Chapter 286

Kieran’s eyes were deep and steady, calm and unreadable.

Director Li stood with his head bowed, quietly observing Alaricka and Kieran’s expressions, his heart pounding.

According to online rumors, Kieran despised Alaricka. Why else would he have let her be torn apart by netizens without lifting a finger? Why else would he have issued that statement targeting Roschelle, adding fuel to the fire?

Had he misjudged the situation?

Kieran’s repeated challenges didn’t seem for his own sake, but rather for Alaricka—the very person rumored to be his greatest aversion.

No matter. The priority now was satisfying Kieran.

His niece had always been foolish. If not for preserving family reputation, he’d never have brought these relatives to the city.

Now it was clear: Zheng Hui absolutely couldn’t stay here. Barely settled, she’d already provoked Kieran.

If he could appease Kieran, he’d immediately have Zheng Hui and her son sent back to their rural home.

But if Kieran remained unsatisfied…

A sharp, calculating glint flashed in Director Li’s eyes.

Then he’d have no choice but to “hand her over.” These wealthy types all shared the same twisted tastes—whether for torment or other indulgences. Zheng Hui would face the consequences of her actions.

He’d clawed his way up from the countryside, his hands weren’t clean.

He knew the dark appetites of the rich. He’d seen plenty and done plenty of dirty work for those hypocritical upper-class nobles. He knew how to please them.

Forcing Zheng Hui to apologize was just the first step. If it failed to quell Kieran’s anger… he’d show no mercy.

Director Li yanked Zheng Hui’s wrist, his voice low. “Speak louder! Don’t just mumble to yourself. Look Ms. Huston in the eye! Sincerely! Do you think she’ll be pleased with this half-hearted act?”

Zheng Hui bit her lip, her face flushing with shame and fury.

Truthfully, Alarieka had been deeply annoyed—not just by Director Li and Zheng Hui’s family, but also by Kieran and Rose showing up late at night spouting nonsense.

She’d planned to settle scores with them in her own time, to repay every ounce of suffering they’d inflicted.

But now… Kieran wasn’t so bad. At least under his influence, seeing Director Li and Zheng Hui’s family bow with reluctant deference… it was amusing. Immensely satisfying.

Zheng Hui gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, and declared in a resonant voice: “Ms. Huston, I’m sorry. My son and I did wrong by you. I deeply apologize and feel truly ashamed. I sincerely hope you’ll forgive us both. I’m so very sorry!”

Her booming voice echoed through the hospital room, her face flushed crimson with indignation.

After speaking, Zheng Hui bowed deeply to Alaricka at a perfect ninety-degree angle, remaining bent over for a long moment.

The little boy hid behind her until she yanked him forward, pressing his neck to force him into a bow.

Director Li chuckled nervously. “Mr. Argent, Ms. Huston, are you satisfied with this?”

Alarieka glanced at Kieran. His expressionless face seemed to leave the decision entirely to her. A faint smile touched her lips.

Though uncertain of his motives, she intended to fully leverage his influence while available.

Her lips curved. “What about you?”

Director Li visibly stiffened, his obsequious smile faltering.

He understood her meaning. Zheng Hui and her son had apologized—now it was his turn.

His gaze toward her shifted, shedding some sycophancy for shrewd assessment and resentment.

Alarieka’s smile widened. “Your niece and grand-nephew have apologized. Your turn now.”

Director Li pressed his lips together, eyes darting repeatedly toward Kieran as if seeking intervention.

Alaricka cut in decisively: “What does Mr. Argent think?”

Director Li whipped his head toward Kieran. “Mr. Argent?”