Chapter 294: The nights quite stunning, and the seas equally alluring.


    Are you nning to linger here for ate-night dip? Kens voice, unhurried and casual, floated through the air as he gazed up, his obsidian eyes reflecting a depth that felt endless.


    But beneath thezy tone, there was a silent warning.


    Ken was more convinced than ever that Allison and this young man were more than just passing acquaintances, though the nature of their interaction remained veiled in secrecy.


    Allisons behavior around strangers was consistent courteous yet carefully guarded.


    She could be polite, but there was always a subtle wariness in her demeanor.


    Around people she knew, however, her bodynguage softened just slightly.


    It wasnt something most would pick up on, but Ken had learned to notice these things.


    And it was ringly obvious that Gordon wasnt a stranger to her.


    There was something hidden between them, a secret that felt imprable to outsiders.


    Swimming, huh? Gordon finally acknowledged Kens presence.


    The kind of unspoken rivalry between men was something Gordon was all too familiar with.


    But intimidation? That wasnt in his nature.


    Actually, I was hoping Allison could give me a few swimming lessons, but s, I have a banquet to attend.


    Neither man had bothered with formal introductions.


    Truth be told, neither cared much for each others names.


    What existed between them wasnt curiosity it was an unspoken contest.


    Gordon had long known who Ken was the renowned president of Charisma Company, the man who held the pulse of Ontdales luxury market in his hands.


    But what of it? He had known Allison far longer than Ken.


    And in his eyes, his familys influence was no less formidable than the Lloyds.


    For the first time, Ken found himself facing off with someone much younger and much more defiant.


    Gordon, unlike Floyd, had a way of pushing limits, relentlessly persistent and never one to back down.


    Ken, however, tamped down his feelings, choosing to say nothing incendiary in Allisons presence.


    Not only out of courtesy but also out of respect for her freedom to choose herpany.


    Whether her friends harbored ulterior motives wasnt for him to judge.


    It was her choice.


    Yet, Allison wasnt one to let things slide so easily.


    Quit the act! If you dont know how to swim, no one in this world does.


    Well, you swim better than I do, Gordon said with yful resignation.


    If I could have the honor of being personally coached by you, Id have no regrets left in life.


    He paid no mind to Kens quiet but intense gaze.


    In fact, back when he was at Cobweb, Allison had asionally asked him to investigate certain matters concerning the Lloyd family.


    Since then, Gordon had been especially attuned to Kens presence, recognizing that this man was both wealthy and attractive a rival worth taking seriously.


    And then, unexpectedly, Ken let out a soft chuckle.


    So, youre fond of Ms.


    rke, are you? he asked, his tone as sharp as a knife slipping between ribs.


    The question, though surprising, didnt faze Gordon in the least.


    Of course I am.


    Only a fool wouldnt be.


    Leaning forward, he rested his chin on his hand and continued, A woman as remarkable and captivating as she is bound to attract attention, but I suppose thats only natural.


    The men around her… well, Im sure their only function is to please her.


    The jab was aimed directly at Ken, thinly veiled as sarcasm.


    But Kens face remained impassive, cool as a stone, though his eyes held a glint of something far sharper.


    Is that so? Its unfortunate, then, that Ms.


    rke already has apanion for the evening.


    Rather than deting, Gordons grin only widened.


    So what? The best thing a man can offer is his ability to be… inclusive.


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