?<strong>Chapter 637:</strong>


    She never expected that yearster, she would meet her idol again.


    Allison’s expression softened as she studied the girl’s face and recalled the incident. “I remember. You wore ck-rimmed sses and had bangs covering your eyes. Someone knocked over your perfume on purpose.”


    Allison’s eyes traveled over Marianne’s pale yellow dress. “It suits you even better now,” she said, her words gentle. “Keep up the good work.”


    Marianne nodded, beaming. “Thank you, Ms. rke! I won’t disappoint you!”


    Allison smiled. “Good.”


    As Marianne’s cheerful energy lifted her spirits, Allison refocused on her work. With an uing trip to Vrining, she wanted to get ahead on the tasks piling up on her desk. By the time she looked up, it was nearly lunchtime.


    Marianne was just about to invite Allison to the cafeteria when a stir at the door interrupted them.


    “Everyone, get ready! Mr. Lloyd is here for an inspection!” the manager called, barely able to contain his excitement. Theb froze for a moment before erupting with chatter.


    “No way! Mr. Lloyd, in person?”


    “The CEO rarely stops by R&D. Is something wrong?”


    “If I’d known, I’d have put on makeup this morning!”


    The manager pped his hands, urging everyone to focus. “Mr. Lloyd will be here in two minutes. Hurry and tidy up!”


    As people scrambled to straighten their workspaces, Allison remained calm, sorting through her perfume data with unhurried focus.


    Marianne was about to nudge her when a gust of air swept through the room, silencing the crowd.


    “Mr. Lloyd, you’re… early?” the manager stammered, greeting him with a nervous smile.


    Ken didn’t acknowledge him. Instead, he directed everyone, “Continue with your work,” as he strode purposefully toward Allison.


    The manager’s heart skipped a beat.


    Oh no!


    Allison was the star of theirb — what if Mr. Lloyd criticized her? But his concern melted when he saw Ken, who usually maintained a stoic expression, nce at Allison with a rare, subtle smile.


    “It seems your experiment is two phases in,” he noted.


    Allison shrugged. “Well, since I’m getting paid, I ought to show some results.”


    Their brief, familiar exchange left everyone around them stunned.


    “Are Ms. rke and Mr. Lloyd… close?”


    “I heard he pursued her openly but was rejected. Is that true?”


    “Maybe he just appreciates her talent?”


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