Chapter 65:

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“Mr. Blakely, haven’t we already made our apologies? Why must we…” Colton began, his tone edging toward desperation, but Ferdinand silenced him with a raised hand.

“The matter of the competition has been addressed,” Ferdinand stated with an almost eerie coolness. “Apologizing is merely words, but disqualification? That’s a different beast altogether. My company has no room for moral missteps.”

His words were as sharp as a well-honed blade, yet delivered with the grace of a seasoned diplomat. Still, Colton felt an icy shiver crawl down his spine. He had never expected this suave, impeccably dressed man before him to be capable of such cold-blooded precision.

Ferdinand wasn’t just twisting the knife—he was burying it deep.

“Mr. Blakely, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. You can’t just…” Colton’s attempt to reason was swiftly cut off, as Ferdinand dismissed him with a glance that barely flickered. Without another word, Ferdinand beckoned to the security team.

Two hulking guards materialized in front of Colton as if they’d been waiting for this moment all along.

“Non-staff are not permitted to loiter in the lounge,” one of them intoned, his voice like gravel.

Before Colton or Melany could react, they were unceremoniously escorted to the door, their pride trailing behind them in tatters. The indignity of it all was like a slap in the face—one they weren’t soon to forget.

With them out of sight, Ferdinand’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “I didn’t anticipate the Scarlet Snake’s reputation for cunning and beauty would hold such truth. Even her companion is remarkable.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Remarkable? Are you talking about how I almost lunged at those two idiots a minute ago?”

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He chuckled softly. “Miss Green, I was referring to your fearless spirit.”

“You’ve got a silver tongue,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Allison hadn’t expected Ferdinand to be so down-to-earth, almost approachable, in the wake of all the drama. “Now that the competition is behind us, why don’t we take a little breather?” Ferdinand suggested, gesturing toward the elevator that led to the top-floor penthouse. The invitation hung in the air like an unspoken promise. The group—now four, accompanied by an entourage of guards—ascended to the penthouse, an island of luxury perched high above the bustling world below.

Once inside, Allison sank into the depths of a plush sofa, her eyes lingering on Kellan, who sat across from her. “I haven’t had the chance to thank you for stepping in earlier, Mr. Lloyd,” she began, her voice measured.

“Just doing my bit against injustice,” Kellan replied, his usual frostiness replaced with something warmer. His gaze rested on her for a moment longer than necessary, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. “Miss Clarke, you’ve surprised everyone. Who would’ve 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 searching for. But with so many eyes and ears around, she couldn’t dive into the mysteries of Charisma Company or ask about the clues that led back to her mother, not yet.

Kellan’s voice broke through her thoughts. “I wonder if you’ve given any more thought to the proposal we discussed? My niece, upon hearing I was hunting for a talented teacher, seemed quite pleased—though she’s still not talking to me.”

His niece, lost in her own world due to her autism, had found solace in pottery. Kellan hoped a teacher might draw her out, even if just a little.

And yet, something more lingered in the air—his interest in Allison wasn’t purely professional.

Their last encounter in Athton still gnawed at him, the effects of the poison she had used lingering within him. Even his trusted physician couldn’t identify the source, let alone treat it.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand’s grin widened, sensing the subtle but undeniable chemistry between them.

Rebecca arched an eyebrow and glanced at him. “So, Mr. Blakely, do you have any food here?”

“Of course,” he responded smoothly. “Shall we visit the kitchen?”

The two exchanged amused looks before slipping out, leaving Allison and Kellan alone.

Before departing, Rebecca shot 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 hummed between Rebecca and Ferdinand.

“You know,” Allison said, leaning slightly forward, “I’m less interested in your niece’s pottery lessons than I am in how you came to know such an intricate art as the Charisma perfume, Mr. Lloyd.”

Kellan took no offense at the shift in 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 had been searching for so long that giving up wasn’t an option.

“If you’re hoping to meet her, I’m afraid it’s too late,” Kellan answered with a calmness that belied the gravity of his words. “Six months ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She’s forgotten most things now and is receiving treatment in a care home.”

A pang of disappointment rippled through Allison, but she managed to keep her expression measured.

“That’s truly unfortunate. I’ve always wanted to meet her, as I have such a passion for perfume. It looks like that dream is fading now.”

Kellan’s eyes darkened slightly, his tone taking on an edge. “Most of the people who want to visit her now are either looking to snatch at her fortune or put an end to her entirely.”

His grandmother, Kinslee Lloyd, was a revered figure, but her illness had left her vulnerable, and opportunists were circling like vultures. Some had even gone so far as to plot her abduction.

“As it stands,” he continued, “only close family are permitted to see her.”

The subtlety in Allison’s words hadn’t escaped Kellan’s notice. He sensed there was more to her inquiries than simple admiration for perfume craftsmanship—secrets cloaked in every question she posed.

Allison smiled faintly, extending her hand to Kellan.

“I’m looking 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 get to chat with your grandmother during a moment of clarity.”

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