Chapter 78:

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Once Lorna and Allison wrapped up their work, Kellan extended a handkerchief to Allison.

“Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Clarke,” he remarked, recognizing the patience it took to manage a child. Even the slightest improvement felt like a flicker of hope.

Allison accepted the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her brow. Noticing the logo, she quipped, “This is a limited edition, isn’t it? You must have some serious connections to get your hands on one of these. If I remember correctly, it’s valued at around three thousand.”

Kellan raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You’ve got a sharp eye, Ms. Clarke. Looks like you know a thing or two about these treasures.”

“I just spotted it online,” Allison replied casually, then added with a playful smile, “But it seems you’ve been hiding your indulgences, Mr. Lloyd.”

Kellan shrugged it off. “It was a gift from a business deal. Nothing worth getting too excited over.”

Their playful banter brought them a little closer, and Kellan found himself intrigued by Allison.

After the lesson, he escorted her out, giving instructions to the elderly butler along the way. “Lorna’s spent a good chunk of the day sculpting. Make sure someone brings her some snacks. She’s active and gets hungry fast.”

As Allison made her way down the stairs, she took in the villa. This was one of the private residences on the Lloyd estate, tucked away behind woods and designed to reflect its owner’s tastes. The place exuded a lived-in charm, bursting with personal touches. A tall display cabinet showcased an array of perfumes, including rare, discontinued gems from renowned perfumers, hinting at a deep appreciation for the craft.

Overhearing Kellan’s exchange with the butler, Allison couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. The world painted Kellan as a heartless figure, yet here he was, showing a surprising level of care for a child.

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“Mr. Lloyd, there’s no need to escort me any further,” Allison said politely, turning to him. “I can find my way out.”

But as she turned, her gaze caught something — a necklace Kellan wore. He was dressed casually in a simple white shirt, the top button undone, revealing a necklace.

The necklace barely peeked out. The design — two intertwined serpents — looked eerily similar to a snake bracelet her mother had once worn. It seemed to belong to the same collection.

“I didn’t just come to see you off, Ms. Clarke. There’s another matter I’d like to discuss,” Kellan said, unaware of her subtle observation.

He spoke deliberately. “For years, I’ve battled relentless headaches. I’ve seen countless doctors, yet no one can pinpoint the source.”

His tone shifted slightly as he continued, “What’s peculiar is that the only relief I find comes from your perfume. The one you crafted by hand. It helps me unwind at night and improves my sleep. I’ve been on the hunt for Scarlet Snake for ages, and I never expected to find the perfumer right in front of me.”

Kellan chuckled to himself, recalling their first encounter when Allison had maintained a straight face while bluffing. He had detected the perfume’s scent and thought it might lead him somewhere. Who would have guessed that the creator was standing right there, leading him on such a winding path?

“Who knew you had such a knack for spotting talent, Mr. Lloyd?” Allison teased with a light laugh. “Most people choose their perfumes based on the brand, but you pick them based on the artist.” She hadn’t anticipated such a twist, but knowing her perfume could ease someone’s pain was gratifying.

Whether it was the formula or the technique that made the difference, she couldn’t quite tell.

“I’m genuinely interested in inviting you to join Charisma Company,” Kellan stated, his gaze steady. “With your skills, we could elevate the brand to new heights. Naturally, I’d be more than willing to pay handsomely for any perfumes you create.”

The collaboration he proposed was more than appealing. Charisma Company had already soared in the market, bolstered by media exposure and Kellan’s influence. Investors were flocking, driving the company’s stock higher.

If Allison came on board, it would be mutually beneficial. But for Kellan, her presence held even greater significance.

“Mr. Lloyd,” Allison chuckled softly, her tone light yet playful, “We’ve crossed paths so often now, and I’d like to think we’re friends. If my perfume can help with your migraines, that’s wonderful news for me as a perfumer. How could I possibly charge a friend for that?”

She added a teasing lilt to her voice and casually pointed at the necklace around his neck.

“Besides, why complicate things? I admire your necklace — it’s truly beautiful. Why not just give it to me as payment?”

This keeps the sentence structure and meaning intact while improving the flow. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!

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