Chapter 335: As Colton and Mny stepped into the foyer of the grand ball, their eyes immediatelynded on Allison and Reba, who were carefully picking out jewelry from the elegant ss counters.


    With time to spare before the event began, the space around them bustled with guests trying on glittering essories, admiring their reflections in the mirrors.


    Everything suits you, Allison, Gordon leaned forward, propping his chin in his hand, his gaze fixed on Allison with pure admiration.


    Why dont you try that red agate ne? His voice was light, but there was an underlying wish in his suggestion, hoping shed remove the snake-shaped ne rumored to be a Lloyd family heirloom she was wearing.


    Floyd, noticing the jade bracelet adorning her wrist, added with a nod, That jade bracelet is particrly exquisite.


    High quality, no doubt.


    Ken, however, didntment on any specific piece.


    He tilted his head slightly and, with a deep tone, remarked, Choosing jewelry is more trouble than its worth.


    Ms.


    rke, you and Miss Green must be exhausted.


    I could have this entire area reserved for us.


    The room fell into silence.


    What kind of financial strength did that require? Reba, watching the scene unfold like a stage y, leaned closer to Allison and whispered teasingly, Youve got it made, Allison.


    All three of them are clearly vying for your attention.


    She emphasized the words with yful mischief.


    Especially Ken.


    Hes not only fawning over you but is being thoughtful toward me because Im your friend.


    I feel so lucky.


    Before Allison could respond, Ferdinand walked over, carrying a set of gleaming jewelry in his hands.


    Miss Green, consider this a smallpensation gift from me an apology for the little mishap earlier.


    Ferdinand, dressed impably in a deep blue suit with gold buttons that caught the light, looked every bit the gentleman.


    His smile, thoughposed, carried an air of ease that seemed slightly out of ce from his usual unassuming demeanor.


    Catching onto the situation, Allison smirked and gave Reba a little nudge toward Ferdinand.


    It seems like Ferdinand is the one showing real thoughtfulness here,ing prepared with a whole set of jewelry.


    And its even from your favorite brand.


    Rebaughed.


    Oh, so now youre teasing me! I wouldnt dare.


    Their light-hearted banter flowed so naturally that it formed a bubble of warmth, shutting out any attempts to intrude.


    Meanwhile, Ken and the others were still intent on buying Allison something, but she quickly made her stance known.


    Theres no need for you all to fuss over something Ive already picked out.


    Ken remained calm.


    We had an agreement.


    I said Id take care of whatever caught your eye today.


    Consider it my reward to you.


    He knew Allisons pride wouldnt allow her to ept anything too freely, so he shifted his gaze toward Ferdinand afterying out his reasoning.


    Besides, todays bill will be settled by Mr.


    kely.


    Ferdinand blinked.


    What? Ferdinand hadnt even realized what Ken was suggesting before seeing Kens gaze on him.


    The profits from ourst venture are nearly due.


    Yourpany will be rolling in money.


    And since youre already gifting Miss Green jewelry, why not just handle all the expenses for today? It would be a shame for her friend Ms.


    rke to be left out.


    After all, theyre best friends.


    Kens words came out slow and deliberate.


    Plus, this way, you wont have to keep wiring money to the Lloyd Group.


    All this back-and-forth with funds its such a hassle.


    Its easier to settle everything in one go, wouldnt you say? Just part of the perks of our coboration.


    Ferdinand stood in stunned silence.


    Was this man seriouslyining about the inconvenience of transferring money now? Cursing Ken in his mind, Ferdinand felt the sting of betrayal.


    Was this really necessary, just because hed looked into Allisons past? Still, not one to back down easily, Ferdinand managed to smooth over his frustration with a polished smile, sly as a fox.


    Mr.


    Lloyd is right.


    Ms.


    rke and Miss Green, feel free to choose any jewelry you like.


    Ill cover the costs today.


    Consider it my gift.


    Despite his inner grumbling, Ferdinand maintained his outwardposure, never letting on that his patience was wearing thin.


    He never imagined that, in all the years he and Ken had known each other where hed always been the one to outwit him today would be the day he got a taste of his own medicine.


    Indeed, the best of friends always had a knack for outmaneuvering each other at the most critical moments.


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