Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 277: Allison easily saw through Floyds intentions.

The box of artisanal chocolates was no small expense, and the message on the packaging was both bold and sentimental.

Thanks, she said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

But Ive been cutting back on sugar recently, so sweets dont really appeal toanymore.

Between adults, sthings didnt need to be spelled out.

It was a clear rejection.

For a brief second, disappointment flickered in Floyds eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile.

I get it.

No worries.

Maybe next time, Ill take you out for something different.

He understood exactly what Allison was implying.

Back in Leswington, Floyd had encountered rejection before more times than he cared to count but he never let it stop him.

Still, he wasnt the type to linger when unwelcome.

His perspective was simple: just being in Allisons presence felt like a win in itself.

However, Kellans face shifted when he spotted the chocolates.

Especially as he watched Floyd and Allison, talking and laughing like old friends.

They seemed so at ease, comfortable in each others company.

But after hearing Allisons refusal, Kellans expression remained calm on the surface, though beneath it, a rush of excitement stirred.

Peoples tastes do evolve, dont they? he said, settling into the couch with his legs casually crossed.

When his gaze lifted, it felt endless, like an ocean of unspoken thoughts.

His words carried a subtle meaning.

Since Ms.

Clarkes been favoring spicier dishes lately, perhaps next time, Mr.

Pierce, youd check before gifting her, Kellan added, his voice laced with barely concealed slyness.

Floyd was briefly thrown off by the comment, unsure how to respond.

Kellans ambiguity stung a bit, but Floyd simply chuckled.

Well, just because her palates shifted doesnt mean her interests have.

Kellans smile softened.

Is that so? He neither affirmed nor denied it as he tied off the last bit of gauze, his movements slow and deliberate.

If memory serves, its tfor you to help Lorna with her recovery session, Kellan remarked, a subtle challenge in his tone.

Looks like youll have your hands full, Dr.

Pierce.

Floyd sighed inwardly, realizing that now was indeed the tfor Lornas treatment.

Kellans timing was impeccable, almost as if the entire conversation had been orchestrated to push him out the door.

I should also thank you for earlier, Kellan continued, his tone sincere.

Despite the underlying tension between the two men, Floyd had stepped in when Hoyt and Nova had stirred up trouble.

Kellans gratitude was genuine.

Youre too kind, Mr.

Lloyd.

I hardly did anything, Floyd replied, giving a reluctant wave to Allison.

Well catch up over dinner tonight.

He wondered, not for the first time, if Kellans timing was always this precise, whether by accident or design.

But now, duty called, and with one last nod to Allison, he headed off to tend to Lorna.

As the others trickled out, only Kellan and Allison remained, a rare stillness settling into the large room.

Allison stepped forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

How did you know Ive been into spicy food lately, Mr.

Lloyd? Weve barely shared a handful of meals.

Last twe ate together, you added extra hot sauce to your roast beef, Kellan replied smoothly.

His attention to detail was always sharp when it cto Allison.

For instance, he knew that when they kissed, she craved passion, not mere passivity.

Youre awfully observant, Mr.

Lloyd, Allison remarked, though she couldnt quite decipher what was running through his mind.

She had intended to bring up the matter of Hoyt and his mother but decided against it it seemed irrelevant now. But she had another question on her mind.

By the way, could I take a photo of the necklace you wore the other day? She had only glimpsed it briefly before, and the moment had passed too quickly for her to study it.

Since she had found no further clues about the matching bracelet her mother had left her, Kellan seemed like the next logical lead.

Her face remained calm, which proved that she didnt hide anything.

My mother lefta bracelet that matches the necklace you wore.

Ive been searching for information for years, but havent found anything.

I thought... Kellans eyes met hers.

Of course.

His swift agreement caught her off guard.

She tilted her head.

But I recall that necklace being a family heirloom, reserved for the future lady of the house.

Arent you worried I might swap it out? Kellans response was calm, but his eyes gleamed.

Would you really do that, Ms.

Clarke? Allison smiled lightly.

Maybe I would.

If you want it, you dont need to swap anything, Kellan said, his voice dipping low.

His dark eyes held an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

I can just give it to you.

Suddenly, the necklace felt like more than just an old heirloom.

Allison understood he was being playful, but for a fleeting moment, the offer left her speechless.

Kellan was indeed hard to figure out.

This is your mothers keepsake, she said finally, suppressing the emotions tangled within her.

I wouldnt dare take it from you.

She smiled, breaking the tension.

A photo will do.

Expecting Kellan to have a servant fetch the necklace for her, she was surprised when he started undoing his shirt. The clasp at the back is tricky, he said casually.

I might need your help.

Kellan rarely loosened his shirt collar, always keeping it buttoned up to the top.

As he unfastened each button, his ve m long fingers revealed more of his collarbone, along with the necklace. Its snake-shaped design, adorned with jewel-like red eyes, glittered in the light.

Or, he added, reclining slightly on the sofa, his gaze pulling her indike alsky full of stars you can just take the E photo now. He was wild and magnetic, as ever.