you want it, you dont need to swap anything, Ken said, his voice dipping low.


    His dark eyes held an intensity that was impossible to ignore.


    I can just give it to you.


    Suddenly, the ne felt like more than just an old heirloom.


    Allison understood he was being yful, but for a fleeting moment, the offer left her speechless.


    Ken was indeed hard to figure out.


    This is your mothers keepsake, she said finally, suppressing the emotions tangled within her.


    I wouldnt dare take it from you.


    She smiled, breaking the tension.


    A photo will do.


    Expecting Ken to have a servant fetch the ne for her, she was surprised when he started undoing his shirt.


    The sp at the back is tricky, he said casually.


    I might need your help.


    Ken rarely loosened his shirt cor, always keeping it buttoned up to the top.


    As he unfastened each button, his long fingers revealed more of his corbone, along with the ne.


    Its snake-shaped design, adorned with jewel-like red eyes, glittered in the light.


    Or, he added, reclining slightly on the sofa, his gaze pulling her in like a sky full of stars, you can just take the photo now.


    He was wild and maic, as ever.


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