Chapter 636:
Carole’s smirk widened. “Well, it’s good you’re realizing that now.”
But before she could savor her perceived victory, Allison’s gaze turned dismissive.
“I was referring to Mr. Lloyd and you, Miss Perry. You two are worlds apart.”
Allison’s tone was cool, with a hint of derision. “Back then, everyone knew how the Perry family distanced themselves from the Lloyd family when Mr. Lloyd was struggling with his disability. They even kicked him while he was down. But now that the Lloyd family is flourishing, you’re trying to resurrect an old engagement.”
Even in her work attire, Allison’s presence was unwavering.
“Your acting is so finely polished,” Allison continued, her voice smooth with sarcasm. “If I had even a fraction of your shamelessness, I could probably do anything.”noveldrama
Carole was speechless, her face flushing as fury threatened to spill over.
Allison, however, didn’t wait for her response. Without a second glance, she turned and headed back to the lab. She had no time to waste on nobodies.
Inside, Allison could hear new colleagues gossiping nearby.
“Mr. Lloyd seems to barely set foot in the R&D department. He’s probably always dealing with high-stakes clients,” one remarked.
“True. Young, accomplished, and still unmarried. But isn’t it strange he’s never linked to any woman? Do you think he might be… gay?”
“Hey, I’m new, but I heard he was disabled for years. Do you think it affected his… ability?”
The casual office gossip buzzed around her, unfiltered. Allison had long since grown used to it, but with her sharp hearing, she couldn’t help catching every word.
It reminded her of the time she’d called him impotent. Only, on that night on the yacht, Kellan had proven just how wrong she’d been.
Allison stifled a laugh, remembering that beneath Kellan’s well-mannered, ascetic exterior was a passionate intensity that had left its mark on her, literally.
The contrast between his polished image and the rawness he’d shown was enough to make her smile knowingly.
Beside Allison, a young intern named Marianne Wright glanced over and couldn’t resist commenting, “Ms. Clarke, you’re so beautiful — way prettier than Carole!”
Marianne had witnessed the earlier tension downstairs. After mulling it over, she found the courage to approach Allison directly.
“Everyone in the R&D department really likes you, Ms. Clarke. Don’t worry about the talk from other departments. At Charisma, talent is what matters.”
Allison looked up, a faint smile crossing her face. “You’re new here, but you seem to know a lot about me.”
Her calm tone made Marianne feel as if no detail escaped her.
“Well,” Marianne stammered, scratching her head, “it’s because I know you’re a good person. I don’t expect you to remember, but back at the Perfumery Competition in Leswington, I was targeted, and you stepped in to help. You even gave me tips on blending techniques.”
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