Chapter 298: At the banquet, the soft clinking of glasses filled the air.
Allison sat alone, nursing a glass of champagne.
Rebecca had left earlier to handle surgent matters at the company, leaving her to sit by herself.
With her head slightly lowered, Allisons delicate features drew attention from all directions.
From tto time, a few brave souls would approach, hoping to strike up a conversation, only to be met with polite indifference.
Why is such a beautiful lady sitting here alone? A man stepped forward with an easy, confident smile.
He was dressed in a tailored suit that hugged his frame, exuding the aura of someone accustomed to wealth and power.
He wasted no tin making his status known.
Im the Vice President of Walnut Group.
Were currently developing a new project in the South Bay Area, and I happen to have access to svery lucrative resources.
As he moved, he deliberately exposed a gleaming Rolex watch peeking out from his cuff, hoping to impress her.
I wonder if youd honorwith a dance? To men like him, women were commodities to be evaluated and acquired, and he had already assigned a price to Allison based on her appearance alone.
Allison barely glanced at him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNo, thank you.
She had finally found a quiet place to avoid Floyd and Gordon, and this mans brazen approach made her feel even more annoyed.
The mans smile faltered, caught off guard.
He wasnt used to being brushed off so casually, and embarrassment quickly gave way to anger.
Who do you think you are? His voice rose an octave.
Dont think I dont know why women like you show up at charity events to catch a rich mans eye! But trust me, no wealthy heir is going to waste his ton Before he could finish his tirade, a hand clamped down on his wrist like a steel vice.
A split second later, he felt a powerful kick to the back of his knee, and he crumpled to the floor, howling in pain. Ahh! Shit! The man cursed, clutching his leg.
Rage flashed in his eyes, but it quickly dissipated when he looked up and saw the man standing before him a well-dressed, imposing figure whose calm demeanor held a dangerous edge.
Ms.
Clarke is our esteemed guest, the man stated with chilling politeness.
Mr.
Lloyd has made it abundantly clear that anyone who dares to cross her is declaring war on the entire Lloyd family.
Shermans gaze was ice-cold as he released the mans wrist and turned to Allison with genuine concern.
Ms.
Clarke, are you all right? Allison sighed, barely glancing at the man now cowering on the floor.
Im fine, Sherman.
Just a minor nuisance.
Wait... Youre Allison Clarke? the man stammered, his voice trembling.
He was shocked by the revelation.
Before coming to the gala, he had heard rumors circulating rumors that Kellan Lloyd, infamous for his aloofness towards women, had brought a female companion to the charity event tonight.
That companion was none other than Allison Clarke.
Her nhad been on everyones lips recently.
She was a renowned perfumer, celebrated for her innovative creations.
And just a few weeks ago, shed won a championship in short-track speed skating.
She was a genius.
Even the CEO of Walnut Group had expressed interest in networking with her tonight.
But the man had been too drunk and too self-assured to recognize that the understated woman quietly sipping her champagne was the Allison Clarke.
Ilm so sorry, Ms.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmClarke, he sputtered, bowing his head in panic.
I didnt know it was you.
Please, forgive me! I His apology was cut short as Shermans gaze turned colder.
The man recognized Sherman as Kellans assistant.
He dearly hoped hed be forgiven if he apologized hard enough.
Unfortunately for you, Sherman interjected, his voice calm but unyielding, Mr.
Lloyd has made it clear that anyone who disrespects Ms.
Clarke will face the full weight of the Lloyd familys wrath.
Starting tomorrow, all business dealings with the Walnut Group will be terminated. The mans face drained of color as if the blood had been sucked right out of him.
The implications were devastating.
If the Lloyd Group pulled out of their agreements, it could cost the Walnut et Group million's potentially more. His mind reeled as he wondered how to explain this to the CEO.
Meanwhile, Sherman was already leading Allison to the top floor.
Ms.
Clarke, I didnt mean to disturb you, but... Sherman hesitated, his usually composed features etched with concern. Mr.
Lloyd might be in trouble.