Chapter 637:
She never expected that years later, she would meet her idol again.
Allisonâs expression softened as she studied the girlâs face and recalled the incident. âI remember. You wore black-rimmed glasses and had bangs covering your eyes. Someone knocked over your perfume on purpose.â
Allisonâs eyes traveled over Marianneâs pale yellow dress. âIt suits you even better now,â she said, her words gentle. âKeep up the good work.â
Marianne nodded, beaming. âThank you, Ms. Clarke! I wonât disappoint you!â
Allison smiled. âGood.â
As Marianneâs cheerful energy lifted her spirits, Allison refocused on her work. With an upcoming trip to Vrining, she wanted to get ahead on the tasks piling up on her desk. By the time she looked up, it was nearly lunchtime.
Marianne was just about to invite Allison to the cafeteria when a stir at the door interrupted them.
âEveryone, get ready! Mr. Lloyd is here for an inspection!â the manager called, barely able to contain his excitement. The lab froze for a moment before erupting with chatter.
âNo way! Mr. Lloyd, in person?â
âThe CEO rarely stops by R&D. Is something wrong?â
âIf Iâd known, Iâd have put on makeup this morning!â
The manager clapped his hands, urging everyone to focus. âMr. Lloyd will be here in two minutes. Hurry and tidy up!â
As people scrambled to straighten their workspaces, Allison remained calm, sorting through her perfume data with unhurried focus.
Marianne was about to nudge her when a gust of air swept through the room, silencing the crowd.
âMr. Lloyd, youâre⦠early?â the manager stammered, greeting him with a nervous smile.
Kellan didnât acknowledge him. Instead, he directed everyone, âContinue with your work,â as he strode purposefully toward Allison.
The managerâs heart skipped a beat.
Oh no!
Allison was the star of their lab â what if Mr. Lloyd criticized her? But his concern melted when he saw Kellan, who usually maintained a stoic expression, glance at Allison with a rare, subtle smile.
âIt seems your experiment is two phases in,â he noted.
Allison shrugged. âWell, since Iâm getting paid, I ought to show some results.â
Their brief, familiar exchange left everyone around them stunned.
âAre Ms. Clarke and Mr. Lloyd⦠close?â
âI heard he pursued her openly but was rejected. Is that true?â
âMaybe he just appreciates her talent?â
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