Chapter 284: Mr. Lloyd, your good friend Ferdinand certainly knows how to make things happen. "Who else could organize a charity dinner with such finesse?" Allison asked subtly, her curiosity simmering beneath the surface.
"He's not exactly your typical advertiser, is he? There's a political air about him," she added.
In Ontdale, anyone capable of orchestrating a charity dinner and auction independently must be well-connected.
Allison had long suspected Ferdinand was more than met the eye. She'd done her homework and knew he ran the world's largest advertising firm, though he also operated in the shadows for others. The thought of Ferdinand's hidden connections whisked her back to the Burned Islands incident, when he'd arrived with his crew to resolve the situation. His close ties to Kellan didn't escape her notice either.
Smiling subtly, Allison gauged Kellan's reaction, eager to unravel his secrets. For the first time, she faced a rival who seemed her equal in many ways. They shared challenges and triumphs in their disabilities and in short-track speed skating, forging a connection both harmonious and adversarial.
"The Blakely family is loaded and influential. It's no surprise they have such connections," Kellan remarked nonchalantly. "But Ms. Clarke, you seem rather well-versed in these affairs."
"I've just picked up a thing or two," Allison replied lightly.
"Is that so?" Kellan's lips curled into a slight smile, intrigue flickering in his eyes. He watched her closely, recognizing the subtlety of her probing. Yet neither was ready to reveal their secrets; they danced around them with careful grace.
Resting her chin on her hand, Allison tilted her head. "Since I've done so much to assist you, Mr. Lloyd, surely you have something lovely to reward me with?" Though she'd agreed to help, she was no fool. How could a man of Kellan's standing lack female companionship? As the heir to the Lloyd fortune, even if Ontdale women were put off by his unpredictable nature, they wouldn't refuse a date. Besides, Kellan had a reputation for attending dinners alone long before meeting her. How else would rumors of his aloofness toward women have gained traction? He didn't need a female partner.
She understood the game but kept her thoughts to herself, preferring playful banter to a passionate pursuit.
"Ms. Clarke, you shall be rewarded in due time," Kellan said, glancing at the delicate porcelain cup in her hand, its translucence highlighting her pink nails. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet hers. "At the auction, you can bid on anything your heart desires, and I'll gladly foot the bill."
"Mr. Lloyd, don't you worry about going broke with such a grand promise?" she teased.
"The Lloyd family has wealth to spare; I dare you to test it," Kellan replied, a playful smirk on his lips.
Allison smiled, recognizing the truth. "The Lloyds are indeed generous benefactors," she acknowledged. "Then I graciously accept your offer," she added, her eyes gleaming.
Kellan glanced at the invitation list, carefully selecting the finest dinner invitation for Allison. In truth, she'd been right; Ferdinand wasn't the sole architect of the charity dinner. Kellan was also pulling strings. He'd never been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he was sharp.
Having known Allison for a while, he'd always wanted to give her a gift, but nothing seemed worthy. Hosting an auction—allowing her to choose—was a stroke of genius.
Meanwhile, oblivious to Kellan's thoughts, Allison pondered aloud, "Mr. Blakely must be quite the charmer among young women, with suitors lined up at his door." Her observations from their last visit to the ward lingered in her mind—an unmistakable spark between Ferdinand and Rebecca. Though rebellious, Rebecca, groomed as the Green family heir, possessed a perceptiveness that protected her from manipulation. Allison worried less about her well-being than about what might unfold.
Kellan understood Allison's probing; she was gathering information for her friend. "Ms. Clarke, it seems you're keen to dig deeper into his character," Kellan noted with amusement. "Ferdinand has his fair share of admirers. He's charming and gets along with everyone, but don't let that fool you; he's rather guarded when it comes to his personal life…" Kellan defended Ferdinand, assisting Allison while subtly sidestepping his own secrets—two birds, one stone.
Meanwhile, across town at the mall, Ferdinand sneezed uncontrollably. "Surely I'm not catching a cold?" he remarked, feigning innocence. "Miss Green, isn't it a bit cruel to steal my coat on such a chilly day? If I end up ill, will you cover my medical bills?"
Rebecca shot him a withering look. "Mr. Blakely, do you lack any semblance of gentlemanly decorum? Can't you see I'm in a dress? It's just a coat," she retorted sharply.
"But I'm freezing!" Ferdinand whined, adopting a pitiful expression.
"If you're that cold, why not just jump into the fireplace?" she quipped, pointing with a teasing smile.
Ferdinand was speechless. He'd expected camaraderie. Allison, despite her aloofness, had been gentle and gracious. Why didn't Rebecca see that? She was truly domineering.