Chapter 105: As soon as Allison left the Stevens family villa, she called Gordon. Her voice, icy with urgency, cut through the line. She'd noticed signs of Keanu's presence earlier, but had been too preoccupied to acknowledge the blatant lies she'd fallen for. Keanu's well-being, however, was paramount.
Gordon quickly checked his records and reported his findings: Mr. Stevens was on Etron, actively avoiding the family and spending his time alone. He was perfectly healthy, with no medical issues. Gordon chuckled, adding that Mr. Stevens was remarkably agile for his age, even having signed up for a ski trip.
Allison released a held breath. At least Keanu was alright. She attributed her own trip abroad to frustration stemming from her divorce from Colton, resigning herself to the fact that some things simply weren't meant to beโincluding a family with Keanu, despite everything.
Back home, she began packing. Rebecca, ever proactive, organized everything with the efficiency of someone preparing for a major event. Allison rubbed her temples. "I'm just moving, not evacuating," she muttered, exasperated by the excessive preparation. She hadn't brought much when she moved to the Green family villa, yet her belongings seemed to have multiplied during her stay. Rebecca had even packed unopened kitchen utensils.
"I'm just worried about you living alone," Rebecca replied calmly, continuing to sort through the boxes. She was only acting out of concern, determined to ensure Allison was fully prepared for the move.
"Okay, but everything here is mine," Allison stated firmly. "If you try to refuse my help, I will be angry," Rebecca retorted, already ushering Allison towards the car.
Upon arriving at the house near Muisvedo, Allison understood Kellan's description of its top-notch security. The house was armored, situated in an impenetrable fortress nestled between towering skyscrapers. The area was dotted with exclusive private clubs, making security extremely tight. Few could even access this street.
The villa itself surpassed Allison's expectations. Luxurious details adorned every corner, from the elegant neoclassical facade to the pristine courtyard fountainโa miniature Bellagio replica. It resembled a royal palace.
"Three hundred a month for this?" Rebecca raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. She'd assumed the rent was for an apartment, not a villa fit for royalty. "Kellan's not supposed to be a business genius. Why is he offering such a terrible price for his own property? No one will believe he rents this place for only three hundred bucks!"
Allison rolled her eyes and dialed Kellan's number. "You're just doing me a favor for your niece," he replied, ignoring Rebecca's playful teasing as the phone rang.
Once connected, Allison regained her composure. "Thank you, Mr. Lloyd," she said. "I'm on the property, and the rate you gave me is a real bargain."
Kellan chuckled nonchalantly. "Why thank me? If anything, I should thank you for the medicine. Anyway, you're free tonight. I'd like to take you to dinner." Allison heard Rebecca's audible gasp.
Rebecca tugged at Kellan's sleeve, her expression conveying her disbelief: "You still think nothing's going on between the two of you."
Trying to suppress a laugh, Allison cleared her throat. "Mr. Lloyd, you've already done so much with that generous discount. I couldn't impose further."
His laugh was soft, a gentle attempt to decline. But Kellan wasn't easily dissuaded. Spinning a small device between his fingers, he leaned back, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"It's not just about dinner," he began, the amusement evident in his voice. "I forgot to mention the villa's equipped with a state-of-the-art security system. Any intruder will trigger an alarm notifying the Lloyd Group. The only drawback is that I have the control panel, and I'll have to leave it."
Allison paused. It was a good excuseโa very good one. He bit his lip, knowing he couldn't avoid this.
"Then I guess I'll see you tonight, Mr. Lloyd," she replied.
As soon as he hung up, Rebecca grinned, practically bouncing on her heels. "Well, it looks like Mr. Lloyd is having dinner tonight!" she exclaimed, linking arms with Allison. "Come on, let's finish unpacking! We have just enough time for some new clothes shopping. We haven't had a girls' day in ages!"
Allison smiled, realizing how long it had been since she'd taken a break. "Okay, okay," she said with a smile.