Chapter 337: As part of the masquerade ball tradition, Allison had to select a mask for herself before she could indulge in the festivities.
It was finally one of those rare moments where she could afford a bit of respite, yet somehow, Gordon had managed to slip in unnoticed, perched on her sofa, looking at her with innocent eyes.
Boss, the folks working under you have never seen what you really look like.
Sof them have even hinted that you might not be... all that attractive.
They think thats why youre always masked up on video calls.
Gordon reclined casually, one leg draped over the other, his gaze never wavering as he spoke.
If they knew how stunning you are, I swear theyd be floored.
Allison always donned a mask at Cobweb, rarely revealing her face, except to Gordon, who had been by her side the longest.
Furthermore, she employed a voice changer in front of anyone except the upper echelons of Cobweb.
What? Do they think Im that hard on the eyes? she replied.
Not at all! Its just that your strength and authority have led everyone to conjure up wild images of you like a hulking brute with a beard, Gordon chuckled, unable to keep a straight face.
Cobweb... He was about to continue when he noticed Allisons pointed glance.
Isnt it wiser to keep those thoughts under wraps? You know what they say about walls having ears.
Its significant to stay alert.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtI get it... Im just a little bored, he admitted, his expression turning almost puppy-like.
Youve been holed up in Ontdale forever and havent bothered to paya visit, he added.
Though they mainly communicated directly, Gordon always listened intently to her every word.
By the way, I noticed you had a soft spot for this pendant, so I took the liberty of buying it for you in advance, he said, producing a brocade box and removing his mask, revealing a strikingly handsface.
His eyes sparkled with mischief as he smiled, captivating in their brilliance.
Boss, this pendant will shine even brighter when paired with the jewelry on your wrist.
You cant turndown this time! Gordons eyes shimmered with a hint of moisture, and his expression all but pleaded, as though rejection would break his heart.
Cut it out.
The lotus pendant you gavebefore was already more than enough.
I dont need anything else.
Allisons gaze fell on the red pendant, its vibrant hue stirring a memory.
By the way, she added after a beat, her chin resting thoughtfully on her hand, Ill drop by this weekend.
I have sthings I need you to look into for me.
She paused briefly, then asked, Do you have any detailed info on Kellans mother? Ive already dug into it.
Ill compile everything once Im back, Gordon replied.
Good.
Pay particular attention to any close friends she had in her youth, her movements, her lifes twists and turns.
The little details.
Consider it done, he assured her, though a shadow of thought crossed his features.
Boss, theres something odd.
I looked into it like you asked, but most of her records have been wiped clean.
Erased.
And it doesnt seem like Kellans doing.
Gordons brow furrowed slightly.
For Cobweb, an intelligence network that prided itself on having eyes and ears everywhere, missing something this big was highly unusual.
It hinted at forces working behind the scenes, only intensifying his curiosity.
On top of that, he continued, his tone becoming more serious, Kellans personal information has been deliberately scrubbed.
If I tried to dig deeper, I risked alerting him, so I held back.
He analyzed the situation carefully, his gaze sharpening.
The methods used to conceal their information... theyre not the same.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAllisons brow furrowed slightly.
What do you mean? She had a vague suspicion, but she needed Gordons insight to solidify her theory.
From what Ive gathered, Gordon explained, Kellans been hiding his identity himself.
The way hes done itwell, its like a fortress.
Almost like hes daring someone to try and break through.
Its aggressive and reckless.
A persons methods often reflected their true nature.
Gordon hesitated for a moment, his expression becoming more reserved.
Boss... Mr.
Lloyd isnt as simple as he seems.
Even the rumors circulating about him barely scratch the surface.
Allisons thoughts briefly drifted to the secret chamber in the forbidden room.
It didnt particularly worry her, but still... She frowned.
And his mother? What about her? Instead of answering immediately, Gordon stood up and closed the distance between them.
Before I tell you that, can I ask for a little reward? He loomed over her now, his presence of imposing with the proximity, especially as the table pressed lightly against Allisons lower back. Gordon leaned in, his face mere inches from hers, his hands casually resting on either side.
Allison raised her eyes to meet his.
And what exactly do you want? All I want is to help you put on this jade pendant necklace, he said, his voice coaxing gently, as though the request was nothing more than a harmless favor. May I?.