Chapter 265

Half a month later, Allison visited Lorna, hoping to also discuss important matters with Kellan. Jim greeted her at the entrance with a bright smile. "Ms. Clarke, you're finally here!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to usher her in. "Both Mr. Lloyd and Lorna have missed you terribly, especially Mr. Lloyd. He's been wearing that perfume you gave him almost every day."

Allison replied with a small, helpless smile. "Jim, that's only because the scent helps with his headaches."

Jim's grin widened. "Even so, it's all thanks to your wonderful creation. How's Lorna doing?"

Allison asked gently, her eyes softening. Jim opened the door to the main hall. "She's improving. She can say a few words now, though slowly. She's made quite a bit of progress since last time." He paused, turning to look at her with a more serious expression. "Ms. Clarke, we're all grateful for what you did that day. If it hadn't been for you, both Mr. Lloyd and Lorna they might not have made it." Though Jim hadn't been present, he'd pieced everything together from reports, understanding how close it had been. Even the slightest mistake by Allison could have had disastrous consequences.

Allison offered a modest smile. "I was just lucky."

In the hall, she saw Floyd carefully assisting Lorna with her medicine. His movements were gentle and calming. As soon as he saw her, his composed expression brightened. "Allison! You finally made it!" He waved her over, his white coat accentuating his tall, lean frame. The gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose gave him an air of refined elegance. "Lorna's been looking forward to seeing you."

Allison followed his gaze to Lorna, who had wide, dark eyes. As soon as Lorna spotted her, she struggled to her feet, stumbling toward Allison with outstretched arms. Hearing Lorna hesitantly say, "Al Allison", tugged at Allison's heartstrings. Lorna had been withdrawn, rarely responding, but after the kidnapping, she'd begun to speak, though she was still far from fluent.

Allison quickly scooped her up. "Lorna, sweetheart." The girl's face crumpled, and she burst into tears, her small body trembling. It was as if she were releasing years of pent-up fear and confusion. She clung to Allison tightly, sobbing until her strength gave out, then continued in soft whimpers.

"I'm here," Allison murmured gently, rubbing Lorna's back. "I'm not going anywhere."

The kidnapping had been a turning point for Lorna. The gunfire and chaos seemed to have stirred fragments of buried memories. Despite her fear, she had bitten a kidnapper's hand, saving herself. It was as if she'd found courage amidst the terror, perhaps fearing something might happen to Kellan. This spurred her to break through her psychological barriers.

Now, Lorna's large eyes, still brimming with tears, stared up at Allison with a pleading expression. She tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. Even in her dazed state, she sensed Allison's kindness.

"It's okay, Lorna. You're doing amazing. Take your time," Allison encouraged softly, patting her head. "You've already made so much progress. If you keep working with the doctors, you'll get even better. I promise."

"Okay," Lorna whispered, burying her face against Allison's shoulder. She had been terrified Allison would disappear like her father.

As Allison comforted Lorna, she glanced at Floyd. "Is Kellan around? I need to discuss something with him." There was a slight edge to her tone, a hint of preoccupation. For two weeks, she'd been investigating the mastermind behind the kidnapping, and all clues pointed to one of the Lloyd family's illegitimate sons.

Floyd replied, his gaze flickering with something akin to jealousy, though his smile remained warm. "Kellan's out getting a clay doll for Lorna. He should be back any minute now." He was perceptive enough not to pry; he sensed the importance of Allison's discussion with Kellan.

"Alright," Allison said, nodding slightly. "I'll wait."

She had barely finished speaking when the door swung open with a loud bang. Jim's anxious, strained voice trailed in from the hallway. "You can't enter without an appointment—"

A man's voice, dripping with derision, cut him off. "An appointment? Who are you to say who's allowed into the Lloyd family home? My mother and I are here to see my dear brother and Lorna. Even Father didn't object, so why are you trying to block us?" Hoyt stepped in, a sneer twisting his expression.