Chapter 97:

Allison quickly administered the medication to Kellan, her movements precise and firm. Moments later, he stirred, blinking against the hazy remnants of unconsciousness. He placed a glass of cold water in her hand. "Mr. Lloyd, you're feeling better now," she said, her voice soft but firm.

Kellan blinked, frowning slightly, as if surprised to find her there. "Yes," he murmured, his pained features softening. His gaze, however, soon drifted to the capsule bottle's label. Seeing the familiar logo of the research institute, a flash of something unreadable crossed his eyes.

"Thank you, Miss Clarke," he said hoarsely.

"It's the second time he's saved me," Allison thought. "No big deal," she replied, brushing it off with a nonchalant shrug. He thought it would have been a waste not to use the medicine. After all, there was no way he would let something so valuable fall into the Stevens family's greedy clutches.

Just then, Kellan's expression sharpened. "This medicine… It's from the MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute, right? I heard it's reserved for the Vrinning elite. Most people don't even know it exists." His voice held a hint of intrigue, his interest in Allison growing, as if he were peering into a much bigger mystery. How many secrets this woman was hiding? And why had she chosen to stay in Ontdale?

In response, Allison curled her lips into a playful smile. "You are well informed, Mr. Lloyd. But I only found this medicine by sheer luck."

They circled each other carefully, their words like pieces on a chessboard, both testing the waters, both enjoying the subtle combat. Just as Allison was about to change the subject, her phone rang. Seeing the unknown number, she rejected the call and quickly blocked it. But before she could relax, she received another call, then another, and another. Frustrated, she was about to turn off her phone when Kellan's voice stopped her.

"Why aren't you answering your phone, Ms. Clarke? You're being harassed. You need help."

"It's Colton," she said, her tone flat. "His mother needs the same medicine, but I only had one dose."

Kellan didn't need more explanation. His gaze lingered on her, watching the wind ruffle her hair. She had given him the last pill without hesitation, even knowing someone else desperately needed it. For reasons she couldn't explain, her heart skipped a beat. Just then, the phone rang again, interrupting the tender moment.

Allison's expression hardened as she answered, Colton's furious voice booming through the receiver. "Allison! How dare you attack people in broad daylight! I sent them for medicine, not a fight! How could you leave them in such a sorry state?"

Allison was immune to Colton's antics. "It's not my problem," she replied coldly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "If it's that bad, call the police."

Colton, knowing a scene wouldn't end well, swallowed his pride. His voice softened, becoming more pleading. "Allison, I wouldn't have called if it wasn't urgent. My mother is suffering. I'll pay whatever it takes, but please give me the pill."

"Of course!" A slight smile played on Allison's lips, her voice light, almost careless. "After all, we were married for three years. I'll send you an address. See you there in ten minutes."

"Good," Colton growled before hanging up, his face contorted with anger. He looked at his men, moaning on the ground. "Useless idiots! They can't even handle a woman. And now I have to pay their stupid medical bills. Fuck."

"Don't be mad, Colton," Melany purred, caressing his chest flirtatiously. "At least we'll get the medicine. I didn't expect Allison to be so desperate for money. If you'd told her the price earlier, we would have avoided all this. She's alone now; she must need the money."

Colton scoffed, venom in his words. "That vain bitch. The only thing that motivates her is money."

Luckily, the address wasn't far. When they arrived, they found themselves in front of a large comedy theater, a clown's smiling face on the sign. Colton called Allison again, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I'm here. Where are you?"

Allison's laughter crackled from the other end of the line. "Oh, you're in the right place! Come in, get on stage, and make sure all the spotlights are on you. Then repeat all those ridiculous things you just said to me. I'm sure it will be the best act of the night!"

"Allison, you fooled me!" Colton's heart sank. They had played him like a fiddle.