Chapter 328
Tamika Coldberg rushed up from behind, reaching to pry Kieran’s arm away. Yet, seeing his stormy expression, she hesitated, merely warning: “Kieran Argent, let her go!”
Ignoring Tamika, Kieran kept his arm firmly locked, his voice low: “Alarieka Huston, let go.”
Hearing this, Alarieka tightened her grip on the doorframe, smiling faintly: “Have you forgotten, Mr. Argent? This is my home. I’ll hold what I please–none of your concern.”
Kieran’s gaze turned icy as he stared: “The Argent’s villa is your home. Come back with me.”
Alarieka paused briefly before smiling sarcastically: “Mr. Argent, a word of advice–stop deluding yourself. I don’t consider the Argent’s villa my home. At most, it’s temporary lodging. There’s no reason for me to return.”
Kieran watched her, nodding: “You won’t release, is that it?”
Alarieka stayed silent, her stance clear.
Kieran abruptly released his hold, setting her down.
The moment her feet touched ground, Alarieka moved swiftly, stepping away from Kieran’s side.
But Kieran was faster–anticipating her move, he swept his arm around her waist, anchoring her firmly beside him. His other hand seized both her hands gripping the doorframe. Before her eyes, Kieran forcibly, slowly peeled her fingers from the wood.
Straining with all her might, Alarieka couldn’t break free. In that moment, she truly understood the innate physical disparity between man and woman.
Watching the sudden struggle, Tamika clapped her hands in panic, grabbing at Kieran’s arm. “Kieran Argent, release her!”
Kieran moved quicker, pivoting with Alarieka in his grasp. Her hands lost their anchor, leaving her no choice but to watch as he half-carried her away.
Alarieka stared at Kieran’s throat mere inches away, longing to sink her teeth into his Adam’s apple.
Suddenly, as Kieran Argent descended the steps, his phone rang abruptly from his pocket.
Kieran knit his brows. Alarieka offered a light smile: “You’d better take that, Mr. Argent. Might be urgent.”
His dark eyes fixed on her, Kieran gripped her waist with one hand while retrieving the phone with the other.
Standing close enough, Alarieka instantly recognized “Rose” flashing across the screen.
She arched a brow slightly, silent, her eyes laced with mockery as she scoffed at Kieran.
Kieran’s response was to tighten his grip around her waist, their bodies pressed flush against each other.
Kieran answered the call, his deep, pleasant voice resonating: “Rose.”
Though he hadn’t put it on speaker, the hallway was quiet enough that Alarieka stood close enough to hear Roschelle’s voice clearly.
Roschelle’s voice trembled tearfully, fragile and pitiful: “Kieran, I saw Alarieka’s post online… I’m so upset, truly…”
She choked back a sob, the tears thickening her tone: “Kieran, I really need you right now. Can you come be with me?”
“I went to your office, but your assistant said you’d left. I don’t know where you are… I’m scared.”
Alarieka nearly applauded. If Roschelle joined the entertainment industry, she’d probably snag a Best Actress award. Such a dramatic performance. Had Alarieka not seen through her act, she might’ve actually worried over those crocodile tears.
Predictably, Kieran’s gaze hardened. He lowered his voice soothingly: “I’m out. Go home first–I’ll head back now.”
Alarieka lowered her eyelids, listening in silence.
His voice couldn’t have been gentler, brimming with infinite patience for the person on the line. This side of Kieran, this tender tone–reserved only for Roschelle.
Roschelle’s voice quivered: “No. I’ll wait at the company entrance. I won’t leave until you come!”
Kieran’s eyes softened with helplessness: “Be good. Go home, alright?”
Roschelle insisted: “I'm staying right here. Please come get me soon?”
Alarieka glanced down at Kieran’s arm still looped around her waist. His hold had noticeably loosened–undoubtedly because of Roschelle.