Chapter 186: The moment those words left her lips, Kellan was instantly transported back to that night on the cruise ship, when Allison had boldly declared, "I'll be in charge." In that moment, with her straddling him, he'd felt his very soul ignite, willingly surrendering all control as she guided him into an almost otherworldly bliss. The thrill lingered in his memory like a brand on his heart.

Kellan swallowed hard, forcing himself to push Allison away with surprising restraint. "I don't want anything," he replied, maintaining a calm exterior. He stepped back a few paces, wrestling with the storm of emotions churning within him. "I was just joking," he added, striving to keep the atmosphere light. "As long as you don't mind, Ms. Clarke."

Allison gradually released her hold on his waist. "Don't worry, Mr. Lloyd," she responded composedly. "I understand the value of keeping secrets. I won't breathe a word. But honestly, it's not a big deal. It's just personal preference and mutual consent. We aren't doing anything scandalous. Who would dare to gossip?" She knew Kellan carried immense responsibilities. Without a proper outlet for his pent-up stress, he might well be consumed by such desires. She recognized how tough his life must be, living in a household filled with schemers, yet he managed to conceal his unique quirks with finesse. His self-discipline was remarkable. Compared to those sleazy middle-aged executives, Kellan stood out as a figure of integrity.

"So, Mr. Lloyd, just be yourself," she encouraged with a smile. "Don't always bottle up your desires."

Kellan was caught off guard. His heart raced, a whirlwind of emotions flooding through him. It was the first time anyone had urged him to simply embrace who he was. Most people would flatter him, look down on him in secret, or attempt to manipulate him. But Allison was refreshingly direct, merely suggesting he let go of his inhibitions. That kind of concern was a rare gem. Yet, personal matters remained just that—personal. Her presence here warranted deeper consideration.

Kellan took a breath, steadying himself as he looked her in the eye. "Ms. Clarke, I doubt you just happened to wander by. Since you agreed to come to the Lloyd family residence and even join the company, were you looking for something in particular?" He cut straight to the chase.

Allison smirked, acknowledging that he was no fool. How had she not realized earlier how perceptive he was? He even remembered their previous conversations. Kellan was sharp; she'd long known that hiding anything from him was futile. Lying wasn't her style. Instead, she smiled. "You seem unfazed, Mr. Lloyd. Looks like you already had an inkling. Since you understood from the start, why give me the opportunity?"

"Because I trust you, Ms. Clarke," Kellan responded quickly and honestly. "I believe you wouldn't do anything to harm me. Besides, we are friends, aren't we?" That answer struck a familiar chord. It seemed Kellan placed great significance on the word "friend."

So, with a smile, Allison replied, "Of course, we are friends." At this juncture, she decided to lay her cards on the table. "I came to Ontdale to search for my mother. I've traced her footsteps to the Lloyd family. I am now certain that my mother was acquainted with your mother and Kinslee. You must have seen the photo outside. The woman in white is my mother."