Chapter 242: Colton and Melany stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock. Keanu had never mentioned the jade before.

"This is mine to give," the old man scoffed coldly, his voice sharp and unwavering. "You think you can tell me what to do with my own possessions? You've bled me dry and nearly brought the Stevens Group to ruin. I don't care how you scrape by from now on, but I will repay Allison."

He opened the box and held the delicate piece of jade for everyone to see, his gaze sweeping across the room. "She saved my life, yet you all slandered her as if she were nothing. Clearly, in your eyes, my life doesn't hold much value."

After the fiasco of today's birthday celebration, it became painfully clear to Keanu that his so-called family were nothing more than a pack of ungrateful leeches. Taking a deep breath, he steadied his trembling hands and turned back to Allison.

"So, I'll give it to you, Allison. You've shown more honor than any of them. My only regret is being disappointed in every one of you!" His words landed like heavy blows, and despite the anxious glances exchanged across the room, no one dared to speak. They knew better than to challenge Keanu's decisions; once he set his mind on something, there was no turning back.

Allison furrowed her brow. "Keanu, this is too precious. I can't possibly accept it." Having grown up in an orphanage, she had rarely experienced such gestures of familial warmth. Keanu's generosity, paired with the significance of the jade, touched her deeply. Though she didn't lack material wealth, the thought that someone valued her enough to offer her such a treasured keepsake was overwhelming.

But Keanu merely placed the box firmly in her hands. "Take it. I know what you're capable of, and to me, you're worth far more than this Ruby Jade. Consider it my gift to you, for everything you've done for the Stevens family these years." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "This way, no matter who you choose in the future, you'll always have a standing of your own."

Keanu had long understood the harshness of society. As a divorced woman, Allison would face judgment and disdain from many. This gift was his way of giving her leverage—a declaration to everyone that, as long as he lived, no one would dare mistreat her.

Before Allison could protest further, Keanu looked sharply at his butler. "Why are you still standing there? See Allison and Mr. Lloyd out. I'd like to see who has the guts to trouble them!" His tone held an edge, more a command than a request.

The butler nodded immediately. "Yes, sir."

Allison barely managed a farewell as the butler led her and Kellan outside. "Ms. Clarke, Mr. Lloyd, it's best if you leave for now. Tonight's events have become chaotic, and Mr. Stevens is in no mood for you to witness more of this mess." It was clear that tonight would be a torturous night for the Stevens family.

Once outside, Allison and Kellan walked side by side in silence, the cool evening breeze washing over them. They passed a flowerbed, the scent of night-blooming flowers swirling in the air. Kellan finally broke the silence.

"Ms. Clarke, don't be troubled. Keanu still holds influence within the family. By giving you that jade, he's making a statement: he won't let something so precious fall into the hands of the unworthy."

"I know," Allison replied quietly, her gaze distant as if lost in thought. "I just feel like I'm letting him down. When I married Colton, Keanu was so happy. He hoped for a great-grandchild, someone to carry on the Stevens name." But their paths had diverged long ago. Her ties to the Stevens family were severed, and the Ruby Jade seemed like too heavy a gift to bear.

Kellan's gaze softened. "Trust me, Keanu doesn't see it that way. If anything, he's looking out for you, not the other way around."

A strand of Allison's hair fluttered loose in the wind. Without thinking, Kellan reached out and gently tucked it behind her ear. The movement was swift, almost instinctive, and he quickly withdrew his hand, his expression composed. "Sorry, there was a leaf," he murmured casually, though he could still feel the silkiness of her hair lingering on his fingertips. Kellan silently cursed himself for losing control around her more and more often.

But Allison seemed oblivious to his thoughts as she looked up at him, her eyes searching. "Mr. Lloyd, why did you agree to that request Keanu made earlier?"

Kellan swallowed, his face calm despite the sudden tension. "I simply think you're one of a kind." His answer was flawless.

Allison gave a faint smile before tilting her head slightly, as if considering something. "One more thing. I've never known Sherman to have any skills in video restoration. Besides, the Lloyd family doesn't typically associate with the Stevens family. So why did you attend the birthday banquet today?"

Of course, he came because of her, he thought silently. More than that, he'd been concerned that Colton and Melany, in their arrogance and stupidity, might pose a direct threat to her. But he knew better than to voice such concerns aloud. Allison was perfectly capable of handling them on her own.

"Actually, he doesn't have that skill. I was just taking a chance," Kellan replied smoothly. "It was obvious from Lindy and Melany's reactions that something wasn't right." He lifted his gaze, her reflection in his eyes. "And as for tonight's banquet… if I told you I came here because of you, would you believe me?"