Chapter 331
He knew every detail of the recent events between Alaricka and Roschelle, relayed by his subordinates. Roschelle’s actions left him far from satisfied; disappointment tinged his view.
He understood Roschelle’s desperation to eliminate Alaricka. But Roschelle had acted too hastily, leaving too many traces–so many that Kieran had to step in and clean up her mess, deploying significant resources. That was unacceptable.
He chose Roschelle as Kieran’s future wife not to burden Kieran with her troubles or require his constant scheming on her behalf. The engagement stemmed from the strength her family could lend Kieran. He expected Roschelle to be Kieran’s asset, not a source of headaches after his own demanding work.
Moreover, Wallace approved of Alaricka’s conduct. Alaricka was cool-headed, resolute, neither submissive nor fawning. Once she seized her objective, she never relented. Her approach and attitude bore Kieran’s shadow. Perhaps due to her youth, her methods weren’t entirely clean, allowing Roschelle to find leverage and make a loud fuss.
Truth be told, setting aside family backgrounds, Wallace valued Alaricka more. Though lacking a distinguished background, Alaricka possessed remarkable capability, making her a barely suitable match for Kieran Argent.
But alas, there were no ‘ifs.’ Roschelle’s family background vastly surpassed Alaricka’s, offering immense aid to Kieran and the Argent family–a chasm Alaricka could never cross in her lifetime. Besides, the woman in Kieran’s heart was Roschelle Whitaker, not Alaricka Huston. Everything was unsuitable.
Alaricka, no matter how exceptional her skills and methods might be, just wasn’t the right fit. So, even though Rose had done plenty of foolish things, it still paled in comparison to the immense help the Whitaker family could offer the Argents. The benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. From both an emotional and a business standpoint, Rose was the most suitable choice.
Only if Alaricka left would things truly be right.
Alaricka looked calmly at Wallace Argent, her voice cool: “But there are no ‘what ifs.’ Besides, I don’t care for your grandson. I prefer to… keep my distance.”
Wallace’s cloudy eyes shifted. “Yes, I’m old and muddled.”
With that, he suddenly stood up.
Alaricka’s brow twitched slightly, her gaze dropping to her phone screen. There were still over two minutes left on the five–minute timer. Time wasn’t up yet.
Frowning at Wallace’s retreating back, Alaricka asked, “So, you’re refusing?”
Wallace reached the doorway, his voice low and hoarse: “Later, I’ll bring what you want. Don’t wait for daybreak. Leave tonight. I’ll hold Kieran’s men back, but not for long. Half a day, at most. You must be gone by eight tomorrow morning.”
A weight lifted slightly from Alaricka’s heart. She gave a light laugh: “Then I thank you, Grandpa Wallace.”
“I’ll leave quickly. I won’t delay.”
Wallace Argent had always been decisive, safeguarding the Argent family’s legacy through turbulent times. His past demeanor and methods remained the talk of the town even now. Age hadn’t dulled his sharpness.
Within half an hour, Alaricka received the documents she needed—proof of school transfer paperwork—inside her rental apartment. Hiding on the balcony, she silently peered down.
Below, a man in plain clothes stood beside an inconspicuous Volkswagen. He’d appeared thirty minutes prior, right after her return from meeting Wallace. She’d never seen him here before, but recognized him from Kieran’s side. Likely Kieran’s sentry.
Pretending unaware, Alaricka grabbed a prepared trash bag and headed downstairs, feigning a routine disposal.
From her balcony perch, she watched a black van approach. The man noticed it immediately–though not intently enough. He glanced fleetingly at the van before looking away, pulling out a cigarette with bored detachment. Then the van halted behind his Volkswagen. Instantly alert, he straightened up, crushed his cigarette underfoot, and shifted his weight backward, glaring menacingly at the van, poised to flee.
Chapter 332