NovelEnglishChapter 345: Thats alright.
I can see where hes coming from, Allison said with a languid stretch, her voice carefree.
Just like when I had to keep an eye on Rebecca, Ive been doing a little digging on Ferdinand while were attending this banquet.
She left a lot unsaid.
In truth, from the moment she met him, Allison had started investigating the entire Lloyd family.
Her approach to Kellan hadnt been by chance.
She opened her hands in a playful shrug, her tone light.
Its nothing out of the ordinary, really.
Friends dont keep score.
Besides, Mr.
Lloyd, you dont need to worry maybe Ive already looked into you, too.
Kellan lifted his eyes to meet hers.
Im not worried.
You and I already have a bet.
The two had been locked in a silent battle, trying to unearth each others most guarded secrets.
Allison didnt seem fazed by the situation, and Kellan felt a sense of relief.
After all, he and Ferdinand were close friends, and the last thing he wanted was any tension between Ferdinand and Allison over a misunderstanding.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs the waltz cto an end, a wave of applause erupted.
Clap No one could tell who started it, but soon enough, it spread through the crowd like ripples across water, accompanied by murmurs of admiration under the ballroom lights.
That was incredible.
Look at how well they danced together.
They make such a striking pair.
Ah, youth! If I tried moves like that, Id probably end up flat on my back in the hospital.
The audiences gaze followed them, intrigued by the spectacle.
In the corner, Colton sat alone, his face darkened by an unmistakable scowl.
He downed his glass of red wine in one go, a sarcastic smile tugging at his lips.
Hmph, whats so special about that? His eyes lingered on the couple, his mood sinking with every passing second.
Colton had always thought little of Allison before.
To him, she had been nothing more than a clueless girl with no real education or standing.
He had never bothered to bring her to any of these grand banquets, let alone share a dance with her.
It was only now, watching her move with such grace, that he realized just how captivating she could be. Maybe hed had a bit too much to drink.
His vision began to blur.
Pressing a hand to his forehead, he muttered, Wheres... Melany? His instinct was to search for her, but at this moment, she was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps she was sulking somewhere, upset about not getting the badge, and didnt want to show her face. Colton took another swig, trying to drown his unease.
Its fine.
Ive still got Melany, he whispered, trying to reassure himself.
Meanwhile, Melany was deep in conversation with Hoyt.
I didnt get the badge, she said, her voice tinged with frustration she couldnt quite hide.
Hoyt swirled his wine in his glass, his expression calm.
Thats not on you.
Dont be too hard on yourself.
Melany, youve always been far too kind-hearted.
His gaze, however, lingered far too long on her chest.
He swallowed another sip of wine, almost unconsciously.
After all, your husband doesnt seem much help.
Melany caught the meaning behind his words immediately.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her expression fragile, as if she might break at any moment.
I feel so ashamed.
You went to such lengths to givethat information, and I still couldnt make the most of it.
She moved a little closer to him.
I just want to ease Coltons troubles.
But lately, hes been so moody, snapping atwithout thinking.
I feel lost.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmI dont know how to make him happy anymore.
Her voice wavered as she leaned slightly closer, their bodies brushing against each other just enough for it to feel like an accident.
I know you and Kellan dont exactly see eye to eye.
If you werent married to Colton... well, never mind.
Its too late now.
We met too late for that.
But if you need my help, just say the word.
Hoyt licked his lips as he spoke, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Hidden in the shadows, they went unnoticed by anyone around them. Kellan is still my brother, no matter how flashy he likes to be.
Blood ties run deep, so there are things I cant get directly involved in. But I can always help you behind the scenes.
Hoyt knew Melany well.
He understood how envy gnawed at her, especially when she saw Allison and Kellan together. Do you mean it, Hoyt? Youve been such a huge help torecently.
I felt like we just clicked the first twe met.
Youre like a big brother to me.
Melanys voice was soft, her demeanor seemingly innocent m e though was a mask. She wasnt foolish.
She could see that Hoyt was no simple man to deal with.
We can be of use to one another.
If you ever run into any trouble, just letknow.
Ill do whatever I can to help.
They raised their glasses to each other, exchanging smiles both m wearing the masks of friendship, both hiding their true intentions underneath.
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