Chapter 195: Before long, Allison reappeared, Lorna nestled securely in her arms. The examinations concluded.

Knowing your concerns, I investigated. Floyd Pierce, head of the top medical team, will personally oversee her treatment, Allison said, her voice steady. A faint look of surprise crossed her face, as if she hadn't expected to encounter an old acquaintance.

"Thank you," Kellan responded, his trust in Allison evident, though Floyd's name didn't immediately register.

Just as they were about to speak further, a familiar voice interrupted. "Allison, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

Allison turned to find a familiar figure: blonde hair, sharp blue eyes, and a smile as gentle as a spring breeze. Tall and athletic, the man wore a white lab coat that accentuated his build. His gold-rimmed glasses partially obscured his expression.

Allison's eyebrows lifted. "Floyd, I didn't expect to see you here."

Dressed in a white coat over a black shirt, Floyd exuded a relaxed confidence, a comforting blend of casualness and reliability. "Long time no see," he greeted her with a grin.

Allison smiled. "You've gotten more handsome, I see."

"Well, knowing how easily you fall for a handsome face, I had to up my game," Floyd teased, his grin widening. "But what's your excuse? I haven't heard from you in ages. The last time we had dinner, you couldn't stop raving about that steakhouse. So, naturally, I bought the place. Reservations are now booked six months out, but I'm still waiting for your company."

Kellan, standing nearby, frowned slightly. He hadn't expected this doctor to be so fluent or familiar with Allison.

Allison chuckled. "Well, steak's off my list now. Looks like all that effort was for nothing."

Floyd arched an eyebrow, his voice laced with deeper meaning. "Seems it's not just your taste that's shifted. You've changed in ways I can't quite put my finger on."

Once, Allison had been cold and sharp, a honed blade. Now, she had softened, her former edge dulled by time, like jade refined over years, revealing its brilliance only in the right light. That hidden sharpness remained, however, beneath layers of restraint, making her even more dangerous, especially now, with a new man at her side.

Floyd continued speaking to Allison, seemingly ignoring Kellan. "Are you used to the food here? No? Then I won't stay long," Allison replied.

"How heartless. Can't you stay a few more days for me?" Floyd kept the conversation going, treating Kellan as a mere shadow. Eventually, his gaze drifted to Kellan, as if he had just noticed him. His movements were unhurried and smooth.

"Ah, you must be Mr…?"

"Lloyd," Kellan supplied.

"I'm Floyd Pierce, the attending physician," Floyd said with casual elegance.

Kellan met his gaze, sensing the subtle undercurrent in Floyd's words. "Yes, I'm family to the patient," he replied, expressionless.

Their eyes locked, tension crackling between them. Neither blinked, the unspoken rivalry palpable. In that brief exchange, both men understood each other perfectly; they were sizing each other up, aware of the simmering tension. Kellan, adept at reading people, sensed a personal interest in Allison beneath the doctor's professional demeanor.