?<strong>Chapter 562:</strong>


    Allison smirked. “I expected more from you, Sherman. Your boss was right there, ying the game, and yet you had your eyes shut. Are you really that scared?”


    Sherman’s gaze darted nervously to Ken, whose expression remained unreadable. He faltered, “Mr. Lloyd… I didn’t mean any disrespect. It’s just… gambling scenes aren’t exactly familiar to me.”


    He paused, a grin breaking through as if remembering something amusing. “Besides, I knew Ms. rke was formidable, so I felt more at ease. Seeing her catch Amor cheating was priceless.”


    Ken, standing slightly apart, responded with detached amusement, “You must have plenty of time on your hands with all that chit-chat.”


    Sherman went silent. He cleared his throat. “Mr. Lloyd, I think it’s best if I take the cash and head back now.”


    He didn’t wait for a response, knowing Ken’s subtle tension was a sign to retreat. Sherman wasn’t clueless; he could read the barely perceptible tension simmering between Ken and Allison. Sensing that it was best not to intrude, he turned to the bodyguards trailing him. “You guys, follow me and head out first.”


    The road grew still as their footsteps faded, leaving only Ken and Allison in the moonlit silence.


    Allison broke the quiet, her voice measured and calm. “By the way, I owe you thanks, Mr. Lloyd, for your support today. You not only brought the cash but even agreed to sign that risky contract.”


    It wasn’t just any gesture; it was an act of profound trust. Even those bound by marriage might falter when faced with such high stakes. Yet Ken had stood by her without hesitation.


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    “It wasn’t much, Ms. rke. No need for thanks,” Ken said, his tone casual butyered. As he spoke, thoughts of his earlier encounter with Kylo at the casino resurfaced. His eyes held a contemtive gleam.


    “However, Mr. Vargas’ past isn’t easily mapped out. What we know is that his wealth spans continents, and hemands a formidable group of trained assassins.” There was more he didn’t say aloud. Kylo’s gaze earlier had held something else, an elusive expression when it lingered on Allison. It resembled the calcted patience of a predator biding its time before springing a trap. Ken recognized that feeling all too well because he was the same.


    “I did my homework,” Allison said, her eyes narrowing slightly. “He runs a casino in Fleeinnd. That’s why I’m determined to get close to Kylo. Through him, I intend to uncover the truth about the human experiments conducted on the ind.”


    Ken’s expression darkened further. He responded with a simple, “Alright,” but the depth behind it spoke volumes.


    A gentle breeze swept through, momentarily stirring the stillness that surrounded them, as if they were thest two people on earth. Despite her earlier bravado, victory left Allison with an unexpected weight on her chest. Knowing her mother was alive had brought relief, but the reasons behind her abandonment gnawed at her. This mystery had fueled Allison’s obsession for years.


    A sudden click split the silence as Ken flicked open his lighter, casting a brief, warm glow.


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