novelxo Chapter 76
On Saturday, Allison arrived at the Lloyd mansion, ready to begin her new role as a tutor.
As she looked around, she joked to Kellan, “What a magnificent house you have, Mr.
Lloyd.
Honestly, any butler could have shown me around.
I’m just a tutor, you don’t need to roll out the red carpet for me.
”
“For an ordinary tutor, perhaps,” Kellan replied, pausing before continuing.
“But you are anything but ordinary.
Besides, Lorna is shy around strangers.
My presence will help her feel more at ease.
”
Lorna Lloyd, the little princess of the Lloyd family, had her sculpture room right next to Kellan’s bedroom.
The layout of the room spoke volumes about the time Lorna devoted to her craft.
The window opened onto a rose-filled garden, where a swing swayed gently in the breeze.
Every detail reflected a meticulous process of thought.
As soon as Allison pushed open the door, she saw a little girl with a bow in her hair, crouched in a corner, diligently working on a mold among an array of sculpting tools.
Lorna was so engrossed in her task that she didn't even notice the door creaking open.
“Is your niece on the spectrum?” Allison asked softly.
“No,” Kellan replied, his expression momentarily somber.
“Lorna is my younger brother’s daughter.
He passed away, which caused her psychological trauma.
Doctors diagnosed her with reactive autism.
”
At the mention of his brother's death, a flash of anger appeared on Kellan's face, quickly masked by stoic calm.
The change was brief, but Allison noticed it.
“I understand,” Allison said thoughtfully.
Allison knew that Kellan's brother had been a business prodigy, a tragic victim of the Leswington mob.
It was a heartbreaking chapter in her family's history.
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Children like Lorna, who had developed autism as a result of trauma, tended to be more sensitive than those born with the condition.
Allison realized she had to tread carefully.
She couldn’t afford to trigger any of Lorna’s emotional barriers, or her educational efforts might backfire.
“You’ll only have to come on Saturdays and Sundays.
I’ll pay you eight thousand a month,” Kellan said, apparently eager to avoid thinking about his brother’s death.
He absentmindedly turned the ruby ring on his finger and gestured toward the room.
“Please, Miss Clarke.
”
"Eight thousand for just eight days a month? Mr.
Lloyd, you certainly don't skimp," Allison joked, though pay wasn't her main concern.
Kellan, however, looked at her seriously.
“You were Mr.
Welsh’s teacher, and even your sculpture lessons are priceless.
You certainly deserve this fee.
”
Unlike Colton, who often doubted her, Kellan, though cautious and skeptical, was quick to trust once he recognized someone's worth.
Not only did he have faith in Allison's ability to teach Lorna, he also held her in high regard, as reflected in his generous pay.
“Don’t worry, I’ll teach her well,” Allison replied with a nod, her gaze drifting to the silent girl in the corner.
She slowly approached Lorna, crouching down beside her and silently observing the piece of pottery in Lorna’s small hands.
When Allison felt that Lorna was comfortable with her presence, she found a nearby pottery utensil, picked up a small piece of clay, and began working on it.
Kellan watched them silently from his wheelchair.
Sunlight streamed into the room, bringing with it the faint scent of blooming roses from the garden.
The atmosphere was calm, filling the space with a sense of peace that made it easy to relax.
Kellan hadn't set his sights too high.
He just wanted Lorna to connect with others, to take her time and to feel less indecisive around people.
But Allison was already exceeding her expectations.