Chapter 279: An inexplicable tension lingered between them, a fusion of faint grass scent and a heady mix of anticipation electrifying the air.


    With Kens shirt unbuttoned, the usual restraint he exuded seemed to have dissipated, leaving behind a wild, dangerous allure that sent ripples of excitement through Allison.


    When their eyes locked, the atmosphere thickened, delicate yet intensely charged.


    Just then, a voice broke through the spell, calling from outside.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, thepany has requested your presence for a meeting tonight.


    Kens voice, low and steady, responded, I see.


    The footsteps faded into the distance, yet the world outside remained unyieldingly present.


    The door could be knocked on at any moment, and the ss window offered no sanctuary from the prying eyes of those who might wander by.


    Though nothing tangible had transpired between them, the air was thick with a forbidden temptation, hovering at the brink of a revtion.


    Allisons brows furrowed slightly, and in a moment of distraction, she took a step back, losing her bnce and nearly falling.


    Before she could hit the floor, Kens strong hand wrapped securely around her waist.


    Ms.


    rke, be careful, he murmured, his gaze intense as Allison looked into his eyes.


    His hand was warm and reassuring, resting on her waist through the thin fabric of her blouse, exuding a sense of control that both calmed and thrilled her.


    As her hand instinctively pressed against his chest, she could feel Kens heartbeatsteady and powerful, thumping in rhythm with the electric energy pulsing between them.


    Thump, thump, thump.


    The air between them grew hotter, neither willing to retreat.


    Outside, the wind fluttered the curtains, blurring the line separating their worlds.


    In that moment of physical closeness, Ken could feel Allisons warm breath against his skina proximity that was tender yet dangerously intimate, evoking memories of their night on the yacht, her soft moans filling the air.


    Allison, too, sensed a shift.


    Before, she could brush off their connection with yful kisses in an elevator, but now, with the stakes rising, she instinctively longed to pull back and create some distance.


    Thank you, Mr.


    Lloyd, but you can let go now, she said, trying to sound casual despite the fluttering in her heart that felt almost surreal.


    She added teasingly, Otherwise, if Jim sees us, he might misunderstand and think youre pursuing me.


    Kens fingers began to loosen, but his expression remained inscrutable.


    Just when Allison thought he would shrug off the moment, Kens Adams apple moved slightly, and he posed a question that lingered in the air.


    Ms.


    rke, what do you think our rtionship is now? His deep eyes shone with seriousness, piercing through the yful facade.


    Allison had nned to deflect it with a lighthearted remark, as she often did.


    But she sensed something had shifted between themsomething thrilling yet perilous.


    She wasnt the type to let herself be swept away.


    So, after steadying herself, she looked at Ken earnestly and replied, Naturally, we are partners in business.


    In this world, nothing was permanentneither friendships nor alliances.


    The only constant was mutual interest.


    Her words were a reminder, not just to Ken but to herself, that she needed to withdraw before it was toote.


    Kens lips twitched, as if mocking the situation.


    Okay, I see.


    He understood her message loud and clear.


    It was a delineation of boundaries, a deration that their rtionship was purely transactional.


    He should have acted like Floyd, pretending nothing had transpired, or at least let go and maintained some dignity.


    But hearing partners in business felt like a sharp pain in his chest.


    In her eyes, they werent even friends.


    Yes, and Mr.


    Lloyd, you are my favorite partner in business, Allison replied, suppressing the tumult of emotions swirling inside her.


    With a polite smile, she turned toy the ne t on the table, preparing to snap a photo.


    But then something unexpected and absurd urred.


    Ken, the usually aloof and distant figure, suddenly grabbed her wrist, halting her movements.


    You… Allison couldnt manage to utter another word before he lowered his head and kissed her.


    .


    .


    .