Chapter 282

Director Li ground his teeth, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened. He slammed a fist against his own forehead while pacing in furious circles, the other hand planted on his hip.

The boy’s piercing wails continued, unsoothed by his mother’s frantic shushing.

“Enough! Shut up!” Director Li snapped, face twisted with impatience.

The crying ceased instantly. The boy stared up, eyes swollen and bewildered.

Director Li braced both hands on his hips. “Do you have any idea who Mr. Argent is?”

He thrust a finger toward the ceiling. “That’s Kieran Argent! He could kick me out of this hospital without lifting a finger! Ruin my reputation! Make everything I’ve built disappear! I can’t afford to cross him—so how dare you?!”

The woman froze, then forced a disbelieving laugh. “That… that can’t be true.”

Director Li gave a cold, mirthless chuckle. “Can’t be true?”

“His last name is Argent. Look around this city—this entire country! You won’t find five people who’d dare cross Kieran Argent!” He nearly shook with rage. “Still think it’s impossible? You’ve signed my death warrant! My position as director? Gone! All because of you!”

He now just wanted to slap his past self. He was out of his mind to even think about touching Kieran Argent’s sister—utterly reckless.

Fortunately, he hadn’t acted yet. Things hadn’t gone that far, and it wasn’t his fault anyway. If he explained things properly to Mr. Argent, pushed that foolish woman forward, and apologized sincerely, maybe it would blow over.

The woman frantically pulled out her phone and searched “Mr. Argent” in her browser. The screen instantly flooded with information and his photos.

Her trembling finger tapped the top result. A list of achievements and capital holdings dazzled her. When she saw the nationally renowned companies under Kieran Argent’s name, her vision went dark.

She locked her phone and rushed to grab Dean Li’s arm. “N-no, he’s too powerful to bother with a mere dean. Let’s beg him—apologize to his sister! He won’t hold a grudge!”

Dean Li’s eyes darkened. “Had I known this, I’d never have brought you to the city. You’ve dragged me down. Go back to the village and spare us further shame. When Mr. Argent retaliates, you’re on your own.”

The woman paled. “No, Uncle! I was wrong! I’ll do anything—just don’t abandon me! I won’t go back!”

He shook off her grip, staring coldly. “It’s too late. We’ve offended him. I can’t even protect myself, let alone you. Book your ticket home now.”

She shook her head violently, nearly kneeling. “Please, Uncle! Help me! I’ll do anything!”

Dean Li feigned hesitation, then locked eyes with her. “Zheng Hui, I’ll take you to apologize to Ms. Argent. Beg for her forgiveness. If she still demands consequences, I’ll lose my position as dean—and then I definitely can’t shield you.”

Zheng Hui bit her lip, conflicted.

Seeing her waver, Dean Li turned to leave.

“I’ll go!” She grabbed his sleeve. “Uncle, I’ll go.”

They returned to the hospital room without a word. Alarieka wheeled herself into the attached bathroom.

Her damp pants had been uncomfortable all along.

Alarieka struggled to peel them off—lifting one leg, then the other, slowly working the fabric down before tossing it in the hamper.

Next came the even harder task of putting on fresh pants: the same painstaking process in reverse.

By the time she finished, she was panting from exertion.

She pushed the door open to find Kieran Argent waiting outside the bathroom.