Chapter 267
That day, on the golf course, despite Nova's sharp wit, a chill crept up her spine as her gaze met Allison's. She squinted, her smile strained, as if forced through a keyhole. Had I known things would turn out this way, I would have been there, she thought. Behind the smile, however, Nova's thoughts dripped with sarcasm.
Allison was just a girl, a mere slip of a thing, yet she somehow sent shivers down Nova's spine. How utterly absurd! No matter how hardened Allison appeared, she was still an orphan.
Hoyt shot Allison a disdainful look. "Ms. Clarke," he said, "I know you're working for Kellan's company, but that doesn't give you the right to interfere in our business. If you're smart, you and Jim will step aside. My mother and I are here to see Lorna." It was clear he wasn't suggesting; he was demanding.
Hoyt moved toward Lorna, intending to snatch her from Allison's arms. "Come here, Lorna. Let Uncle Hoyt hold you." But Lorna, trembling, buried her head deeper into Allison's neck, clearly refusing.
Allison narrowed her eyes and pushed his hands away. "Lorna's not in the best mood right now. She seems afraid of you. I'd suggest stepping back before you scare her more."
Hoyt laughed bitterly. "What's so scary about me? Allison, don't overplay your hand!" As Hoyt's temper flared, Floyd appeared, gripping his wrist firmly.
"Lorna's just recovering. She needs rest, not a circus. Don't make a scene," Floyd said, his smile bright, but his grip tightening like a vice. "Mr. Hoyt Lloyd, must I spell this out for you? As a doctor, I hate encountering troublesome family members of my patients." He was worried Hoyt and Nova weren't there to visit Lorna, but to cause distress, potentially worsening her condition.
Nova, appearing genuinely concerned, intervened. "Hoyt, I know you care about Lorna, but right now, following the doctor's advice is most important. Don't cause any more trouble." She looked at Floyd, frowning, trying to sound concerned. In reality, Nova's gaze kept flicking to Lorna, assessing her injuries and progress.
Turning to Floyd with a polite smile, she said, "You must be Dr. Floyd Pierce from MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute, right? I've heard a great deal about your work. But I hope you don't take this the wrong way—we're family, after all. We just want to make sure Lorna is alright."
Though Floyd's demeanor was warm and open, his words were sharp. "Lorna's recovery is on track. If you don't have anything of substance to add, I suggest you leave. Let's not delay her treatment." As one of the top experts in mental health, Floyd possessed a certain arrogance and didn't mince words.
Nova couldn't hide her surprise; no one in the Lloyd family mansion was showing respect that day. Hoyt's face flushed with anger. He spat, "You're just a doctor. We're paying you to do your job. At the end of the day, you're nothing more than a hired servant for the Lloyd family."
"Watch your mouth," Kellan interjected.
Hoyt made a bold move to take Lorna by force. "I don't buy for a second that Lorna's as fragile as you make her out to be. I'll take her with us, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."
Before he could reach her, a sharp crack filled the air as his hand was abruptly twisted. "My hand!" Hoyt cried in agony. Cold sweat trickled down his face as his wrist was locked in an iron grip. Just as he was about to curse, he saw Kellan. Kellan, wheelchair-bound for years, stood tall and imposing, towering over Hoyt.
"Leave," Kellan said coldly, giving Hoyt's wrist a final shove, causing it to swell and redden. Hoyt stumbled backward, crashing to the floor. Kellan handed Lorna a clay doll. "Take her back to rest," he instructed Jim.
"Yes, Mr. Lloyd," Jim replied promptly.
Kellan turned to Allison. "Apologies for the drama, Ms. Clarke."
Allison handed Lorna to Jim and sighed. "No need to apologize. Honestly, I've been in a foul mood these last few days. I needed an outlet." Without missing a beat, she stepped on Hoyt's fingers. "Oh dear, I didn't see you there, Mr. Lloyd. Are you alright?" Her sweet smile was a stark contrast to the unforgiving press of her red high heel now grinding into Hoyt's hand.
"Aaaaaah!" Hoyt's pained screams echoed through the villa.