Chapter 128

"Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Carman," Allison said with a polite smile, putting away Rodrigo's business card. "But my skills are modest. I'm not qualified to work for a company like yours. Besides, I'm helping a friend at Carisma and can't leave now."

Rodrigo, an astute businessman, understood immediately. He smiled and politely withdrew his offer. "Thank you for your hard work, Miss Clarke."

Allison returned to Carisma without delay. A mountain of work awaited: creating 500 handmade perfume bottles in a single day. The team was already working overtime.

"How many bottles have we finished?" Rodrigo asked upon entering.

"Two hundred, so far," someone replied.

"Great. Let's finish the rest together. It's been a long day, but the client is satisfied, the complaint is withdrawn, and everyone will get a bonus!" Allison announced, her voice encouraging.

The exhausted team rallied at the news. Allison worked alongside them, her efficiency impressive. She assembled bottles much faster than others, her talent and leadership evident.

"It's clear you're not just here because of connections," one team member commented. Their smiles became genuine, their compliments sincere. "Ms. Clarke, you truly are the legendary Scarlet Serpent! You're incredibly talented. You can smell the ingredients and know the perfect combination. Without you, we'd be lost!" Another added, "You don't need to do this alone. We'll help."

Meanwhile, Marc simmered in frustration. His poor behavior was an open secret, fueling silent disdain. Allison's effortless leadership only heightened his embarrassment.

At one in the morning, the last bottle was sealed. The exhausted but proud team said their goodnights.

"Good night, Mrs. Clarke. See you tomorrow," they said.

Allison stayed behind, tidying the lab. She found a small jar of candy and a note from Aimee, the shy assistant: "Are you working hard all day? I didn't want to bother you, but don't forget to eat some candy to avoid a sugar crash! :)"

Allison smiled. Aimee, usually shy and quiet, was surprisingly thoughtful.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled, followed by a flash of lightning. Torrential rain poured outside. Allison, having just finished cleaning, realized she’d forgotten her umbrella.

"Great," she murmured. "I guess I'll wait." She sat down, intending to rest, but fell asleep almost instantly.

Upstairs, Kellan had just finished signing contracts. Noticing the lights still on in the lab, he checked his watch. "Strange. Everyone should be gone by now. Maybe someone forgot to turn off the lights."

He went to the lab and found Allison asleep at the table. Her usually sharp features were softened by sleep. Kellan's expression softened. He took off his jacket to cover her.

"This rain isn't going to stop anytime soon. You're going to catch a cold," he murmured.

Before the jacket touched her, Allison's hand shot out, grasping his wrist. Kellan smiled. "Even asleep, you're on guard, Miss Clarke. You're certainly not like the others."

Allison, realizing her reaction was unnecessary, released his wrist.

"I'm a light sleeper," she said. "And you, Mr. Lloyd, the CEO, shouldn't be here this late. Working late isn't healthy."

He laughed. "I could say the same about you, sleeping in the lab with all the equipment gone. You're not worried about a cold."

Allison sighed, gazing at the rain. "My car is across the street—a ten-minute walk in this downpour. I planned to rest, but I fell asleep instead."

Kellan offered, "You've worked hard today. My car is downstairs. I can take you home, if you like."

Allison nodded. "That would be great. Thank you."

Note from Tac-K: Have a nice morning, dear little people. God loves you, and Tac-K loves you very much. (=◡=) /