Chapter 296

"Allison, am I interrupting you?" Floyd's gaze was downcast, his expression hidden behind the glint of his gold-rimmed glasses.

"It's just… it's my first time at a dinner like this, so I'd feel more comfortable staying close to you." His voice carried a hint of unease.

Gordon saw through the pretense and arched a brow. "Dr. Pierce, you're a top-tier physician. If you claim you've never been to a banquet before, no one's going to believe it." He smirked, his tone pointed. No one could match Floyd's ability to play his cards close to his chest.

Kellan, ever calm, added, "Indeed. Dr. Pierce only skips events that aren't worth his time. He's not short on invitations."

Floyd pressed his lips together, momentarily speechless.

Allison, however, interjected, "He's more focused on his research and isn't big on socializing. It's not surprising he hasn't been to many dinners." That, at least, was true. Back when she shared an apartment with Floyd in Leswington, he was always a solitary figure, polite yet distant. Even with his gentle smile, he kept others at arm's length.

"But this is a charity event," she continued smoothly. "No need to feel out of place. Mr. Lloyd and I were just invited as guests ourselves."

Floyd hesitated, then nodded. "I see." In truth, when Ferdinand had sent the invitation a few days ago, Floyd hadn't even considered attending. It was only when he heard Allison would be here as Kellan's companion that he'd made up his mind. Ultimately, it was because he wasn't ready to let go.

Kellan's voice cut through his thoughts, indifferent yet laced with underlying weight. "No one knows this place better than I do. So, Dr. Pierce, if you'd like a tour, I'd be happy to show you around." The smile on Kellan's lips was polite, but the pressure radiating from him was unmistakable. Floyd stiffened, sensing the tour might involve something unpleasant.

Gordon broke into laughter, easing the tension. "Allison, since Mr. Lloyd is being so generous, why don't we all take a look around later?" He gave her an exaggerated, pitiful look. "I've been devastated lately by someone who keeps standing me up. Why don't you have a drink with me and cheer me up?" With his youthful face and mock-hurt expression, he looked almost too pitiful to refuse. Almost. He always knew Allison would have plenty of admirers, but he hadn't expected two to show up tonight. Naturally, he had to seize this opportunity.

Allison raised a brow, unimpressed. "If you were truly heartbroken, you wouldn't be here."

"Why don't the three of you get better acquainted then?" Allison kept her distance, her gaze cool and unreadable.

Unexpectedly, Kellan cleared his throat, his hand moving to his shoulder. Her expression shifted; concern flashed briefly in her eyes. "Mr. Lloyd, is your gunshot wound still not healed? Did you reopen it?" The memory of the kidnapping incident resurfaced, sending a shiver down her spine.

Kellan remained composed. "It's nothing serious. You've been working hard lately; you should get some rest. I'll go find Ferdinand later. Your friend might be there too, and I have a few questions for her."

Allison blinked, suddenly recalling one of her reasons for attending: gathering information on Rebecca and Ferdinand. "Then let's go together." She waved a casual hand at the two men. "You two carry on. Mr. Lloyd and I will be back shortly."

Floyd and Gordon exchanged a surprised glance. Despite being strangers, their eyes mirrored the same astonishment. So, playing the victim hadn't worked? Kellan had managed to turn the tables and sweep her away with that approach. He was craftier than either of them had given him credit for.