Chapter 65:Mr.
Blakely, we haven't already made our apologies.
Why do we have to.
Colton began, in a tone that bordered on desperation, but Ferdinand silenced him by raising his hand.
The matter of the competition has already been dealt with, Ferdinand said with an almost disturbing coldness.
Apologizing is just words, but disqualification is another story.
There is no room for moral errors in my company.
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 this smooth, 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.
He can't just—" Colton's attempt at reasoning was quickly interrupted, as Ferdinand dismissed him with a barely
blinking look.
Without saying anything else, 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 other than staff is allowed to loiter in the room, one intoned.
of them, in a gravelly voice.
Before Colton or Melany could react, they were unceremoniously escorted to the door, their pride in tatters.
The indignity of it all was like a slap in the face that they would soon forget.
When they were out of sight, Ferdinand's lips formed a small, knowing smile.
He did not expect the Scarlet Serpent's reputation for cunning and beauty to be so true.
Even his partner is extraordinary.
Rebecca rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
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Remarkable.
You're talking about how | almost pounced on those two idiots a minute ago.
He laughed softly.
Miss Green, | meant your fearless spirit.
You have a silver tongue, she murmured, shaking her head.
Allison didn't expect Ferdinand to be so down-to-earth, almost approachable, after all the .
Now that we've put the competition behind us, why don't we take a break, Ferdinand suggested, pointing to 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 - ascended to the penthouse, an island of luxury
situated high above the bustling world below.
Once inside, Allison sank into the depths of a plush couch, her eyes widening.
They stopped at Kellan, who sat across from her.
"I haven't had a chance to thank you for intervening earlier, Mr.
Lloyd," he began, his voice measured.
"I'm just doing my part against injustice," Kellan responded, his usual coldness 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 have surprised everyone.
Who would have thought that you were a legend in the world of perfumery.
There was curiosity in his words, although not without admiration.
Allison, equally intrigued by him, felt the attraction 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.
| wonder if you've thought again about the proposal we discussed.
My niece, upon finding out that | was looking for a talented teacher, seemed quite happy.
although she still won't talk to me.
Her niece, lost in her own world due to her autism, had found solace in ceramics.
Kellan hoped that a professor could get her out of there, even just a little.
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 that she had used lingered inside
her.
Not even his trusted doctor could identify the source, much less 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.
"Then, Mr.
Blakely, you have food here.
" Of course, he replied softly.
We visited 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, | see what's going on here.
Allison couldn't help but suppress a laugh, internally recognizing that the sflirtatious energy hummed
between Rebecca and Ferdinand.
You know, Allison said, leaning forward slightly, “I'm less interested in your niece's pottery classes than in how
you got there to learn an art as intricate as Carisma perfume, Mr.
Lloyd.
” Kellan was not offended by the change in conversation.
Instead, he smiled, a genuine expression crossing his face.
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My grandmother was my teacher.
She... is still with us.
Allison's brow furrowed, determination flickering beneath her words.
He had been searching for so long that giving up was not an option.
If you hope to meet her, I'm afraid it's too late, Kellan responded with a calmness that belied the gravity of his
words.
Six months ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Now he's forgotten most things 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.
| have always wanted to meet her, because | am passionate about perfumes.
It seems that dream is fading now.
Kellan's eyes darkened slightly and his tone took on a hue.
Most people who want to visit her now seek to take her fortune or wipe it out entirely.
Her grandmother, Kinslee Lloyd, was a revered figure, but her illness had left her vulnerable, and opportunists
stalked her like vultures.
Shad even gone so far as to plot her kidnapping.
As things stand, he continued, “only close relatives can see her.
” Kellan had not missed the subtlety of Allison's words.
She sensed that there was more to her questions than just admiration for the craftsmanship of perfume: secrets
hidden in every question she asked.
Allison smiled weakly and extended her hand to Kellan.
| look forward to working with you, Mr.
Lloyd.
After all, as your niece's future mentor, it seems like I'm almost part of the family now.
Maybe one day he will be able to chat with his grandmother in a moment of clarity.