Chapter 446:
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The engine roared to life, a powerful sound that sent a thrill through the quiet night and made his pulse race. In a flash, she sped off, her figure quickly vanishing into the distance like a shot arrow.
Kellan stood still, momentarily taken aback. It seemed he had been left behind.
Instead of getting irritated, he couldnât help but smile.
Interesting, indeed.
Not long after, Sherman pulled up in a car.
âBoss, why are you standing here by yourself? Whereâs Ms. Clarke?â
Kellan, still caught in the lingering moment, didnât respond.
After getting into the car, he leaned back in the seat, closing his eyes as if to rest.
Sherman, confused, scratched his head. âDidnât expect you two to part ways hereâ¦â
As they drove off, Sherman glanced at Kellan through the rearview mirror and noticed a faint smile on his usually stoic face. What on earth?
A chill ran down Shermanâs spine.
Seeing his boss smiling, especially with his eyes shut, was unsettling.
He tightened his grip on the wheel, trying not to dwell on what that smile might mean.
After all, when Kellan Lloyd smiled like that, nothing good or predictable ever followed.
A few days passed, and as Allison blended perfumes in her office, a call from Roderick came through.
âMs. Clarke, Iâd like to invite you to be a guest lecturer on artifact restoration at our Treasure Appraisal Institute,â he began, a slight hesitation coloring his tone. âMy students have heard about your intricate work and would be thrilled to hear you speak. It would be an invaluable learning opportunityâ¦â
After she hung up, Allison heard Kellanâs voice nearby.
âSo, are you planning to go?â
âOf course,â Allison responded, glancing toward the greenery outside the conference room window. âI owe him. He didnât think twice about helping me last time.â She absentmindedly spun her black pen before closing the open file on her desk with a final, deliberate click. âDo you mind if I take a few days off?â
Kellan placed a document on the table, fixing her with an unreadable expression. âNot at all,â he said, leaning back. âIn fact, Iâd been considering a visit to Roderick as well. Why donât we make it a joint trip?â
Resting his chin on his fingers with an air of casual curiosity, he added, âPerhaps you could show me around the famous Treasure Appraisal Institute?â
Allison chuckled at his suggestion. âAlright, letâs do it.â
Roughly an hour later, they arrived at the cityâs Cultural Center, situated on the outskirts in a discreet black car.
The building before them, blending historical and modern architectural elements, seemed like a portal to a bygone era.
Through the car window, Allison could already make out Roderick, flanked by two assistants, waving eagerly at them.
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