Chapter 345: Thats alright.
I can see where hesing from, Allison said with anguid stretch, her voice carefree.
Just like when I had to keep an eye on Reba, Ive been doing a little digging on Ferdinand while were attending this banquet.
She left a lot unsaid.
In truth, from the moment she met him, Allison had started investigating the entire Lloyd family.
Her approach to Ken hadnt been by chance.
She opened her hands in a yful shrug, her tone light.
Its nothing out of the ordinary, really.
Friends dont keep score.
Besides, Mr.
Lloyd, you dont need to worry maybe Ive already looked into you, too.
Ken lifted his eyes to meet hers.
Im not worried.
You and I already have a bet.
The two had been locked in a silent battle, trying to unearth each others most guarded secrets.
Allison didnt seem fazed by the situation, and Ken felt a sense of relief.
After all, he and Ferdinand were close friends, and thest thing he wanted was any tension between Ferdinand and Allison over a misunderstanding.
As the waltz came to an end, a wave of apuse erupted.
p No one could tell who started it, but soon enough, it spread through the crowd like ripples across water, apanied by murmurs of admiration under the ballroom lights.
That was incredible.
Look at how well they danced together.
They make such a striking pair.
Ah, youth! If I tried moves like that, Id probably end up t on my back in the hospital.
The audiences gaze followed them, intrigued by the spectacle.
In the corner, Colton sat alone, his face darkened by an unmistakable scowl.
He downed his ss of red wine in one go, a sarcastic smile tugging at his lips.
Hmph, whats so special about that? His eyes lingered on the couple, his mood sinking with every passing second.
Colton had always thought little of Allison before.
To him, she had been nothing more than a clueless girl with no real education or standing.
He had never bothered to bring her to any of these grand banquets, let alone share a dance with her.
It was only now, watching her move with such grace, that he realized just how captivating she could be.
Maybe hed had a bit too much to drink.
His vision began to blur.
Pressing a hand to his forehead, he muttered, Wheres… Mny? His instinct was to search for her, but at this moment, she was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps she was sulking somewhere, upset about not getting the badge, and didnt want to show her face.
Colton took another swig, trying to drown his unease.
Its fine.
Ive still got Mny, he whispered, trying to reassure himself.
Meanwhile, Mny was deep in conversation with Hoyt.
I didnt get the badge, she said, her voice tinged with frustration she couldnt quite hide.
Hoyt swirled his wine in his ss, his expression calm.
Thats not on you.
Dont be too hard on yourself.
Mny, youve always been far too kind-hearted.
His gaze, however, lingered far too long on her chest.
He swallowed another sip of wine, almost unconsciously.
After all, your husband doesnt seem much help.
Mny caught the meaning behind his words immediately.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her expression fragile, as if she might break at any moment.
I feel so ashamed.
You went to such lengths to give me that information, and I still couldnt make the most of it.
She moved a little closer to him.
I just want to ease Coltons troubles.
Buttely, hes been so moody, snapping at me without thinking.
I feel lost.
I dont know how to make him happy anymore.
Her voice wavered as she leaned slightly closer, their bodies brushing against each other just enough for it to feel like an ident.
I know you and Ken dont exactly see eye to eye.
If you werent married to Colton… well, never mind.
Its toote now.
We met toote for that.
But if you need my help, just say the word.
Hoyt licked his lips as he spoke, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Hidden in the shadows, they went unnoticed by anyone around them.
Ken is still my brother, no matter how shy he likes to be.
Blood ties run deep, so there are things I cant get directly involved in.
But I can always help you behind the scenes.
Hoyt knew Mny well.
He understood how envy gnawed at her, especially when she saw Allison and Ken together.
Do you mean it, Hoyt? Youve been such a huge help to me recently.
I felt like we just clicked the first time we met.
Youre like a big brother to me.
Mnys voice was soft, her demeanor seemingly innocent though it was a mask.
She wasnt foolish.
She could see that Hoyt was no simple man to deal with.
We can be of use to one another.
If you ever run into any trouble, just let me know.
Ill do whatever I can to help.
They raised their sses to each other, exchanging smiles both wearing the masks of friendship, both hiding their true intentions underneath.
.
.
.