Chapter 287
Kieran’s voice remained flat. “Do it.”
Color drained from Director Li’s face. He forced a dry laugh. “Very well. As Mr. Argent wishes.”
He stiffened, preparing to speak, but Alarieka interrupted: “Not so fast. One matter remains unresolved.”
The director had braced himself to apologize publicly to this green girl. Her interruption deflated him like a balloon, trapped fury surging without outlet.
Through clenched teeth, he muttered, “What else does Ms. Huston require?”
Alarieka savored his stifled expression, relishing every second.
She pointed meaningfully at the boy cowering behind Zheng Hui. “Director Li, perhaps you should reexamine your grand-nephew’s burns? Earlier you claimed they were severe. Take another look. If they truly remain serious, I might consider covering his medical expenses.”
Director Li froze. After a cautious glance at Kieran, he moistened his lips.
“Well… Ms. Huston, the corridor lighting was dim earlier. I couldn’t clearly see the injury and wasn’t careful enough—I jumped to conclusions. But I’ve since revisited the medical report. The burns aren’t serious. Some ointment will suffice. For this oversight causing you trouble, I apologize.”
Alarieka nodded. “Shall I still pay for that ointment?”
Director Li immediately shook his head: “No, of course not. Actually, this is my niece and her family’s fault. They should cover all expenses. Ms. Huston, don’t worry about it.”
Alarieka nodded: “That’s wonderful.”
She shifted the topic: “Apologize. I’m listening.”
Director Li’s eyes darkened before he nodded: “Okay, okay…”
“Regarding this matter, I must admit I’ve failed Ms. Huston…”
Compared to Zheng Hui’s bluntness, Director Li’s words were far more polished and diplomatic. But Alarieka barely listened, knowing his apologies were insincere—mouthing regrets while probably cursing inside.
Still, seeing Director Li’s stifled expression filled Alarieka with satisfaction. Her body felt lighter, the ankle pain faded, and her mood lifted entirely.
After finishing his monologue, Director Li caught his breath: “Mr. Argent, Ms. Huston, anything else you need from us?”
Kieran stayed silent. Alarieka understood he wanted her response.
She knew Director Li wasn’t the main event—that would be whatever Kieran planned to say privately.
So she stated directly: “That’s enough. Leave now.”
The three practically sighed with relief. They glanced at Kieran, who nodded, and they hurried from the ward.
Alarieka composed herself and asked coolly: “What did you want to say?”
Kieran’s gaze rested on the girl’s profile; the hospital’s stark light poured from above onto her still youthful, innocent face. Thick, upturned lashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyelids. Her complexion lacked its former rosiness, lips pale and chapped—like a flower bud withering before full bloom.
The old Alarieka would argue fiercely with anyone hostile, each word piercingly eloquent. She’d beam radiantly at those she loved—the finest flower the Argent family ever nurtured.
Back then, her eyes shone bright and cold, vibrant with life—never like now, drained of spirit, frail and withered, brows perpetually furrowed as if haunted by endless troubles.
Kieran suddenly realized he hadn’t seen Alarieka genuinely smile in ages. Not since that day in the Argent’s villa bedroom, when she swore she’d never love him again, trampling her past affection like worthless trash. Never had she relaxed in his presence since.
Even Kieran—always composed, never regretting decisions—now questioned his actions.
What was this feeling?
He rubbed his fingertips, carefully dissecting the unfamiliar emotions rising within. Regret?
A sensation Kieran hadn’t experienced in years.
To him, it felt… intriguing.
Alarieka grew impatient waiting for Kieran’s reply.
“Cat got your tongue?”
She turned and immediately met his gaze.
Kieran’s eyes were dark and inscrutable, lips pressed thin—that same unreadable mask.
Just as Alarieka looked away, he spoke: “You’ve lost weight.”
Her brow furrowed slightly.