It was a pleasure doing business with you," Kellan said. His handshake was firm but unhurried.

"You were hesitant before, but now you've agreed thanks to my grandmother, right?"

Allison nodded slightly, her eyes steady. Family was a powerful motivator, and she understood his cautious attitude.

"That's right. Your grandmother's work in perfumery is renowned, and I've always been drawn to her techniques. Whenever I encounter something I can't master, it becomes an obsession. Her ability to balance contrasting scents, mixing warm and cool notes, is remarkable. I've tried, but I've never achieved the same harmony."

A soft, discreet smile played on Allison's lips. "But if you're willing to mentor me, Kellan, that could save me a lot of trial and error."

Kellan was a man who noticed the smallest details. His instincts were sharp, finely tuned to detect hidden motives, but Allison remained an enigma: careful, calm, and never willing to reveal all her cards. She wasn't stupid, either. A formal visit to her grandmother wasn't necessary yet. As long as she could find a way into her world, countless avenues existed to unearth the truths she sought.

"You are too modest, Miss Clarke." Kellan's voice remained even, though the warmth of his skin lingered on his fingertips, causing his fingers to curl slightly. "I keep any deal I make, but winning my niece's approval won't be easy. Children aren't usually easy to win over. Perhaps you'd rather ask for something else?"

He changed the subject smoothly, his tone casual but deliberate. "Whatever I can do, consider it a token of gratitude for saving my life that night."

Allison raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in her eyes. "What night are we talking about? The cruise ship or the cave?"

His voice was playful, hinting at unspoken events. He took a step closer, narrowing the space between them, blurring the line between business and something more personal. Kellan felt the warmth of her breath. Her long, delicate lashes fluttered, leaving a subtle, touching impression.

Before he could respond, she added, "So, do I want anything?" Kellan instinctively broke eye contact. His heartbeat faltered; he was unsettled. No woman had ever affected him like this.

"Of course, within reason," he managed.

Allison's smile widened, and the charged atmosphere dissipated as quickly as it had formed. She took a step back. "I'll keep that in mind. If I run into any trouble, I'll be sure to call you first, Mr. Lloyd."

In one fluid motion, Allison plucked a strand of hair from Kellan's shoulder, tucking it into her palm with expert precision. According to information Webb had given her, Kellan was around her age, and the timeline of his mother's death matched suspiciously well with her own mother's disappearance. And her grandmother's knowledge of perfumery? Identical to what her mother had mastered. There was a small chance they shared more than a business relationship—perhaps even blood. That thought, while speculative, left her uneasy. But any lead, however far-fetched, was worth pursuing.

Just then, a knock interrupted them, and Kellan's assistant, Sherman, entered with a respectful pause. He froze for a moment, speechless, as the sight before him brought him to a halt. His boss, notoriously aloof with women, was unusually close to Allison. The atmosphere between them was not businesslike, but almost intimate. For a moment, Sherman wondered what he was witnessing. Was this the same woman who had discovered Kellan's secret about faking his disability? Now, the tension between them seemed entirely different, more familiar than he had ever imagined.

Regaining his composure, Sherman cleared his throat. "Sir, there's a huge media crowd waiting outside. Our car can't even get through. The largest television network in Ontario is there, along with two major international media outlets. They've been waiting for quite some time."

Sherman had never seen such a media frenzy. But it made sense. Kellan was not only the CEO of the world's most prestigious luxury brand but also the heir to the Lloyd Group. The news that he was CEO of Charisma Company, along with his alliance with the Everett Group in the perfume sector, would have been enough to trigger a media storm.

"Several media outlets linked to the Lloyd Group have also sent interview requests," Sherman continued. "They've even mentioned that if a full interview isn't possible, a simple photo would suffice."

"Well, it seems Mr. Lloyd has his hands full, so I'll step aside," Allison chimed in with a warm smile. She nonchalantly picked up her purse, discreetly pocketing Kellan's hair. "To our future adventures!"

Kellan ignored Sherman, following Allison as she walked away, lost in thought. It was a long time before he returned to reality. His expression turned grim and inscrutable before he finally muttered, "Bring me the list of reporters."