FREE NOVEL DRAMA Chapter 65
“Mr.
Blakely, haven’t we already apologized? Why do we have to…” Colton began, his tone bordering on desperation, but Ferdinand silenced him with a raised hand.
"The matter of the competition has already been dealt with," said Ferdinand with an almost disturbing coldness.
"Apologising is just words, but disqualification? That's another matter entirely.
In my company there is no room for moral errors.
"
His words were as sharp as a well-honed blade, but delivered with the grace of a seasoned diplomat.
Still, Colton felt a chill run down his spine.
He had never imagined that the suave, impeccably dressed man was capable of such ruthless precision.
Ferdinand was not just twisting the knife, he was burying it deep.
“Mr.
Blakely, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.
You can’t just…” Colton’s attempt at reasoning was quickly cut short as Ferdinand dismissed him with a look that barely flickered.
Without another word, Ferdinand motioned to the security team.
Two burly guards materialized in front of Colton as if they had been waiting for this moment all along.
"No one but staff is allowed to wander around the room," one of them intoned, his voice gravelly.
Before Colton or Melany could react, they were unceremoniously escorted out the door, their pride in tatters.
The indignity of it all was like a slap in the face they would soon forget.
As they were out of sight, Ferdinand's lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
"I didn't expect the Scarlet Snake's reputation for cunning and beauty to be so true.
Even her companion is extraordinary.
"
Rebecca rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
“Remarkable? Are you talking about how I almost pounced on those two idiots a minute ago?”
He laughed softly.
“Miss Green, I was referring to your intrepid spirit.
”
“You have a silver tongue,” she murmured, shaking her head.
Allison hadn’t expected Ferdinand to be so down-to-earth, almost approachable, after all the drama.
“Now that we’ve put the competition behind us, why don’t we take a breather?” Ferdinand suggested, gesturing toward the elevator that led to the penthouse.
The invitation hung in the air like an unspoken promise.
The group—now four, accompanied by an entourage of guards—went up to the penthouse, an island of luxury set high above the bustling world below.
Once inside, Allison sank into the depths of a plush couch, her eyes lingering on Kellan, who sat across from her.
“I haven’t had a chance to thank you for stepping in earlier, Mr.
Lloyd,” she began, her voice measured.
“Just doing my part against injustice,” Kellan replied, his usual coolness replaced by something warmer.
His gaze lingered on her a moment longer than necessary, a flash of something unspoken passing between them.
“Miss Clarke, you’ve surprised everyone.
Who would have thought you were a legend in the world of perfumery?” There was curiosity in his words, though not without admiration.
Allison, equally intrigued by him, felt the pull of her own questions.
She had stumbled upon him unexpectedly: the man she had been looking for.
But with so many eyes and ears around her, she couldn't delve into the mysteries of the Charisma Company or ask for the clues that led her to her mother, not yet.
Kellan’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“I wonder if you’ve given any further thought to the proposal we discussed.
My niece, upon hearing that I was looking for a talented teacher, seemed quite pleased… though she still won’t speak to me.
”
His niece, lost in her own world due to her autism, had found solace in pottery.
Kellan hoped a teacher could bring her out of it, if only for a little while.
However, there was something else in the air: his interest in Allison was not purely professional.
Their last encounter at Athton still gnawed at him, and the effects of the poison she had used lingered within him.
Not even his trusted physician could identify the source, let alone treat it.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand's smile widened, sensing the subtle but undeniable chemistry that existed between them.
Rebecca raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
“So, Mr.
Blakely, do you have food here?”
“Of course,” he replied softly.
“Shall we visit the kitchen?”
The two exchanged amused glances before slipping away, leaving Allison and Kellan alone.
Before leaving, Rebecca gave Allison a playful wink, as if to say, "I see what's going on here.
"
Allison couldn't help but stifle a laugh, inwardly acknowledging that the same flirtatious energy was buzzing between Rebecca and Ferdinand.
“You know,” Allison said, leaning forward slightly, “I’m less interested in your niece’s pottery lessons than in how you came to know such an intricate art as Charisma perfume, Mr.
Lloyd.
”
Kellan didn’t take offense at the change of conversation.
Instead, he smiled, a genuine expression crossing his face.
“My grandmother was my teacher.
”
“Is she… still with us?” Allison’s brow furrowed, determination flickering beneath her words.
She’d been searching for so long that giving up wasn’t an option.
“If you’re waiting to meet her, I’m afraid it’s too late,” Kellan replied, his calmness belying the gravity of his words.
“She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six months ago.
She’s forgotten most things now and is receiving treatment in a nursing home.
”
A pang of disappointment ran through Allison, but she managed to keep a measured expression.
"It's a real shame.
I've always wanted to meet her, because I'm passionate about perfumes.
It seems that dream is fading away now.
"
Kellan’s eyes darkened slightly and his tone took on a nuance.
“Most of the people who want to visit her now are looking to rob her of her fortune or wipe her out entirely.
”
Her grandmother, Kinslee Lloyd, was a revered figure, but her illness had left her vulnerable, and opportunists stalked her like vultures.
Some had even plotted to kidnap her.
"As things stand," he continued, "only close family members can see her.
"
The subtlety of Allison's words hadn't escaped Kellan's attention.
He sensed there was more to her questions than just admiration for the craftsmanship of perfume: there were secrets hidden in every question she asked.
Allison smiled weakly and held out her hand to Kellan.
“I look forward to working with you, Mr.
Lloyd.
After all, as your niece’s future mentor, it seems I’m almost part of the family now.
Perhaps one day I’ll be able to chat with your grandmother in a moment of clarity.
”