Chapter 266
"I didn't mean it that way," Jim stammered. Despite everything, the unspoken hierarchy was clear. Hoyt, though illegitimate, was still a Lloyd; Jim, a mere butler, held no such status.
A graceful woman in an exquisite, traditional dress stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Jim's shoulder. "Don't take it to heart, Jim. Hoyt sometimes lets his emotions get the better of him, especially when it concerns Lorna."
Nova, with flawless makeup and a serene expression, radiated elegance. Dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, tears brimmed in her gaze. "Why does Lorna have to endure so much suffering? Have they caught the kidnappers yet? Was it for money, or do they bear a grudge against us?" From the moment Nova appeared, she hadn't acknowledged Allison's presence. Her questions hung in the air, met with uncomfortable silence. Most of the Lloyds still harbored contempt for Allison, viewing her as a homewrecker.
"Why is no one answering?" Hoyt barked impatiently, his irritation rising. "My mother is genuinely concerned about Lorna! Why is everyone standing around like statues? And where the hell is Kellan?" Only after his outburst did he notice Allison. His gaze lingered on her, a sly, almost mocking smile creeping onto his lips. "You must be Ms. Clarke—the one Kellan's been chasing around lately."
Hoyt narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her as if dissecting a rare specimen. Allison's striking features and calm demeanor gave her an air of aloofness. He already knew she was a divorcée, yet she had managed to attract both Kellan's and Colton's attention, which spoke volumes.
"I'm Hoyt. If you ever need anything, Ms. Clarke, feel free to come to me. Anytime." His gaze swept boldly over her face before he added, "After all, compared to Kellan, who we all know is a cripple, I'm far more… capable."
Nova's expression instantly darkened. Her eyes, so recently filled with concern, turned ice-cold at her son's reckless comment. While others might not have fully grasped the insinuation, Nova understood its inappropriate depth. Idiot, she muttered inwardly, suppressing the urge to lash out. Maintaining her composed smile, she tightened her grip on Hoyt's wrist, a silent warning.
He turned to Allison. "Ms. Clarke has indeed been a great benefactor to both Lorna and Kellan. I heard that if it hadn't been for your quick thinking, the kidnapper would have detonated the explosives. You must let us know if you need anything in return." A subtle challenge underlay her tone. "I never imagined you'd be so… resourceful."
Back during the racing competition, Nova had orchestrated a plan to incapacitate Kellan. But when he hadn't shown up, she redirected her efforts toward Allison, knowing Kellan wouldn't stay away long. The distraction should have allowed them to abduct Lorna from the VIP room undetected. But who could have predicted Allison would hack the bomb's remote control and neutralize it?
Unfazed, Allison met Nova's gaze with a calm smile. "As capable as I may seem, I'm nowhere near your level. After all, the whole incident was kept under such tight wraps; very few even knew I was the one who cracked the remote control device." Allison's smile deepened as her eyes locked onto Nova's. "I have to say, I'm in awe of your abilities. But tell me—what were you and Hoyt doing that day?" Though her lips remained curved in a polite smile, her gaze was sharp, cold, and calculating—like a blade ready to strike.