?<strong>Chapter 399:</strong>
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“I’m honored to have raced against Turbo, the three-time champion, and to have had the opportunity topete,” Allison admitted sincerely, her tonecking its usual teasing edge.
She had seen Ken in his corporate attire, exuding a cold dignity in the office. But witnessing this dangerous, untamed side of him was an entirely new experience. To spectators, their races seemed like merepetitions of skill, but in truth, they were risking much more — they were gambling with their lives.
Soon, they strolled toward ake just outside the venue. Allison looked up, her eyes bright as they scanned the starlit sky.
“I find racing against time quite liberating; it feels like I can break free from all constraints,” she mused softly, reminiscing about how the orphanage had once felt like a cage during her childhood. Only the speed and thrill of racing could give her the courage to defy those limitations, to breathe freely.
“And what about you, Mr. Lloyd?” Allison turned to Ken, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “Why would the billionaire president of Lloyd Group risk it all here?”
Ken began to speak, but Allison raised a hand dismissively, averting her gaze.
“Never mind. Some secretse at too high a price for me to uncover.”
“It’s not a secret. Like you, I’m drawn to the thrill and excitement,” Ken replied calmly, his voice resonant and soothing, like the night’s gentle melody yed on a violin — leisurely yet maic.
His words carried a weight of meaning, reminding Allison of moments when passion had ovee restraint, a memory of him pressing her against a window in a secluded corner, the sh of their opposing natures.
It was the loss of control by the ascetic,
The downfall of the superior.
In the tranquil haze of the night, with theke shimmering nearby, Allisonposed herself and handed Ken a wooden box. Its aged patterns, intricately carved into the wood, spoke of time’s passage.
“Now, I return it to you, its rightful owner,” she exined quietly.
Her participation in the race had been driven by the singr goal of retrieving this item.
“I like to settle my debts of gratitude. Since you helped me at the auction, consider the championship prize my way of saying thanks.”
With that, she gently pressed the wooden box into Ken’s hands.
The prestigious ck card, valued at 300 million, was not something she epted lightly.
Far off in the distance, the mountains loomed dark against the night sky, their silhouettes shifting slightly as the trees swayed. But for Ken, it was always Allison’s face that stayed etched in his mind.
“Thank you, Ms. rke,” he said, sincerity in his voice.
Whether it was fate or coincidence, Allison’s choice to enter thepetition, concealing her identity and taking on such risks, meant something different to Ken. It subtly changed the dynamic between them.
Ken’s lips tightened into a thin line as he lowered his gaze, carefully opening the wooden box. Inside, resting softly, was a brilliant gemstone ne. Tiny diamonds framed arge ruby, each stone enhancing the other’s sparkle, creating a mesmerizing disy.
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