Chapter 297: As Allison and Ken approached the room on the third floor, a familiar voice floated through the door before they even entered.


    Dont worry, Ms.


    rke is just downstairs.


    Youll get to see her soon, Ferdinand was saying.


    When he nced at the list of auction attendees in his hand, his smile seemed harmless enough.


    Our recent meetings have all been set up by our families, so Miss Green, I hope you can forgive me.


    Heh, as if Id want to see you, Reba shot back with a coldugh.


    Ferdinand tilted his head, as if amused by her attitude.


    Miss Green, are you angry? Of course, Im angry.


    After the banquet ends, Im nning to toss you into the high seas, so I dont have to see you fluttering around and annoying me every single day.


    Rebas irritation with Ferdinand was almost clear for all to see.


    But the moment she spotted a familiar figure outside the window, her expression brightened.


    Allison, finally, youre here! Reba swung the door open, waving enthusiastically.


    Long time no see, Allison.


    The two women embraced lightly, a rare reunion after being caught up in their own busy schedules.


    Ken, watching their exchange, gave Ferdinand a measured look.


    Ill leave Ms.


    rke here to catch up with her friend.


    We have a few things to discuss.


    Reba huffed, giving Ferdinand a dramatic eye-roll.


    Lets get out of here.


    Allison and I are going to enjoy the banquet first.


    You two can do whatever you want.


    Before Allison could react, Reba had already whisked her away from the room.


    As they walked through the elegant corridors, Rebas annoyance bubbled to the surface.


    You have no idea how infuriating Ferdinand is.


    Why cant he just reject this whole arranged marriage thing? Instead, he insists on ying along, sending gifts, arranging dates Allison caught the slip immediately.


    So, youve been going on dates with himtely? Reba halted mid-step, then tossed her hair defiantly.


    Not by choice! Allison couldnt help but chuckle.


    For all her bravado, Reba wasnt the type to let anyone push her into something she truly didnt want.


    Even with an arranged marriage hanging over her head, Reba had made it clear months ago that she wasnt interested.


    Yet, now it seemed there was something more to this situation with Ferdinand.


    What do you think of him? Allison pondered before asking.


    Hes a fox in disguise, Reba grumbled, then continued in a rapid tirade.


    The only redeeming thing about him is that hes handsome and has a good body.


    But other than that, hes insufferable.


    You wouldnt believe it he doesnt even eat spicy food! Can you imagine? To Reba, not eating spicy food was almost a dealbreaker.


    Allisons lips twitched in amusement.


    You seem to know him quite well.


    Realizing the implication, Reba narrowed her eyes and lunged yfully at Allison, fingers reaching to tickle her.


    Are you teasing me? All right, all right, I take it back! Allisonughed, raising her hands in mock surrender.


    Still, Rebas gaze turned sharp.


    Enough about me and Ferdinand.


    What about you and Ken? Getting closer, are we? Were just friends, Allison replied evenly, though the memory of theirst encounter flickered in her mind.


    Business partners.


    That was what shed said when Ken questioned their rtionship.


    And yet, a momentter, hed leaned in for a kiss.


    It was intense and edged with danger, like he wanted to stake his im.


    It had all happened so fast, leaving her dazed.


    In the aftermath, theyd made a bet.


    Thinking about it now, Allison felt a headacheing on.


    Rebas smile turned sly.


    Friends, huh? Friends dont kiss each other like that.


    I saw him earlier he had a bit of a chapped lip.


    Surely the mark of someones… bite? With her years of dating experience, Reba could spot a telltale sign of a kiss from a mile away.


    Allison, you cant fool me.


    Kens like a Keep Out sign for everyone else.


    Youre the only one who can get close.


    Reba had done her homework on Ken long ago.


    He was known for being selective and kept a pristine reputation.


    Most importantly, he was wealthy and influential far superior to someone like Colton.


    But Allison had been avoiding serious rtionships since her divorce.


    Reba gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.


    Dont worry, I wont say a word.


    Its okay to date around when youre young.


    How else would you know who suits you best? Allison sighed softly.


    Even so, its impossible between Ken and me.


    If it were just a fling, maybe it would be fine.


    But marriage? Allison knew better than anyone that marriage wasnt something to be taken lightly.


    After her failed marriage with Colton, shede to understand that marriage meant responsibility.


    It was never as simple as just being in love.


    And with Ken… there were too manyplications.


    The Lloyd family was prestigious and demanding.


    They would never ept someone without a strong family background.


    Beyond that, she and Ken were both people with secrets dangerous ones that were better left buried.


    For people like them, getting involved meant more than just dating.


    It meantying bare their vulnerabilities and either embracing each others pasts or being consumed by them.


    So that bet… it was also a way for her and Ken to test each other.


    Reba shrugged, unfazed by theplexity of it all.


    Love doesnt always have to lead somewhere, you know? Sometimes the experience itself is enough.


    Allison nced up at the moon hanging in the night sky, its light cool and distant.


    Maybe, she murmured.


    But deep inside, after everything that had happened with Colton, she felt a hollowness she couldnt quite shake.


    Perhaps one day, shed meet someone who could make her forget all her fears and open her heart fully.


    But that day felt distant too distant to even dream about.


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