Chapter 45:

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“I have a niece,” Kellan began, his voice softening. “She’s incredibly bright and charming, though she has autism. Her sole passion is pottery.”

Allison noticed the fleeting softness in Kellan’s usually steely expression as he spoke of his niece. It was a rare glimpse of tenderness from the man known for his ruthlessness, and it stirred a complex mix of emotions within her, leaving her momentarily unsettled. As an orphan who had always navigated life alone, Allison found herself unexpectedly reflecting on her own experiences in light of Kellan’s vulnerability.

“I’ve seen your talent, Ms. Clarke,” Kellan continued, his tone still as cool as a business negotiation. “I’d like you to teach my niece pottery. In exchange, I can offer you substantial assistance.” He spoke with a clinical detachment, as though discussing a mere business transaction rather than matters of life and death. “My resources could be of great help. No matter how skilled you are, some things require a more official touch, don’t you agree?”

Allison’s brow furrowed. She was acutely aware of the Lloyd family’s extensive influence in both the business and political spheres. Their aid could indeed open many doors for her.

With a smirk, Allison crossed her arms. “So, is this your roundabout way of pleading for your life?”

“Not exactly.” Kellan met her gaze with a sharp, knowing look as if he could see right through her. “You weren’t aiming to kill me, were you? If you had truly wanted me dead, you would have acted without hesitation. Your moment of indecision gave you away. Since we’re both cautious, why not collaborate? It could be mutually beneficial.”

“You really don’t know when to quit, do you? Quite the businessman,” Allison remarked, her tone indicating a reluctant agreement.

With a deft motion, she reclaimed the blade from him and, with a flick of her wrist, tore the bandages around his hand.

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“Let me handle that wound as a gesture of goodwill,” she offered.

Kellan eyed the small bottle she produced, raising an eyebrow. Did this woman carry a full medical kit with her? It was impressive how she seemed to have everything she needed on hand.

“You’re a man with an army of bodyguards. Of course, you don’t carry these things around. But I’ve always been in the habit of being prepared. It’s a survival instinct for people like me,” she replied with a hint of amusement.

“Open your mouth,” Allison instructed, gently gripping Kellan’s chin and placing a red pill in his mouth as she applied the ointment and rewrapped his hand. Her movements were precise, and her intuition seemed almost telepathic, as though she were in tune with his thoughts.

Carrying bandages and medicine had become more than just a precaution for her; it was a deeply ingrained habit, born from years of survival.

“What is this?” Kellan asked, swallowing the pill. Though he suspected it was an antibiotic, his curiosity got the better of him.

“Poison,” Allison said with a mischievous smile, her eyes glinting with a touch of humor.

Kellan’s body tensed in shock.

Allison chuckled, noticing his slightly stunned expression as she packed up her supplies. “Ever heard the saying, ‘Better safe than sorry,’ Mr. Lloyd? How can I be sure your niece even exists? And what if you decide to send your guards after me once we’re out of here? It would be a shame to save you only to be betrayed later.”

She flashed him a reassuring smile. “That’s why I gave you the poison — to add a layer of trust to our deal. Don’t worry, I have the antidote.”

Kellan leaned back with a lazy grin, amusement gleaming in his eyes. “Now that I’ve been properly poisoned, perhaps you can tell me: who are you?”

He wasn’t sure how many times this woman could astonish him. With her cold, detached exterior, Allison had an edge that was both sharp and unyielding. She wasn’t just calculated; there was something almost primal about her.

Carrying bandages and medicine made sense for someone focused on survival, but poison?

That was something entirely different. No one had ever dared to push Kellan this far or put him in such a precarious situation.

His heart raced uncontrollably, adrenaline surging through him. It was a thrill not even the most extreme sports could match.

This was fascinating. What kind of life had shaped Allison into the person she was today?

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