Chapter 284: Mr.


    Lloyd, your good friend Ferdinand certainly knows how to make things happen.


    Who else could organize a charity dinner with such finesse? Allison asked subtly, her curiosity simmering beneath the surface.


    Hes not exactly your typical advertiser, is he? Theres a political air about him.


    In Ontdale, anyone capable of orchestrating a charity dinner and auction on their own must be well-connected with those in power.


    Allison had long suspected there was more to Ferdinand than met the eye.


    Shed done her homework and knew that he ran thergest advertising firm in the world, though he operated in the shadows for others as well.


    The thought of Ferdinands hidden connections whisked her back to the Burned Inds incident, when Ferdinand had swooped in with his crew to tidy up the mess.


    His close ties to Ken didnt escape her notice either.


    As she smiled, Allison was secretly gauging Kens reaction, eager to unravel his secrets.


    For the first time, she found herself facing a rival who seemed to be her equal in so many ways.


    They shared challenges and triumphs in their disabilities and in the world of short-track speed skating, forging a connection that felt both harmonious and adversarial.


    The kely family is loaded and influential.


    Its no surprise they have such connections, Ken remarked nonchntly.


    But Ms.


    rke, you seem rather well-versed in these affairs.


    Ive just picked up a thing or two, Allison replied lightly.


    Is that so? Kens lips curled into a slight smile, intrigue flickering in his eyes.


    He watched her closely, recognizing the subtlety behind her probing.


    Yet neither of them was ready to spill the beans.


    They danced around their secrets with careful grace.


    With her chin resting on her hand, Allison tilted her head slightly.


    Since Ive done so much to assist you, Mr.


    Lloyd, surely you have something lovely to reward me with? Though she had agreed to help, she was no fool.


    How could a man of Kens standingck femalepanionship? As the heir to the Lloyd fortune, even if women in Ontdale were put off by his unpredictable nature, they wouldnt turn down the chance to be his date.


    Besides, Ken had a reputation for attending dinners alone long before he crossed paths with her.


    How else would the rumors of his aloofness toward women have gained traction? He didnt need to worry about finding a female partner.


    She understood the game, yet she kept her thoughts to herself, preferring this yful banter to a passionate pursuit.


    Ms.


    rke, you shall be rewarded in due time, Ken said, ncing at the delicate porcin cup in her hand, its translucence highlighting her pink nails beautifully.


    Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet hers.


    At the auction, you can bid on anything your heart desires, and Ill dly foot the bill.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, dont you worry about going broke with such a grand promise? she teased.


    The Lloyd family has wealth to spare; I dare you to test it, Ken replied, a yful smirk dancing on his lips.


    Allison couldnt help but smile, recognizing the truth in his words.


    The Lloyds are indeed generous benefactors, she acknowledged.


    Then I graciously ept your offer, she added, her eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Ken nced at the invitation list in his hand, carefully selecting the finest dinner invitation to share with Allison.


    In truth, she had hit the nail on the head; Ferdinand wasnt the sole architect of the charity dinner.


    Ken was also pulling strings behind the scenes.


    He had never been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he was sharp as a tack.


    Having known Allison for a while now, he had always wanted to present her with a gift, but nothing ever seemed worthy.


    Hosting an auction was a stroke of genius; allowing her to choose something for herself would be the best kind of gift.


    Meanwhile, Allison, oblivious to Kens deeper thoughts, pondered aloud, Mr.


    kely must be quite the charmer among the young women, with suitors lined up at his door.


    Her observations from thest time they were at the ward door lingered in her mindthere was an unmistakable spark between Ferdinand and Reba.


    Though rebellious, Reba had been groomed as the heir of the Green family, her perceptiveness keeping her safe from maniption.


    Allison was less worried about her well-being and more about what might unfold.


    Allisons probing was clear, and Ken caught her drift.


    She was on the hunt for information for her friend.


    Ms.


    rke, it seems youre keen to dig deeper into his character, Ken noted with a hint of amusement in his smile.


    Ferdinand has his fair share of admirers.


    Hes charming and gets along with everyone, but dont let that fool you; hes rather guarded when ites to his personal life… Ken seized the moment to defend Ferdinand, achieving his aim of assisting Allison while deftly sidestepping his own secretstwo birds, one stone.


    Meanwhile, across town in the mall, Ferdinand was sneezing uncontrobly.


    Surely Im not catching a cold, am I? he remarked, feigning innocence as he shrugged.


    Miss Green, isnt it a bit cruel to steal my coat on such a chilly day? If I end up ill, will you cover my medical bills? Reba shot him a withering look.


    Mr.


    kely, do youck any semnce of gentlemanly decorum? Cant you see Im in a dress? Its just a coat, she retorted sharply.


    But Im freezing! Ferdinand whined, adopting a pitiful expression.


    If youre that cold, why not just jump into the firece? she quipped, pointing toward the nearby firece with a teasing smile.


    Ferdinand was left speechless.


    He had expected a little camaraderie among friends.


    After all, Allison, despite her aloofness, had been gentle and gracious.


    How did Reba not pick up on that demeanor? She was truly domineering.


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