Kieran’s voice cut through the air, cold and low. “Alaricka. Know your place.”

Alaricka arched an eyebrow, her smile unmoved.

Just as Roschelle was about to pass her and reach the bedroom door, Alaricka lifted her phone hand slightly.

In that instant, she saw both men tense.

Patrick gritted his teeth. “Alaricka, what are you doing?”

Roschelle’s body stiffened before she quickened her steps toward the room.

Alaricka’s voice was cold. “Sure you don’t want to hear this recording?”

She raised her hand and pressed play.

“Sammy Durant, I can help you.”

A woman’s voice instantly echoed from the phone speaker.

It was a voice everyone present recognized.

Alaricka swiftly paused it, turning to look at Rose. “Shall I keep playing, or should we talk?”

Rose’s face stiffened, eyes widening with panic. Noticing Alaricka’s scrutiny, she quickly composed herself, whispering:

“Alaricka, let’s talk.”

Alaricka pocketed her phone decisively. “Fine, let’s go.”

Kieran stepped beside Rose, gripping her wrist. His voice deepened. “What’s this about?”

Though addressing Rose, his gaze locked onto Alaricka.

Kieran’s eyes were dark and piercing. Despite their coldness, Alaricka felt their oppressive weight–like a heavy boulder crushing her heart.

Alaricka frowned slightly, her clear eyes meeting Kieran’s unflinchingly.

Kieran’s expression darkened further.

Rose placed her hand over Kieran’s, patting gently. “Don’t worry, Kieran. I’ll just talk with Alaricka and be right back.”

Remembering the ambiguous recording, Kieran’s brow twitched. “What happened?”

Rose bit her lip, eyes softening innocently. Her voice turned feather- light. “This is between Alaricka and me. Let me handle it, okay? Trust me?”

I can manage this.

Kieran’s protectiveness thrilled her, but this was different. If he discovered her actions, his regard might shatter. Other matters she’d gladly let him resolve–but never this.

Patrick interjected worriedly. “Rose, don’t be fooled.”

Rose laughed lightly. “Relax, you’re all overprotective. I’ll return soon.”

As Rose took a few steps, Kieran’s icy stare remained fixed on Alaricka.

“Alaricka Huston. No tricks.”

Alaricka’s eyes stayed impassive. A faint smirk touched her lips before she turned away.

She stopped at a secluded corner. Before turning, Rose’s voice sliced through the air behind her.

“What do you know? How did you get that recording? Who gave it to you? What do you want?”

Gone was Rose’s gentle tone. Now it hardened, demanding answers.

Alaricka turned, cool eyes assessing her. A soft chuckle escaped. “So many questions. Which should I answer first?”

Rose’s expression shifted rapidly before settling into cold composure. She lifted her chin.

“The recording came from Sammy Durant, didn’t it? I saw his apology.”

Alaricka neither confirmed nor denied.

Had Sammy not apologized, this recording would mean nothing.

Sammy Durant apologized, so this recording became evidence that she instigated Sammy to cause trouble.

The nature of this matter has completely changed.

Roschelle scoffed, “How did you pull that off? I thought you’d be running home crying to your mommy. Didn’t expect you’d have the nerve to keep competing.”

Alaricka’s gaze remained impassive. “No rush. Let’s settle another matter first. We’ll discuss this recording later.”

Roschelle frowned. “I don’t want to hear your nonsense.”

Alaricka chuckled softly, stepping toward her.

Roschelle’s eyes sharpened as she abruptly retreated a step.

Alaricka reached out, seizing Roschelle’s wrist with force.

She forcibly yanked Roschelle’s hand forward.

Roschelle’s face paled then flushed crimson.

Through gritted teeth, she hissed: “Alaricka, what are you doing?!”

Alaricka had noticed earlier that Roschelle kept one hand hidden behind her skirt, looking unnatural.

Instinctively, she guessed it was a voice recorder.

The evening gown Roschelle wore had no pockets.

So the recorder had to be clutched in her hand.

When Alaricka pulled Roschelle’s hand out, sure enough, she saw the recorder gripped tightly in her palm.