Wallace remained unmoved. She kowtowed, weeping between each thud against the floor.

After a full minute, Wallace finally spoke: “Alaricka, you schemed your way into Kieran’s bed for status, shamelessly carrying his child. Now this act–isn’t it laughable?”

Head bowed, kneeling on the cold floor, her entire body turned to ice.

“For a woman like you, isn’t living off the Argent family the best outcome? Are you putting on this show for Kieran’s sake? Pity he isn’t here. Even if he were, he’d never believe you.”

Her tears fell. “Wallace, I didn’t…”

“Lock her up. Don’t let her out tomorrow or the day after. Make sure she doesn’t disgrace the Argent family.”

She knew it was hopeless but wanted one last chance.

The National College Entrance Examination was her only opportunity. She couldn’t lose it.

She’d never moved so fast–scrambling up and reaching the door in under ten seconds.

The servants caught her just as quickly, gripping her arms and tossing her into the room like a ragdoll. She crashed onto the floor.

Sharp pain exploded in her abdomen. Darkness and weakness overwhelmed her. Cramped on the floor, clammy with sweat, her body spasming, she dragged herself to the door and pounded.

“Help me…” Her voice was faint as a mosquito’s hum. “My stomach… please help…”

No one answered.

Beyond three daily meals, nobody noticed her pallor or pain. Hospital care was unthinkable.

She thought of Kieran Argent.

Carrying Kieran’s child–maybe he’d intervene.

Kieran dined with Wallace every other day. He’d return tomorrow.

She lay by the door then, knocking relentlessly, hoping to catch Kieran’s attention.

Still nothing.

Two sunless days passed with Alarieka engulfed in agony.

Was missing the exam worse than potentially losing the baby? Dazed, her eyes vacant.

Perhaps those days were too traumatic. Now Alarieka scarcely remembers how excruciating it was.

Facing this year’s National College Entrance Examination, past life memories resurface unexpectedly.

This second chance brings no joy.

The exam opportunity she regained through rebirth–what ordinary people always possessed.

“Alarieka…”

“Alaricka, are you listening? Alaricka?”

“Alarieka…”

Alaricka snapped from her daze, blinking at Shi Yao with unfocused eyes. “What did you say?”

Shi Yao watched those wide, innocent almond eyes and felt an itch to pinch Alaricka’s cheeks.

“I asked if you heard me.”

Alarieka clearly hadn’t. “What did you say?”

Uncharacteristically patient, Shi Yao repeated: “What time’s your exam tomorrow? Need a ride?”

Alarieka studied Shi Yao intently, brows slowly furrowing.

Shi Yao lifted her chin, lips pressed thin, refusing to acknowledge her quickened pulse. “What?”

Suspicion laced Alarieka’s voice. “When did you become so mild-mannered?”

Shi Yao’s expression soured instantly. “Meaning?”

“I’ve always been mild–mannered.”

Alarieka scoffed lightly. “No thanks. I’d rather not risk you dropping me at an internet cafe tomorrow.”

Victor’s face was utterly sour. He slammed the bowls and chopsticks back into place, stayed silent for a beat, then unexpectedly didn’t argue with Alaricka. Instead, scowling imperiously, he demanded:

“Am I that kind of man? Alarieka, since I’m in a good mood and you’ve got the National College Entrance Examination tomorrow, I’ll grant you one request.”

Seeing he’d finished washing dishes, Alarieka walked out of the kitchen, tossing over her shoulder: “Oh? Since when are you so generous?”

Victor trailed her, pressing: “Well? Want it or not?”

Alarieka had just opened her mouth when bathroom noises interrupted–Tamika emerged.

Tamika froze for seconds seeing the man in the living room, stammering: “You… aren’t you that…”

Alarieka said: “He’s just the neighbor across the hall. Since we hadn’t finished the tangyuan, I invited him to try some. He’ll leave soon.”