“Can someone explain how Alaricka plays piano so well AND aces academics? I’m crying rivers here—utterly impressed! She’s going to study computer science at Ivy League universities! Ahhhhhh!”
“Seriously though, anyone got Alaricka’s private contact? My college entrance exam’s next year. I’ll pay any price for her tutoring—my parents are loaded.”
“Poster above, maybe don’t ask for private contacts? After Rose’s fans cyberbullied Alarieka, her personal info got leaked. She kept getting harassing calls—had to change her number.”
“Rose’s fans… I’ve heard about them. Just a bunch of cyberbullies. Thank God Alaricka’s mentality stayed strong—she aced the exam anyway. If her scores suffered, those people would’ve deserved hell.”
“Can you stop targeting our Rose? She just got engaged to Mr. Argent two days ago! Now she’s resting at home during pregnancy, practicing piano daily. She did absolutely nothing wrong.”
“Poor Rose—kept getting hounded by that mistress’s dogs. But one thing’s undeniable: while that girl struggled through exams, our Rose secured her engagement to Mr. Argent. Both families are thrilled—just waiting for the baby and postpartum recovery before their grand wedding. Rumor has it Mr. Argent personally chose her one-of-a-kind wedding dress. That engagement ring? Worth over a million.”
Amid the massive online discussion, posts from Rose’s fans drowned without making a ripple.
Rose’s face darkened as she refreshed the page for real-time updates. Suddenly, the hashtag page vanished—banned for violating community guidelines. She froze momentarily, then tried other hashtags. Without exception—every hashtag about the Mcintosh Piano Competition disappeared, leaving only Alaricka’s National Exam Top Scorer topic. Rose stared blankly for a second before realization dawned. Sweet warmth flooded her chest.
Without hesitation, she called Kieran Argent. He answered immediately.
“Kieran!” she blurted out.
His voice came low through the receiver. “Hmm? Why aren’t you asleep?”
Now it was around half past ten at night. Usually by this time, she would already be asleep. She knew Kieran Argent was aware of her routine, but lately he had been incredibly busy, staying overnight at the office every day; he hadn’t had time to come home. She never imagined that even though he was this busy, he still kept tabs on her bedtime.
Alaricka Was Just an Employee
Roschelle Whitaker’s cheeks flushed slightly, her voice softening:
“Kieran, did you do all those things online?”
Without hesitation, Kieran Argent gave a low hum. “Go to sleep early. Don’t pay attention to that online noise.”
Roschelle pressed her lips together. “Thank you, Kieran. But I’m fine—I’m genuinely happy for Alaricka. Seems she’s doing well now.”
This time, Kieran didn’t respond as quickly.
“Mm. Get some rest. I’ve got matters to handle. Talk later.”
His cool tone only made Roschelle more satisfied. She said considerately, “Make sure you rest early—after work then. I won’t disturb you further. Bye.”
The call injected Roschelle with pure relief. The weight in her chest vanished instantly as she set down her phone contentedly.
“Rose!”
Clarissa Argent’s frantic, demanding voice pierced through the door, just before it slammed open. Startled, Roschelle immediately put her phone aside, asking gently, “Clarissa? What’s wrong?”
The girl’s bright face twisted with indignation. Holter Argent trailed behind her, looking equally displeased. Clarissa marched over, plopped onto the bed edge, and clung to Roschelle’s arm. Resting her forehead against Roschelle’s shoulder, she whined, “Rose, did you see? Alarieka turned out to be the National Exam Top Scorer! She got 734 points! Seven hundred thirty–four! I refuse to believe it—no way she scored that high without cheating!”
Roschelle offered a tight–lipped smile, staying silent.
“How could that be? Alarieka is quite exceptional-”
“Exceptional where?!”