Chapter 194: After entering the research institute, Allison found Kellan and the others near a glass-walled room, Lorna cradled in Kellan's arms. Smiling warmly, she greeted a man standing before her.

"Jackson, it's been ages."

Jackson Burton, previously engrossed in documents, looked up, a grin spreading across his face as he rose. "Ms. Clarke! It has indeed been too long. With the weight of running this place on my shoulders, I've barely had a moment to breathe. And when I heard you were visiting, I—"

Allison interrupted with a knowing smile. "Your institute is so shrouded in secrecy that getting here felt like trying to catch smoke. But today, I need your help." She lifted Lorna slightly. "This little girl is one of my students. She's dealing with several psychological issues, including autism. I hope you can provide your expertise in her therapy."

Jackson's brow lifted, concern flickering across his face, though his smile remained warm. "Ah, you've come to the right place then. We recently hired a specialist deeply involved in autism research. Their new medication just cleared clinical trials, and there's a good chance it could help. However, we still need to conduct tests; congenital and acquired autism are vastly different."

Allison nodded, aware that no doctor could offer guarantees. Gently patting Lorna's head, she said softly, "Can I stay with her during the tests? I don't want her feeling overwhelmed or frightened."

"Of course. But rest assured, we're very gentle here—no need to worry," Jackson replied, guiding them toward the testing room.

Soon, preliminary results arrived. Jackson skimmed the behavioral report, nodding slightly. "This little girl doesn't have congenital autism, which makes treatment possible. We can aim to help her respond to the world, rather than retreating into herself. But speaking… that's far more complicated. Speech is deeply tied to the mind, and predicting its recovery is unpredictable. It will depend on her own pace."

Since Allison wasn't Lorna's legal guardian, the final decision wasn't hers. Turning to Kellan, she asked gently but firmly, "Mr. Lloyd, are you comfortable with this?"

"Yes," Kellan replied quietly, stroking Lorna's hair.

After the initial treatment, Lorna clutched her porcelain doll, her gaze distant and unfocused. Her usually bright eyes seemed hollow, as if her thoughts were far away. Most children her age were energetic, but Lorna remained eerily quiet. She never caused a fuss, but her silence weighed heavily on everyone.

Kellan's voice was steady, yet resolute. "As long as she can gradually open up and connect with the world, that's more than enough for now. We're in no hurry for her to speak. We have time, and more importantly, we have patience."

Despite the first test, Lorna remained shy, nestling into Allison's arms, unwilling to lift her head when more tests were mentioned.

"It's alright, Lorna. I'll take you," Allison murmured, carrying her into another glass-walled laboratory. "Mr. Lloyd, please wait here. I'll bring her out as soon as we're done."

"Alright, thank you, Ms. Clarke."

Kellan watched them go, his mind churning. He'd noticed Allison's undeniable kindness toward Lorna, despite her usual reserved nature. Then Sherman spoke, cautiously.

"Sir, Ms. Clarke isn't just anyone. I've looked into her background. She's not formally associated with this institute, but she's quite close to the director. They've been friends for a long time, it seems. Given her involvement with you and Lorna, shouldn't we investigate her further?"

"No need," Kellan replied briskly.

Sherman frowned. Was Kellan letting personal feelings cloud his judgment? Even if he trusted Allison, shouldn't they verify her background? To Sherman's surprise, Kellan continued, "With your skills, even if there's something suspicious, I doubt you'd find anything useful."

Sherman felt a pang of defeat; Kellan rarely doubted his abilities. Kellan knew Sherman's thoughts, but he also understood that someone with Allison's talents wouldn't have kept her true identity hidden for so long if she wasn't adept at it. Fools like Colton and Melany had believed Allison was ordinary, lacking connections or influence. Besides, Kellan had already investigated her after the cave incident. Her life seemed too ordinary, too perfectly woven.

Surveillance would be a waste of time. Allison was, at her core, a powerful ally; at the very least, someone worth keeping on neutral ground. Turning her into an enemy would be foolish.