Chapter 282: Then its a deal.
Allison figured it was nothing more than a wager with no clear end in sight.
After all, she was burdened with a treasure trove of secrets that Kellan would never fully uncover. Even the Cobweb operatives had failed to get a glimpse of her life after she walked away from school. Once she finished discussing the necklace, she shifted to another topic.
Lornas had a stroke of luck since the accident.
Floyd mentioned that with another six months of treatment, she could nearly be the girl she once was.
But after everything shes been through, she may not bounce back to being as vibrant as her peers.
Kellan reclined on the sofa, legs crossed.
His thin lips were slightly pursed, revealing faint marksevidence that hed been bittenalong with the lingering trace of blood.
Thats more than enough for me, he replied earnestly.
He had never imagined that Lorna would regain her ability to speak.
As he slipped the necklace back around his neck, he could still feel its warmth from Allisons touch.
Kellan had always been a whirlwind of unpredictability.
In recent years, his temper had soured, largely due to the chronic headaches that had plagued him.
This turmoil often left those around him trembling in fear.
Yet, amidst it all, the faint scent of Allison brought him an unexpected calm.
He was acutely aware of Allisons desire to meet his grandmother.
After discussing Lornas situation, he broached another subject.
Grandma has been in the nursing hfor a long time.
Her moments of clarity are becoming rare.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIf youre interested in learning about the past, Sherman can escort you there, Kellan said, his tone matter-of-fact. Ive already informed them.
You can visit without any issues.
Thank you, Mr.
Lloyd.
Allison felt utterly drained, especially after that kiss with Kellan moments ago.
It was as though he had drained the energy right out of her, leaving her exhausted.
Holding steady, she took a sip of her tea.
I hope her Alzheimers can be cured.
It might leadto find out what happened to my mother.
When Allison spoke, her tone was calm, almost stoic.
Years of crushing disappointments had taught her the value of managing expectations.
Yet, after searching for so long, she finally caught a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps she would uncover someone who knew her mother, and that thought brought her a measure of solace. Setting down her teacup, she asked, But why not bring her hfor treatment? Why send her to a nursing home? Her curiosity had always lingered.
Why would the Lloyd family choose to send a sick elderly woman to a nursing home? Regardless of how well- managed it was, it could never rival the comfort of being surrounded by family at home.
Considering Kellans sensitive and cautious nature, was he not worried about the potential for mishaps if she was out of his sight? Rumors had long circulated about various attempts to kidnap his grandmother over the years for a quick payday.
Grandmas situation isnt like Lornas.
After all, she is... Kellan paused, his dark eyes growing ice-cold.
She is my fathers mother.
He insisted she stay in the nursing hfrom the outset.
I have no idea what he told her back then, but whenever she was brought home, she would becagitated. Truth be told, if Kellan hadnt held significant shares and run his own companies, Brook would have likely let his illegitimate son Hoyt take over.
To Kellan, he had been fatherless for a long time.
Plus, if we brought Grandma hfor treatment, we wouldnt have the professional equipment or staff to provide proper care, even if she could be surrounded by family.
Kellan often found himself preoccupied with company affairs, leaving little tto care for Lorna, let alone his grandmother.
So, it made sense to leave the professional care in the hands of those who could provide it properly.
Allison grasped this immediately.
She didnt press him about the darkness in his eyes when he mentioned his father.
Every family had its shadows.
She nodded, replying, I will do my utmost to help your grandmother recover.
Kellan said nothing more.
I trust you.
He turned his gaze out the window, lost in thought.
Allison couldnt help but steal a glance at him.
He lowered his eyes, buttoning up his shirt, looking particularly distant.
Yet, his scabbed lips held a tinge of vulnerability.
It was hard to reconcile the image of him losing control over her wordsclaiming they were partners in business.
He had misinterpreted her intention as a desire to distance herself from him.
Allison studied Kellans well-built physique under his fitted shirt and remarked thoughtfully, You performed exceptionally well at the racing competition.
No one would ever guess you had been in a wheelchair for years.
You must have often participated in these competitions in private, right? Though it was a question, her tone carried an air of certainty.
Its merely a hobby.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmI didnt perform exceptionally well.
My younger brother is a real racing prodigy.
I cant hold a candle to him.
As Kellan mentioned his biological younger brother, his demeanor M softened, and the tension eased into something lighter. But I didnt expect you to be so impressive, Ms.
Clarke.
Allison was taken aback, wondering if she had overthought the situation.
However, his tone carried a warmth that was hard to ignore.
Two competitors caused a ruckus that affected your performance.
If they hadnt intervened, Mr.
Lloyd, you would have claimed the championship.
I was just lucky, she said modestly.
Neither of them revealed much as they tested the waters, circling each other like wary lions.
The wager seemed to have begun, though it was clear neither was m ever ther willing to fully reveal their strategy just yet. They were evenly matched in skill, each holding back just enough to keep the other guessing.
You were the champion, Ms.
Clarke.
I am convinced, Kellan said with a casualness that masked the intensity of the moment.
When their eyes locked, Kellan felt the unspoken tension between them.
They were playing a gof chess, each move calculated each of them striving to unveil the others secrets. The thrill of anticipation simmered in the air, a delicate dance of hidden cards and untold truths.