Chapter 464: Chapter 464

Chapter 464:

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She and Kellan weren’t a couple, nor would they ever be. The quiet rush of water filled the restroom as Allison washed her hands under cold water, trying to subdue her thoughts.

She lifted her gaze to the mirror, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “When did I become so hesitant and wary, Allison?” she asked herself.

She was never one to hold her tongue or bury her feelings. Yet, here she was, hiding behind layers of restraint.

When it came to the heart, she realized, she was just as vulnerable as anyone else.

As she sank deeper into her tangled thoughts, a shadow seemed to emerge in the mirror, catching her attention. She glanced up, her heart skipping a beat as her gaze met someone else’s reflection. “Mr. Lloyd?” Allison’s brow furrowed in confusion.

This was most certainly the last place Kellan should have been.

“Did you wander in by mistake?” Allison asked, glancing up at the sign.

The door was clearly marked as the women’s restroom. Sure, the place was mostly empty with everyone at lunch, but that didn’t mean he should be here. Even a CEO would have a hard time explaining himself if he got caught.

But Kellan ignored her question. Instead, he moved in a different direction entirely. “Ms. Clarke, you’ve been avoiding me.”

It wasn’t an accusation, more of a statement of fact.

Allison paused for a moment, her answer calm. “Not at all.”

The faint scent of perfume—lemon and sweet orange—lingered in the air, sharpening her focus. Kellan leaned against the sink, his expression serious. “There’s nothing going on with her. She left the country when she was a kid and only visits once or twice a year. I barely know her.”

“And?” Allison’s gaze met his, her brows slightly furrowed. “That’s your business. You don’t owe me an explanation.”

“I don’t want misunderstandings between us.”

The tension in his clenched hand spoke volumes. He wanted something more than her cool detachment.

For a moment, silence filled the room.

Allison’s fingers tightened, but she knew exactly what he meant.

Yet, she’d already made things clear. There was nothing between them, and with Vrining looming in her future, it was best to sever any remaining ties.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Allison spoke firmly. “Mr. Lloyd, I’m not about to fight over anyone. We both have plenty of admirers, and any misunderstandings can be resolved. We’re only partners, nothing more, and it’s going to stay that way.”

She kept it straightforward, not sugarcoating anything.

Enjoying the thrill of their encounters was one thing, but that didn’t mean she was going to throw everything away to stand by his side.

Kellan’s eyes reflected back at her in the mirror, silent. Then he muttered, almost to himself, “An ideal partner.” This was the second time. The second time she’d shut him out.

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