Chapter 264: Ferdinand, more sensitive and suspicious than Kellan, couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with Allison.

"I heard she remained composed throughout today's crisis," Ferdinand began, his voice tinged with curiosity. "She located the killers quickly, and though she wasn't directly involved, she somehow disabled the bomb's remote control. That's not something just anyone can do."

Kellan shrugged nonchalantly. "She was a big help. Without her, the bomb would have detonated. She clearly controlled it remotely." A subtle undertone crept into his voice as he added, "It takes serious skill to crack codes that fast. Few hackers could pull that off."

He recalled Allison effortlessly restoring the firewall and repelling a cyberattack on the company's main servers. Even then, her abilities had surprised him. Who would have thought her talents extended beyond computers? She could disarm explosive devices as easily as she defused a petty argument.

"She's a master of deception," Kellan mused inwardly, his eyes narrowing. "Always keeping everyone guessing."

Ferdinand shrugged lightly. "True, she's secretive. In the past, you wouldn't have allowed someone so dangerous to get close."

"She is dangerous," Kellan replied, "but she's also incredibly fascinating."

Ferdinand smirked knowingly. "It's usually the intriguing ones who are the most lethal," he said, but let the matter drop. "Still, Ms. Clarke is unlike any other woman. If she'd truly wanted to kill you today, she wouldn't have saved your life."

The memory of the incident flashed through their minds. The kidnappers' intention had been clear: no one was meant to survive. Most people would have withdrawn, but Allison had chosen to stay, insisting on helping.

Ferdinand raised a playful eyebrow. "Could it be she's interested in you?"

Kellan paused, uncharacteristically silent. He'd tried to gauge Allison's intentions before, but she never gave a straightforward answer.

"Don't be ridiculous," he finally muttered, his voice low. "She's just looking out for Lorna."

Yet, as he spoke, frustration welled up inside him. Despite their shared vulnerability and intimacy, an invisible wall remained between them, a boundary neither could cross. He couldn't quite articulate the feeling, only that Allison harbored many secrets and could leave at any moment.

"Whatever you say," Ferdinand murmured, studying Kellan's expression. "But the two of you are difficult to decipher. Still, you're more than acquaintances—you're friends who've been through a lot together. People in high society readily celebrate a man's success, but few offer help when he stumbles. Risking one's life to save another is almost unheard of."

Ferdinands smile faded, his brow furrowing in sudden realization. "Those kidnappers weren't just mercenaries; they were professionals, willing to die for the job. That's not just loyalty or ethics… they knew failure meant death, and they were determined to take you down with them. It shows the mastermind is extremely ruthless. Such an opponent shouldn't be underestimated."

Kellan's gaze hardened. "Our enemy is ruthless and leaves no loose ends. This precision reminds me of someone."

"Anyone in mind?" Ferdinand asked.

"My half-brothers," Kellan replied.

Ferdinand's skepticism was evident. "Really? I doubt your half-brothers have the brains for something like this."

Kellan's expression darkened. "They might not, but they have plenty of support—especially from my father's mistresses. None of them are weak."

The irony was palpable. In their world, loyalty and fidelity were rare commodities. Perhaps that's why Kellan had distanced himself from women for so long, recoiling at their touch. Allison, however, was the exception.

"After today's failed attempt, whoever is behind it will be desperate," Kellan said, collecting his thoughts, his gaze turning icy. "It's only a matter of time before someone comes knocking."