As soon as Colton and Melany left, a hushed calm settled over the room. Kellan, ever calm, turned to his assistant, Sherman, with a steady gaze.

“Something came up at the office. Go take care of it.”

Sherman hesitated, a look of confusion on her face. Wasn't everything already settled? But as soon as she saw Kellan's sharp, unyielding gaze, she knew better than to protest.

“Got it!” Sherman squeaked, quickly walking away.

Allison reached into her purse, pulled out a wet wipe, and cleaned her hands. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Lloyd,” she said in a silky smooth voice.

“It’s no big deal,” Kellan replied calmly.

They walked in sync toward the basement parking lot, their footsteps echoing softly. The silence between them wasn't awkward; on the contrary, it was comfortable, as if they had done this a thousand times before.

Kellan finally broke the silence. “Are you really going to let that opportunity with the Everett Group slip through your fingers? They're the biggest name in advertising in the world and could be a valuable asset.”

Allison wasn't one to follow the rules exactly. It wasn't like her to let Colton have an easy way out, especially with such a prize at stake. A subtle smile played on her lips, her expression carrying an air of mystery.

“I always keep my promises, Kellan. But if Colton can reach an agreement with Mr. Blakely, that’s entirely up to him. I refuse to lift a finger to help.”

The Everett Group opportunity held significant weight for the Stevens Group, but for Allison, it was just another card—one she didn't mind discarding, given her larger plan. Plus, this matter involved Kellan. He had intervened on her behalf, and while she knew he wasn't one to shy away from conflict, things could get complicated if tensions flared. People would inevitably gossip. The last thing he wanted was to drag the Lloyd family into these legal battles; he hated doing favors.

Kellan didn't need to hear her thoughts; he could always read her. It was clear she wasn't giving up the opportunity out of duty.

“So you pretend to go along with Colton’s wishes, but secretly you’re setting him up to fail,” Kellan commented omnisciently. “I know Ferdinand; he may seem easy-going, all smiles and chatter, but betray him, and that's it. He won't work with you again.”

Given Ferdinand’s influence, one knew better than to trifle with him. The Everett Group held immeasurable power, capable of controlling the global narrative at his whim. His instincts were sharp, and his strategic mind far surpassed the average. PR professionals always presented a friendly face, but behind closed doors they were ruthless, able to destroy someone's reputation with a single well-timed article.

“You catch on quickly, Mr. Lloyd.” Allison smiled, appreciating his understanding. “I spent three years with Colton. The man is completely oblivious, probably because Mr. Blakely was too polite the last time they met. Even when he cut Colton out of the deal, he did it so smoothly. Colton probably thinks they’re still on good terms.”

But in reality, everything pointed to one fact: Ferdinand couldn't stand men like Colton—reckless, short-sighted troublemakers who cared only about quick profits. Such men might enjoy immediate gains, but they would never succeed in the long run.

“Even if Colton takes my place,” Allison added with a knowing smile, “who knows what will happen when the financing gets complicated? If things go wrong, it will all blow up in his face.”

Kellan smiled, his eyes shining with admiration. “You really are something, Miss Clarke.” He had not only openly confronted Colton but had also cleverly set him up. His finesse was impressive.

A satisfied smile played across Allison’s lips as she looked at Kellan appreciatively. “In any case, I owe you a debt. Thank you for stepping in today, Kellan,” she said sincerely. “If I had to take on those two clowns by myself, things would have gotten a little…murky.”

Kellan raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes playfully. Was she serious? She always played the damsel in distress, as if she weren't the one orchestrating everything. In fact, Kellan suspected that if he hadn't intervened, Colton and Melany would have faced something much worse.

“Oh, stop acting,” he sneered, though a hint of bite was in his tone. “Anyway, if you really want to thank me, why don’t you help me get rid of that poison? We’ve crossed paths so many times and been through a lot together. Why is it so hard for you to trust me?”

Allison gave him an incredulous look, raising her hands in feigned innocence. “What the hell are you talking about? Do I look like someone who would go around poisoning people?” She gave a soft, mocking laugh. “Oh, that? It was a joke. I just gave you some vitamin candy. Vitamins are good for you, you know? Wait a minute. You didn’t think I was serious, did you?”

Where would he find poison in that cave anyway? There was no point in carrying poison with him.

Allison never saw herself giving up. If push came to shove, she would fight until her last breath. And if she fell, she wouldn't do it alone.

Kellan blinked, briefly taken aback by her casual confidence, before realizing he’d been played. But instead of anger, a smile played on his lips.

“So you’re going to tell me everything in advance, huh? And you’re not worried that I’ll get angry? You must trust me more than I thought.” He casually pressed the elevator button. “Do you need a ride home?”

“No, thank you.” Allison gestured with her car keys. She knew his offer wasn't out of courtesy; he wanted to know where she lived. “I have my own car, Mr. Lloyd. I wouldn’t want to bother you. Besides, we’re not close enough for a ride home, are we?”

“Aren’t we?” Kellan raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice. “Have you forgotten that night already?”