Chapter 25:

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On the forum, high bounties filled the page. Allison didn’t miss a beat as she scoured the listings for information about the serpent bracelet, a search she’d conducted countless times before.

This forum boasted everything under the sun, but the serpent bracelet remained as elusive as a shadow at dusk. As expected, there were no fresh leads.

With a resigned sigh, Allison closed her laptop and took a deep breath.

To say she wasn’t disappointed would be a lie. The bracelet was the only memento her mother had left her, and it was also the only breadcrumb in her quest to uncover the truth about her parents. And then there was the Charisma Company.

Her fingers drummed lightly on the desk, a habitual gesture whenever she was deep in thought or felt restless.

Years ago, the enigmatic CEO of Charisma had submitted a fragrance to the International Perfumery Contest under the veil of anonymity. The scent was peculiar: cold and distant, yet cloaked in a delicate orchid aroma. The blend of icy and warm notes struck a chord with Allison, evoking memories of her mother’s signature style. She couldn’t believe it was mere coincidence. She wasn’t about to let this lead slip through her fingers.

“The fourth International Perfumery Competition, huh?” Allison murmured to herself, feeling the weight of exhaustion.

Competing meant putting herself in the spotlight, which was risky. But if it meant getting closer to the truth about her parents, she had no other choice.

She gazed out the window at the city lights, which blotted out the stars and left only a bright full moon hanging in the sky. It was clear she’d been working well into the night.

Stretching her arms, Allison decided it was time for a shower and some much-needed sleep. But as she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window, a troubling thought struck her.

Where was the necklace? Had she misplaced it?

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Frowning, she searched her memory. The last time she’d seen it was that night — the crazy night with Kellan. Since then, it had vanished.

Recalling the chaos of that night, when even her clothes had been torn to shreds, it wasn’t surprising that her necklace had gone missing too. Annoyed, she clenched her jaw and muttered, “That jerk!”

Fortunately, it was just a plain necklace, nothing of real value. No one could trace her through it.

In Athton on Saturday,

Emanuel shunned the hustle and bustle of city life, preferring the quiet of this quaint town where nearly every household dabbled in pottery. The earthy scent of clay filled the air, creating a soothing atmosphere.

His garden was a picture of serenity, with roses climbing over the pergola and sunlight filtering through the trees, casting a gentle, calming glow.

The first thing Allison noticed upon stepping into the yard was a man in a wheelchair surrounded by greenery. Kellan sat peacefully under the windowsill, with two cats curled up beside him. He was absorbed in shaping a delicate clay vase with his skilled hands.

Despite Kellan’s reputation as temperamental and intimidating, his striking appearance — sharp brows, piercing eyes, and chiseled features — was softened by the serene moment.

A small mole on his throat added an unexpected touch of sensuality.

At that moment, however, he exuded a calm and focused demeanor, the smooth clay morphing under his fingers, giving him an unexpectedly gentle presence.

Allison shook her head slightly, finding it hard to reconcile the words gentle and Kellan.

“Hello, Mr. Lloyd,” Allison greeted with a cool tone. After all, they had met once before, so she wasn’t too surprised to find him here, as Emanuel had mentioned.

Kellan had noticed her the moment she entered, but remained silent until she spoke. “Long time no see. Happy divorce, by the way.”

“Most people wouldn’t congratulate someone that way.”

“But for you, it’s a blessing in disguise,” Kellan remarked, his eyes still fixed on the clay as he wrestled with it. “After all, Colton was never a match for you!”

In his eyes, Colton was weak, unreliable, and lacked both judgment and taste.

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