Chapter 355
His cowering expression made Jaylene scowl. She slammed the table: “Spit it out! Stop beating around the bush!”
Nie Guanyu flinched, studying Jaylene’s face before whispering: “You’re mad? Why are you angry again?”
Jaylene nearly laughed in frustration: “Why am I angry again? Explain yourself—what’s this again nonsense?”
Nie Guanyu dropped his gaze entirely, murmuring after a pause: “Don’t be angry.”
Amused, Alarieka patted Jaylene’s shoulder: “Relax. Let him speak.” Turning to Nie Guanyu, she asked: “What did you want to say?”
He glanced at her fleetingly before staring at the table: “Do you know Roschelle Whitaker?”
Hearing Rose’s name, Jaylene reacted more fiercely than Alarieka.
Jaylene’s eyes narrowed at Nie Guanyu: “Why ask about Rose? Do you know her? How? Planning to defend her?”
Jaylene Irwin could never forget what Roschelle Whitaker had done. Every time she mentioned Roschelle, she’d curse for ages. By now, she’d already cursed Roschelle’s ancestors eighteen generations back. Sometimes she’d even curse a few strands of Roschelle’s hair.
Question after question piled up, making Victor’s head hang lower and lower until his chin almost touched his chest.
Though packed with customers, the trendy coffee shop stayed quiet. The loudest sounds were camera shutters clicking and hushed conversations. Jaylene’s voice rose above the murmur, drawing unfriendly stares from all around.
Alarieka tugged Jaylene’s sleeve, whispering, “Alright, calm down. Everyone’s looking at us.”
Jaylene belatedly noticed everyone’s gazes before glaring at Nie Guanyu. This was all his fault!
Unfortunately, Nie Guanyu kept his head down, oblivious to her stare.
Alarieka also wanted to know the true nature of Nie Guanyu’s relationship with Roschelle Whitaker—it determined whether he could be trusted.
In his past life, Nie Guanyu’s feelings for Roschelle Whitaker were no secret; most people around him knew, including Jaylene.
But Alarieka remained uncertain whether Nie Guanyu had played any role in Kieran’s acquisition of the tech company Jaylene had painstakingly built.
Or more bluntly—had Nie Guanyu, driven by his affection for Roschelle Whitaker, pledged allegiance to Kieran and helped him seize Jaylene’s company?
This question had haunted her.
Alarieka quietly observed Nie Guanyu’s lowered head. “I do know her. So you came to me after seeing those things online?”
Nie Guanyu lifted his head, meeting her gaze earnestly. “Yes. She mentioned having depressive tendencies.”
Jaylene frowned. “What does her having depressive tendencies have to do with you? Why are you meddling in others’ business?”
Nie Guanyu looked helplessly at Jaylene, lips parting then closing. He looked like he had something to say but was holding back.
Alarieka said, “I’m not sure about that. If you want to know, ask her yourself.” Her calm eyes tracked Nie Guanyu’s expression, catching the fleeting disappointment that shadowed his face.
Nie Guanyu shook his head, murmuring, “I don’t have her contact.”
Alarieka chuckled softly. “You care that much about her? I have her number. I could ask if you’d like.”
Nie Guanyu’s eyes snapped up—the perpetual dullness briefly lifting before dimming again. “…No need. She doesn’t know me. I shouldn’t bother her.”
Jaylene’s frown deepened. A strong premonition made her lean in, trying to read Nie Guanyu’s expression.
Alarieka stated coolly, “But if you saw those posts, you’d know Roschelle Whitaker and I aren’t on good terms. Didn’t you notice?”
Nie Guanyu suddenly raised his head, studying Alarieka’s face cautiously. “…Are you angry too?”
Alarieka smiled. “I’m just surprised you’d ask me about her.”
Nie Guanyu’s lips trembled, cheeks flushing faintly as his eyes darted around. “I… I don’t know anyone else. You’re the only one I could ask.”
Watching him, Alarieka drew three conclusions.
First: Nie Guanyu didn’t hide his thoughts or overcomplicate things.