Chapter 283

She glanced at Kieran Argent before quickly looking away, pushing the wheelchair forward with both hands.

Kieran strolled leisurely toward her, effortlessly prying her fingers from the wheelchair grips as before, then taking hold of the handles himself.

Alarieka Huston’s brow twitched imperceptibly—she hadn’t missed the fleeting stiffness in Roschelle Whitaker’s expression when Kieran moved.

She didn’t stop him. Having exhausted herself earlier, she welcomed this free labor rather than straining further.

Rose approached with a smile. “Let me.”

Alarieka tilted her head slightly, catching Rose’s hand reaching toward Kieran’s in her periphery. Fingers brushed his knuckles, palm settling over his hand.

Kieran remained still as Rose’s thumb grazed his skin. “I’ll take over,” she murmured, warmth lacing her tone.

His fingers flexed before releasing. “Hmm.”

Rose smoothly claimed the handles, guiding the wheelchair to the bedside.

Alarieka pushed herself up in silence. Rose steadied her, whispering:

“Kieran and I got tied up tonight. We only meant to check if you were awake, never expecting to catch someone harassing you. Had we come sooner…” Her grip tightened with genuine-seeming remorse as she helped Alarieka sit. “Please forgive us.”

Yet Alarieka knew Rose. Sincere apologies from her were near impossible.

Sure enough, once seated, Rose shot Kieran a flustered look. “My fault really. Skipped dinner, got lightheaded. Some chocolate would’ve fixed it, but Kieran insisted on dragging me to the ER.” She bit her lip. “That’s what delayed us.”

Alarieka lifted her gaze to Kieran.

His face remained deadpan, eyes coolly fixed on her as Rose spoke. He offered no correction.

Alarieka looked away, carefully shifting her legs beneath the covers. “Why are you here?” she asked flatly.

Rose hesitated, glancing again at Kieran. “Kieran…”

His low voice gentled, though his eyes stayed on Alarieka. “Leave us, Rose. I’ll handle this.”

Rose rose, clutching his hand. “Can’t I stay?”

Kieran squeezed back. “Be good. Wait outside. This won’t take long.”

That “be good”—

Rose flushed, nodding as her grip tightened. “Alright. But mind your tone,” she whispered, casting a pointed look at Alarieka. “Don’t frighten her.”

Alarieka’s eyebrow arched.

Silence swallowed the room after Rose’s exit.

Just as Alarieka drew breath to speak, knuckles rapped sharply against the door.

She thought it was Roschelle, but it turned out to be the director and that woman and little boy from earlier.

The director walked at the front, carrying a brand-new thermos. The thermos looked heavy enough that he needed both hands to hold it steady, slightly hunched as he approached.

Before they got close, Alarieka spotted dirt stains on their clothes.

Alarieka’s brow lifted slightly. Could they really have followed Kieran’s orders—lying flat on the floor, using their bodies to scrub it?

She scoffed inwardly. Kieran’s words truly carried weight, making people submit to such humiliation.

“Mr. Argent, Ms. Argent, I’ve brought the thermos. It’s filled with warm water at just the right temperature, so Ms. Argent won’t need to wait for it to cool.”

“And the floor near the hot water room—we’ve wiped it spotless per Mr. Argent’s instructions. Mr. Argent and Ms. Huston can go inspect it.”

Smiling, he unscrewed the thermos, poured still-steaming water into the cup on the nightstand, then carefully resealed it.

After completing these tasks with quiet efficiency, the director presented the cup to Alarieka with both hands, forcing an awkward smile. “Ms. Huston, my apologies. My niece and grandnephew were thoughtless and upset you. Seeing my grandnephew cry made me act hastily earlier. I sincerely apologize to you and Mr. Argent.”

Alarieka studied him. His shrewd eyes projected sincerity, but the calculating slickness in his gaze made her frown deepen.

She turned back to the woman and boy.