SWNOVELS Chapter 25
On the forum, high rewards filled the page.
Allison didn't waste a second as she scanned the listings for information on the snake bracelet, a search she had already performed countless times.
There was a bit of everything on this forum, but the snake bracelet remained as elusive as a shadow at dusk.
As expected, there were no new clues.
With a sigh of resignation, Allison closed the laptop and took a deep breath.
To say she wasn't disappointed would be a lie.
The bracelet was the only memento her mother had left her, and also the only breadcrumb in her quest to discover the truth about her parents.
And then there was the Charisma Company.
Her fingers drummed softly on the desk, a common gesture whenever she was deep in thought or feeling restless.
Years ago, Charisma’s enigmatic CEO had submitted a fragrance to the International Perfumery Competition under the veil of anonymity.
The scent was peculiar: cold and distant, yet enveloped in a delicate orchid scent.
The mix of icy and warm notes struck a chord with Allison, evoking memories of her mother’s signature style.
She couldn’t believe it was a mere coincidence.
She wasn’t going to let this lead slip through her fingers.
“The fourth International Perfume Competition, huh?” Allison murmured, feeling the weight of tiredness.
Competing meant putting herself in the spotlight, which was risky.
But if it meant getting closer to the truth about her parents, she had no choice.
He looked out the window at the city lights, blotting out the stars and leaving only a bright full moon hanging in the sky.
It was clear he had been working well into the night.
He stretched his arms and decided it was time to take a shower and get some sleep.
But as he looked at his reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window, a disturbing thought struck him.
Where was the necklace? Had she lost it?
Frowning, she searched her memory.
The last time she'd seen him was that night, that crazy night with Kellan.
He'd disappeared ever since.
Recalling the chaos of that night, where even her clothes had been torn to shreds, it was no surprise that her necklace had disappeared as well.
Annoyed, she clenched her jaw and muttered, “That jerk!”
Fortunately, it was just a simple necklace, nothing of real value.
No one could trace her through it.
In Athton on Saturday,
Emanuel avoided the hustle and bustle of urban life, preferring the tranquility of this picturesque village where almost every household was dedicated to pottery.
The earthy aroma of clay filled the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Her garden was a picture of serenity, with roses climbing the pergola and sunlight filtering through the trees, casting a soft, calming glow.
The first thing Allison saw as she entered the garden was a man in a wheelchair surrounded by greenery.
Kellan sat quietly on the windowsill, two cats curled up beside him.
He was engrossed in shaping a delicate clay vase with his skilled hands.
Though Kellan had a reputation for being temperamental and intimidating, his striking good looks—sharp eyebrows, piercing eyes, and chiseled features—were softened in this moment of serenity.
A small mole on her throat added an unexpected touch of sensuality.
At this moment, however, he exuded a calm, focused demeanor, the smooth clay transforming beneath his fingers, giving him an unexpectedly gentle presence.
Allison shook her head slightly, having a hard time reconciling the words gentile and Kellan.
“Hello, Mr.
Lloyd,” Allison greeted him coldly.
After all, they had met once before, so she wasn’t too surprised to find him here, as Emanuel had mentioned.
Kellan had noticed her as soon as she walked in, but he remained silent until she spoke.
“Long time no see.
Happy divorce, by the way.
”
"Most people wouldn't congratulate someone like that.
"
“But for you it’s a blessing in disguise,” Kellan commented, his eyes still fixed on the clay as he wrestled with it.
“After all, Colton was never a match for you.
”
In her eyes, Colton was weak, unreliable, and lacking both judgment and taste.