Chapter 196

Kellan casually remarked, "If it weren't for my close bond with Allison, I doubt I'd have had the pleasure of meeting you today." It was rare he referred to her by her first name.

Floyd's expression remained serene, his eyes curving into a smile as he glanced at Allison. "Mr. Lloyd," Allison said, "there's no need for such formality. Allison's friends are naturally my friends. We share a solid rapport, so you're not an outsider here."

Kellan's tone deepened. "Oh, I don't feel like an outsider at all, especially since Allison is a friend of mine, too."

Sherman, sensing the rising tension, quietly stepped back. The air in the room felt heavy, thick with unspoken competition. Kellan's mood seemed darker than expected when the doctor arrived. His displeasure was palpable.

"What a sweet little girl," Floyd cooed, crouching to Lorna's level. Lorna instinctively recoiled, gripping Kellan's pants. Floyd didn't flinch, maintaining his warm smile. "Mr. Lloyd, relax," Allison said. "I'll do everything I can for Lorna. It's the least I can do after all the care you've given Allison recently." His words were laced with Allison's name. "And by the way," he continued, "I've reviewed Lorna's reports. They're not as grim as I initially thought. Like Allison, she may come off as aloof to strangers, but deep down, she's just as charming and lovable as anyone who knows her would tell you." Floyd threw a playful wink at Allison. "Am I right, Allison?" She shot him a glance. "Stick to the point, or I'll give you something to regret."

Kellan dipped his head slightly, his gaze growing colder. "Looks like you two are pretty close." Kellan knew Floyd was trying to provoke him, but he remained calm. "And you know what? Allison keeps her distance with most, but when she's asleep, she's as harmless as a baby. In fact, cuter than my niece."

The mention of sleep made Floyd's smile falter. "Mr. Lloyd, there really is no stopping your mouth, is there?" Allison sighed, cutting through the tension. "If you two want to bond, find another topic. Stop dragging me into your nonsense." She cast a sideways glance at them, wondering if they'd lost their minds. "Sure, sharing amusing stories can bring people closer, but you can't just make things up. Why don't you two shake hands and introduce yourselves properly?"

Kellan and Floyd exchanged subtle, unreadable looks. Floyd broke the tension, extending his hand with a smile that barely reached his eyes. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lloyd."

"Likewise," Kellan responded, his voice deep, tinged with uncertainty. The handshake was brief, yet heavy with unspoken antagonism; each man's grip firm, refusing to yield. Moments later, they unconsciously tucked their hands into their sleeves, hiding the burgeoning bruises on their knuckles.

Floyd, quick to shift focus, waved a stack of papers. "I'll take another look at the test results. If all's clear, I can join you on your trip. Could use the time off—maybe recharge a bit." His eyes slid toward Allison, lingering on her thick, wavy hair, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Allison, if I recall, you usually hate having loose strands around your face, always pinning them up. No hairpin today? Couldn't find one that suits your style?" He paused, his smile deepening. "I picked up a ruby at an auction recently, had it made into a hairpin. Ruby against your black hair—now that'd be striking."

Before she could respond, Floyd's grin widened. "And no, you can't refuse this time. It's just sitting with me otherwise, collecting dust. I'll bring it to you."

Kellan's frown deepened, irritation blooming unexpectedly. He wondered if Allison had ever worn a hairpin when they were together. The thought gnawed at him, and a quiet frustration settled within him. Did Floyd, with all his subtle manipulations, really know Allison's tastes that well?

Allison remained quiet. She once adored hairpins, but Colton had been indifferent, even dismissive. Over time, she'd let the habit die. Floyd remembering this detail stirred a nostalgic flicker in her that Kellan couldn't ignore. That flicker only made Kellan more uneasy. He wasn't sure why it irritated him—longtime friends naturally held onto details others missed. Yet, there it was, a tightness in his chest. Before he could stop himself, he asked, "Aren't there any other doctors at this research institute?" Allison shook her head. "Floyd's the top specialist here."

"I thought you two were getting along fine a minute ago?" Kellan paused. "It's not that. I just thought he might have too much on his plate." But in truth, it was becoming increasingly clear Floyd would be joining them in Ontdale, and that rubbed Kellan the wrong way.