Chapter 289: A weekter, at the charity g.


    The event still has some time before it starts, Ken said, watching as Allison stood, arms crossed, lost in thought.


    She gazed out at the churning, dark sea, her eyes distant.


    The night air was sharp, and the wind whipped around them, reddening the tip of her nose.


    He stepped forward, offering her his suit jacket.


    His voice was steady and maic.


    Ms.


    rke, its a bit chilly out here.


    If you dont mind, Id be happy for you to wear my jacket.


    Allisons surprise flickered across her face at his unexpected presence.


    She paused for a heartbeat, then epted the jacket without hesitation, draping it over her shoulders.


    Thank you, Mr.


    Lloyd, she said, the sea breeze growing colder.


    She tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and smiled, her eyes lighting up.


    How did you know I was out here? Truth be told, the past few days had been a rollercoaster for her.


    After taking that photo of the ne from Ken, shed asked Gordon to investigate it further, but their search had hit a wall.


    The trail had gone cold.


    Her only remaining hopey with Kens grandmother, Kinslee, who was suffering from senile dementia.


    Ken casually offered her a ss of tequ.


    I was just wandering around and happened to spot you here.


    Is that so? Allison epted the tequ and clinked sses with him.


    Since we have some time, why not enjoy the fresh air instead of being cooped up inside? Compared to the bustling social scene indoors, the crisp air outside felt far more soothing.


    Ken nodded.


    Sounds good to me.


    As their sses clinked together, the sound resonated like a stone dropped into still waters, sending ripples through Kens heart.


    He leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on Allison, not bothering to take a sip of his drink.


    Most of the gs guests had clearly put a lot of effort into their appearance, donning custom gowns and carefully chosen essories.


    When Ken had scanned the banquet hall earlier, hed seen an array of beautifully dressed attendees.


    Allison, however, had opted for a more understated look.


    She hadnt worn thevish gown he had sent her.


    Instead, she had chosen a simple purple fishtail skirt.


    Though it wasnt a designer piece, the unique cut set it apart.


    The smooth fabric clung to her figure, highlighting her beautiful curves.


    With her slightly curled long hair cascading down, she resembled a carefully crafted ss of red wine, exuding a charm that was simply enchanting.


    Ms.


    rke, you look stunning in that dress, Ken said earnestly.


    His gaze lingered on her, admiring the way the waistline fit perfectly and how thece design on the back added a touch of creativity.


    It looks like it was tailor-made for you.


    His discerning eye never missed a detail.


    While he was curious about why she hadnt worn the gown he had gifted, he didnt ask.


    What caught his attention was the craftsmanship of her dress.


    It wasnt from a renowned designer, but the quality suggested a skilled tailor, and that intrigued him.


    It is handmade, Allison replied, pleasantly surprised by his appreciation.


    After all, she had designed the dress herself.


    I received the gown you sent a few days ago, she continued, her voice softening with a hint of regret, but unfortunately, a severe rainstorm hit the day before yesterday, ruining the gift box and causing mold.


    By the time I opened it, the dress was already spoiled.


    I had no choice but to find something else to wear.


    She had indeed seen the stunning ck-and-white gown inside the box.


    An exquisite LV couture piece, it had taken over a year to make, and only one existed in the world.


    Allison had felt it resonated with her stylemysterious yet elegantand she believed it would have made her feel like royalty.


    But fate had other ns.


    The storm had turned her dreams into a soggy mess.


    Ive done my best to recover from that loss, she said, handing him a card.


    Also, this card contains one million.


    Its my apology to you, as it was my fault.


    She genuinely wanted to ensure she wasnt indebted to him.


    However, Ken gently pushed the card back into her hand.


    Whether its a couture dress or the one million, it doesnt matter to me, he said firmly, though his touch remained gentle.


    As the night wore on, the space between them seemed to shrink.


    The air thickened with the intoxicating scent of tequ, and the moment stretched between them, charged with unspoken words.


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