Chapter 282: Then its a deal.
Allison figured it was nothing more than a wager with no clear end in sight.
After all, she was burdened with a treasure trove of secrets that Ken would never fully uncover.
Even the Cobweb operatives had failed to get a glimpse of her life after she walked away from school.
Once she finished discussing the ne, she shifted to another topic.
Lornas had a stroke of luck since the ident.
Floyd mentioned that with another six months of treatment, she could nearly be the girl she once was.
But after everything shes been through, she may not bounce back to being as vibrant as her peers.
Ken reclined on the sofa, legs crossed.
His thin lips were slightly pursed, revealing faint marksevidence that hed been bittenalong with the lingering trace of blood.
Thats more than enough for me, he replied earnestly.
He had never imagined that Lorna would regain her ability to speak.
As he slipped the ne back around his neck, he could still feel its warmth from Allisons touch.
Ken had always been a whirlwind of unpredictability.
In recent years, his temper had soured,rgely due to the chronic headaches that had gued him.
This turmoil often left those around him trembling in fear.
Yet, amidst it all, the faint scent of Allison brought him an unexpected calm.
He was acutely aware of Allisons desire to meet his grandmother.
After discussing Lornas situation, he broached another subject.
Grandma has been in the nursing home for a long time.
Her moments of rity are bing rare.
If youre interested in learning about the past, Sherman can escort you there, Ken said, his tone matter-of-fact.
Ive already informed them.
You can visit without any issues.
Thank you, Mr.
Lloyd.
Allison felt utterly drained, especially after that kiss with Ken moments ago.
It was as though he had drained the energy right out of her, leaving her exhausted.
Holding steady, she took a sip of her tea.
I hope her Alzheimers can be cured.
It might lead me to find out what happened to my mother.
When Allison spoke, her tone was calm, almost stoic.
Years of crushing disappointments had taught her the value of managing expectations.
Yet, after searching for so long, she finally caught a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps she would uncover someone who knew her mother, and that thought brought her a measure of sce.
Setting down her teacup, she asked, But why not bring her home for treatment? Why send her to a nursing home? Her curiosity had always lingered.
Why would the Lloyd family choose to send a sick elderly woman to a nursing home? Regardless of how well-managed it was, it could never rival thefort of being surrounded by family at home.
Considering Kens sensitive and cautious nature, was he not worried about the potential for mishaps if she was out of his sight? Rumors had long circted about various attempts to kidnap his grandmother over the years for a quick payday.
Grandmas situation isnt like Lornas.
After all, she is… Ken paused, his dark eyes growing ice-cold.
She is my fathers mother.
He insisted she stay in the nursing home from the outset.
I have no idea what he told her back then, but whenever she was brought home, she would be agitated.
Truth be told, if Ken hadnt held significant shares and run his ownpanies, Brook would have likely let his illegitimate son Hoyt take over.
To Ken, he had been fatherless for a long time.
Plus, if we brought Grandma home for treatment, we wouldnt have the professional equipment or staff to provide proper care, even if she could be surrounded by family.
Ken often found himself preupied withpany affairs, leaving little time to care for Lorna, let alone his grandmother.
So, it made sense to leave the professional care in the hands of those who could provide it properly.
Allison grasped this immediately.
She didnt press him about the darkness in his eyes when he mentioned his father.
Every family had its shadows.
She nodded, replying, I will do my utmost to help your grandmother recover.
Ken said nothing more.
I trust you.
He turned his gaze out the window, lost in thought.
Allison couldnt help but steal a nce at him.
He lowered his eyes, buttoning up his shirt, looking particrly distant.
Yet, his scabbed lips held a tinge of vulnerability.
It was hard to reconcile the image of him losing control over her wordsiming they were partners in business.
He had misinterpreted her intention as a desire to distance herself from him.
Allison studied Kens well-built physique under his fitted shirt and remarked thoughtfully, You performed exceptionally well at the racingpetition.
No one would ever guess you had been in a wheelchair for years.
You must have often participated in thesepetitions in private, right? Though it was a question, her tone carried an air of certainty.
Its merely a hobby.
I didnt perform exceptionally well.
My younger brother is a real racing prodigy.
I cant hold a candle to him.
As Ken mentioned his biological younger brother, his demeanor softened, and the tension eased into something lighter.
But I didnt expect you to be so impressive, Ms.
rke.
Allison was taken aback, wondering if she had overthought the situation.
However, his tone carried a warmth that was hard to ignore.
Twopetitors caused a ruckus that affected your performance.
If they hadnt intervened, Mr.
Lloyd, you would have imed the championship.
I was just lucky, she said modestly.
Neither of them revealed much as they tested the waters, circling each other like wary lions.
The wager seemed to have begun, though it was clear neither was willing to fully reveal their strategy just yet.
They were evenly matched in skill, each holding back just enough to keep the other guessing.
You were the champion, Ms.
rke.
I am convinced, Ken said with a casualness that masked the intensity of the moment.
When their eyes locked, Ken felt the unspoken tension between them.
They were ying a game of chess, each move calcted, each of them striving to unveil the others secrets.
The thrill of anticipation simmered in the air, a delicate dance of hidden cards and untold truths.
.
.
.