Chapter 296: Allison, am I interrupting you? Floyds gaze was downcast, his expression masked by the glint of his gold-rimmed sses.
Its just… its my first time at a dinner like this, so Id feel morefortable staying close to you.
His voice carried a hint of unease.
Gordon saw right through the act and arched a brow.
Dr.
Pierce, youre a top-tier physician.
If you im youve never been to a banquet before, no ones going to buy it.
He smirked, his tone pointed.
No one could match Floyds ability to y his cards so close to the chest.
Ken, ever calm, added, Indeed.
Dr.
Pierce only skips events that arent worth his time.
Its not like hes short on invitations.
Floyd pressed his lips together, momentarily at a loss for words.
Allison, however, stepped in.
Hes more focused on his research and isnt big on socializing.
Its not surprising he hasnt been to many dinners.
That, at least, was true.
Back when she shared an apartment with Floyd in Leswington, he was always a solitary figure, polite yet distant.
Even with his gentle smile, he kept others at arms length.
But this is a charity event.
No need to feel out of ce, she continued smoothly.
Mr.
Lloyd and I were just invited as guests ourselves.
Floyd hesitated but finally nodded.
I see.
In truth, when Ferdinand had sent the invitation a few days ago, Floyd hadnt even considered attending.
It was only when he heard that Allison would be here as Kenspanion that he made up his mind.
Ultimately, it was just because he wasnt ready to let go.
Kens voice cut through his thoughts, indifferent yetced with underlying weight.
No one knows this ce better than I do.
So, Dr.
Pierce, if youd like a tour, Id be happy to show you around.
The smile on Kens lips was polite, but the pressure radiating from him was unmistakable.
Floyd stiffened, sensing that showing him around might involve something far from pleasant.
Gordon broke into augh, easing the tension.
Allison, since Mr.
Lloyd is being so generous, why dont we all take a look aroundter? He gave her an exaggerated, pitiful look.
Ive been devastatedtely by someone who keeps standing me up.
Why dont you have a drink with me and cheer me up? With his youthful face and mock-hurt expression, he looked almost too pitiful to refuse.
Almost.
He always knew Allison would have plenty of admirers, but he hadnt expected two to show up tonight.
Naturally, he had to seize this opportunity.
Allison raised a brow, unimpressed.
If you were truly heartbroken, you wouldnt be here.
Why dont the three of you get better acquainted then? Allison kept her distance, her gaze cool and unreadable.
But then, unexpectedly, Ken cleared his throat, his hand moving to his shoulder.
Her expression shifted, concern shing briefly in her eyes.
Mr.
Lloyd, is your gunshot wound still not healed? Did you reopen it? The memory of the kidnapping incident resurfaced, sending a shiver down her spine.
Ken, though, remained asposed as ever.
Its nothing serious.
Youve been working hardtely you should get some rest.
Ill go find Ferdinandter.
Your friend might be there too, and I have a few questions for her.
Allison blinked, suddenly recalling one of her reasons for attending tonight: gathering information on Reba and Ferdinand.
Then lets go together.
She waved a casual hand at the two men behind her.
You two carry on.
Mr.
Lloyd and I will be back shortly.
Floyd and Gordon exchanged a nce.
Despite being strangers, their eyes mirrored the same surprise.
So, ying the victim didnt work? Ken had actually managed to turn the tables and sweep her away with that approach.
He was craftier than either of them had given him credit for.
.
.
.