Chapter 236: This was Kellans first public appearance since the infamous kidnapping, and the atmosphere shifted the moment he entered.
His stride was confident, each step supported by a strength that defied the recent events.
The suit he wore was a masterpiece of tailoring, accentuating his broad shoulders and tapering down to his trim waist, radiating power from every angle.
He seemed to command the very air he walked through.
As he entered, eyes naturally gravitated toward him, like moths drawn to a flame.
Mr.
Stevens, Im here to deliver a gift on behalf of the Lloyd Group.
Company matters delayedslightly.
With a subtle gesture, he presented the gift.
It seems Ive cat the perfect moment, he continued.
And Im honored to stand here in Ms.
Clarkes defense.
Keanu inclined his head.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMr.
Lloyd, your support is most appreciated.
Inwardly, Keanu mused that Kellan was not someone to be crossed lightly in Ontdale.
His dealings with the Lloyd family were infrequent, mostly linked to the old generation.
But Kellans presence today was more than a formalityit was a statement, one that spoke volumes as he moved closer to Allison.
Keanu couldnt help but pity Colton for his blinding foolishness, for tossing aside what he now realized was rare, genuine affection from Allison.
Seeing Kellan approach, Colton felt irritation bubble up inside him, unable to stifle the rising bitterness.
Heh, Mr.
Lloyds words might sound grand, but they dont hold much weight, Colton sneered.
After all, the whole world knows you openly pursued Allison, even in front of the media... during the kidnapping fiasco... His words trailed off, the memory suffocating him.
He thought back to the moment Allison had nearly been lost forever at Devins hands.
He remembered her kindness, how it had shone brightly throughout the years they had spent together, and how, in that critical instant, he had hesitated.
His legs had felt like lead.
Frozen in indecision, he had watched as Kellan surged forward, willing to take the blade, putting his body on the line for her.
Colton had stood there, a mere spectator, unable to act when it mattered most.
A grim realization washed over himif only he had acted, if only he had stepped in, maybe Allison would have given him one more chance.
But no, he couldnt allow himself to regret it! He furrowed his brow, pushing the thought away.
Kellans gaze turned cold.
Maybe, in your eyes, theres no such thing as decency, Mr.
Stevens.
But I recall telling you beforeMs.
Clarke is my nieces pottery mentor.
Shes the one who introduced a renowned psychiatrist to help treat her autism.
So yes, Ill admit, I admire someone exceptional like her.
His words carried an air of finality.
But why is it that youre so quick to twist things into something improper? Just because your current marriage is built on shaky ground doesnt mean the rest of us live in that sshadow.
Colton stood stunned, the insult landing squarely in his chest, leaving him speechless.
Suddenly, his mind snapped back to a moment when Allison had mentioned her connection to the Lloyd familya detail he had carelessly dismissed as an excuse.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMelany, also stung, added, Mr.
Lloyd, you have a clever tongue, but what proof do you have that Allison was at your familys estate that day? She had never faced such a sharp opponent, and it irked her to see someone of Kellans caliber backing Allison.
Yet, even if she couldnt bring Allison down today, she was determined to make surebindys reputationthat old hagtook a hit. Kellans lips curled into a mocking smile.
Oh, Ms.
Clarke was definitely at the Lloyd estate, no question about it.
We have security footage to prove it.
As for the man seen in that footage...
well, Im not sure who he is, but lets just say my assistant has a knack for retrieving that sort of data. Kellans gaze flicked coldly toward Colton.
It would be childs play to recover that video.
And if it clears Ms.
Clarkes name, consider it a favor on the house.
The real question isdoes Mr.
Stevens have the courage to see the truth laid bare? .