Chapter 278: Kens yful teasing carried an almost imperceptible hint, like a shadow flirting at the edge of a dream.


    The sunlight streaming through the window scattered across his corbone, casting him in a soft, golden light that made him seem even more captivating than usual.


    His face, typicallyposed and unreadable, now bore an expression that stirred something faint in Allison, a fleeting sensation brushing against her heart like the whisper of a breeze.


    Then Id like to take it off, Allison murmured, stepping closer and bending down to undo the ne.


    Just as Ken had warned, the sp was tricky, fastened tightly.


    It took Allison a few extra moments to work it loose, her fingers fumbling with the delicate mechanism.


    She should have focused solely on the ne, especially since it resembled herte mothers keepsake so closely.


    Yet, for a brief instant, her eyes wandered,nding on Kens neck instead.


    With a few buttons left undone, the clean lines of his corbone seemed to lead her gaze downward, revealing a glimpse of his firm chest.


    The snakehead pendant, nestled between his toned muscles, carried a cold alluremysterious and dangerously inviting.


    It stirred memoriesshes of that night on the yacht, the way Kens slender waist had moved with controlled power, and how his chest had felt so unexpectedly supple yet strong beneath her touch.


    Ms.


    rke, if youre struggling, I can guide you, Ken murmured, his deep eyes glinting like a secret hidden in the depths of a stillke, drawing her in.


    Theres a hidden sp on the right side.


    Try loosening that one first.


    His fingers grazed the sp at his neck, tilting it towards her, causing their hands to brush together, ever so lightly.


    The contrast was electrifyinghis warmth against her cool touch, a subtle current humming through the air.


    Allison had never given much thought to how a mans body could radiate warmth from something as simple as a touch.


    Perhaps its best if I handle it myself, she muttered, breaking eye contact as she continued to fumble with the sp.


    But as her fingers skimmed over his skin, she couldnt help but notice how Kens body responded, his skin reddening faintly, betraying a sensitivity that caught her off guard.


    Are you feeling warm, Mr.


    Lloyd? Not warm, he replied, his tone even, though a teasing smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he gently tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.


    Just… a little ticklish.


    It suddenly dawned on herwhen she had bent down earlier, her hair must have brushed against his neck, setting off that faint blush.


    That exined why his skin had flushed so unexpectedly.


    But even after hed tucked her hair back, a few loose strands continued to fall as she worked on the sp.


    She was about to tie her hair into a ponytail when Kens hand reached out again, gathering the stray locks into his fingers.


    Dont trouble yourself with that, Ms.


    rke.


    Just keep working on the ne, he said, his voice calm and steady.


    His fingers, slightly roughened from callouses, held her silky strands with delicate care.


    The coolness of her hair against his warm hands made it feel even softer, more fragile.


    All the while, his gaze remained fixed on her face.


    Allison, absorbed in undoing the sp, wore a look of concentration, her features set in quiet beauty that seemed to shine more in the soft light.


    From where he sat, Ken took in every detailthe sweep of her longshes, the soft flush of her lips.


    The scent of roses from the garden lingered in the air, and the memory of her fingers brushing against his skin left a tingling sensation that hadnt yet faded.


    Thank you for earlier, Ms.


    rke, Kens voice, deep and worn with fatigue, broke the silence.


    I was buying a y doll for Lorna when those two stirred up trouble.


    I shouldve stepped in sooner, and you ended up getting caught in the middle.


    He sounded tired, drained from the days chaos, yet being in Allisons presence seemed to soothe him.


    The tension that had built throughout the day ebbed away, much like his constant headaches that always seemed to lessen whenever he caught the scent of the perfume she had crafted.


    In many ways, Allison was his remedy.


    No need to thank me, Mr.


    Lloyd, Allison replied, finally managing to undo the sp.


    We dont have to be so formal.


    Besides, I didnt suffer much.


    Compared to Hoyt and his mother, I find Colton and Mny far more unbearable.


    With a small smile, she removed the ne and held it closer, marveling at its intricate design.


    The craftsmanship was unmistakable, perfectly matching the bracelet her mother had once left behind.


    The materials and techniques clearly came from the same artisan.


    Yet despite years of searching, Allison had found no trace of her mothers bracelet in any records.


    Ill snap a picture of it first, she said, standing up with the ne in hand, intending to send it to her contacts at Cobweb for further investigation.


    But as she rose, her eyes unexpectedly met Kens.


    Ken, who had been lounging on the couch, now tilted his head up towards her.


    Their proximity was closer than it should have been, and as she leaned down and he tilted his head up, the space between them became nearly intimate.


    They were so near that a minor movement might have resulted in a kiss.


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