Chapter 111

A month had passed, and Allison was spending increasing amounts of time with Lorna. Their bond had grown stronger, an unspoken but deeply felt connection.

"Lorna, you're doing great, but try to control your movements a little more," Allison said, gently taking Lorna's wrist and guiding her hand. "You need to apply more pressure with your wrist, like this."

In the past, their lessons had always taken place in the cold sculpture studio. Now, however, Lorna often invited Allison to her bedroom—a sure sign of her growing trust. Allison knew how difficult it was for Lorna to let others in, making this progress significant.

"Perfect, just like that," Allison encouraged warmly.

Not far away, Kellan, sitting in his wheelchair, watched them silently, a slight smile playing on his lips. When Lorna flawlessly completed her exercise, she looked at Allison with wide, shining eyes, silently seeking praise. Allison smiled and gently stroked Lorna's head. "Lorna, that was wonderful."

The Lloyd family had been very courteous to Allison over the past month. Unfortunately, Kellan hadn't yet uncovered any significant information, only a few trivial details. Still, he understood that even the smallest clues could be vital, especially regarding his mother's situation. Patience was his best ally.

At the end of the lesson, Kellan mused aloud, "I believe today is Colton and Melany's wedding."

"You're sure you don't want to attend, Miss Clarke?"

Allison barely raised her head, replying playfully, "Mr. Lloyd, we harbor no deep grudges. However, you really shouldn't bring up such an unpleasant event just to irritate me."

"It was just a joke," Kellan laughed, relieved by her reaction.

They shared a light laugh. Kellan had learned much about Allison's past, and it was still difficult for him to imagine her once hiding her wit and talent, playing the role of a docile housewife to a man like Colton. Colton must have meant a great deal to her. But now, seeing her calm and indifferent, Kellan knew any lingering feelings he might have harbored were long gone.

At Colton and Melany's wedding, the atmosphere was far from festive; instead, it was rife with murmurs. Guests mingled to the sound of wedding music, exchanging barbed remarks behind polite smiles.

"Since his divorce, Colton's career has taken a nosedive," one guest whispered mockingly. "The Green family cut ties with him, and even Mr. Lloyd has blacklisted him from his stores. Offending two important families at once...that takes guts."

Another guest chimed in smugly, "The Stevens family is a mess. Just as Colton's getting married, his father shows up with a young secretary. Poor Lindy must be furious. Colton's gone crazy for that woman. What's so special about Melany? Not even her grandfather bothered to show up. And I heard this bride's been married before. Now that the Stevens family is on the rise again, she comes crawling back."

They exchanged a knowing look. "You know why he's back now."

Their gossip was interrupted by a high-pitched, authoritative voice from across the room. "Do you know what kind of place this is? And how you got invited to my daughter's wedding? If I looked like you, I'd be ashamed to leave the house!"

Francene, already intoxicated, rebuked a waitress with petulant indignation. Her insults caused several guests to frown, but she was too drunk to notice. "Do they know who my son-in-law is? He's the heir to the Stevens Group, and you dare serve this garbage at his wedding?"

Across the room, Lindy's expression hardened with embarrassment. When curious eyes turned to her, she forced a smile and approached Francene, gently taking her arm. "Francene, you don't need to make a scene. If the service isn't to your liking, tell the manager, and they'll fix it," he said quietly, attempting to maintain decorum. "There's no need to get angry."

But Francene, seeing the young waitress, only grew angrier, remembering how Rebecca and Allison had humiliated her over the dress incident. Fueled by alcohol and rage, her temper flared uncontrollably. "I'm fine! I have the build of a horse. A little tantrum won't hurt me!"

Lindy's smile faltered. This fool clearly didn't understand his attempt at appeasement. Before he could respond, Colton's father's secretary let out a sheepish laugh, clearly unfazed by Lindy's growing frustration. "Mrs. Johnson has...an innocent charm, doesn't she?"

Lindy's glare could have frozen water. The woman was clearly trying to escalate the argument. But before Lindy could react, Francene burst into laughter, seemingly pleased with the comment. "Of course! I've always been kind and pure!"

Lindy was speechless. What an ignorant nouveau riche woman!