Chapter 281
Allison frowned at Kellan's words, irritation washing over her. She'd thought her position was clear, yet he boldly asked the same question. Perhaps he believed his words held hidden ambiguity.
He locked eyes with her. "What I mean is, how can I keep you by my side?" he clarified, maintaining a respectful distance. "I know you're no ordinary person. Anyone connected with MDH, a prestigious pharmaceutical research facility, wouldn't be swayed by financial incentives."
Kellan knew Allison had joined Charisma Company to gather information. More importantly, he sensed she would disappear from Ontdale once she obtained it, just as she had vanished from Leswington years ago, leaving Floyd searching in vain. But Kellan wouldn't sit idly by.
"Those secrets don't concern me," he continued. "What I want to know is how to keep you here, Ms. Clarke."
When their eyes met again, Allison was captivated by his calm composure. Even still, Kellan possessed a magnetic aura. His words hinted at a love confession, yet retained the weight of professional ambition.
Allison tilted her head, seeking an explanation. He couldn't possibly mean this out of genuine affection.
"Because you're the cure I need," Kellan replied deliberately. "Whether it's the perfume you craft or your innate talents, Ms. Clarke, you stand out. " He stopped, restraining his deeper feelings. He knew mere affection wouldn't suffice; she valued capability above all else. Only by demonstrating his own strength could he hope to win her interest.
Allison responded with blunt honesty: "So, Mr. Lloyd, you should know I've been using you from the beginning. I could never truly fall for anyone." Her tone was cold and unforgiving. The idea of surrendering her heart felt impossible.
To her surprise, Kellan wasn't taken aback. "I know," he said, his gaze steady. But that didn't mean he would give up. Kellan excelled at the long game. "My blunder today was entirely my fault. Ms. Clarke, you can demand anything. If you want to punish me, I'm entirely okay with that." The wind tousled his hair, and his deep-set eyes held an alluring intensity. Allison felt he was trying to seduce her with his words. In truth, while she held many secrets, she sensed Kellan was equally enigmatic.
After photographing the necklace, she approached him and handed it over. "With the salary you offer, money is the least of my concerns. And punishing you is the furthest thing from my mind." A slight smile played on her lips. "So why don't we strike a deal?"
Kellan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"If you uncover all my secrets, I might consider staying at your company and helping with perfume development in my spare time," Allison said, her fingers brushing the necklace's red gemstone. "Conversely, if I uncover all your secrets, you grant me control of the Lloyd Group."
The Lloyd Group's assets were worth billions. Allison's proposal was audacious; most would call her a daydreamer. But Kellan took the necklace and chuckled softly. "Deal." His voice was steady and enticing, igniting a familiar fire within him—an exhilarating mix of excitement, danger, and allure. No one had dared to challenge him for control of the Lloyd Group, but this high-stakes game was more enthralling than sweet talk. It ignited undeniable interest in both of them.
After their earlier kiss, Kellan felt the boundaries between them shift like ripples on a lake—ever-changing and elusive. The tension between them was intoxicating and thrilling, brimming with unspoken possibilities.