Chapter 393

Grandpa looked at Alarieka Huston, then at the gift box on the table, then at Sean. He snorted again and said indifferently: “Ms. Huston, no need to trouble yourself. Sean has been fooling around outside these years. It’s my fault, as the head of the family, for not disciplining him well. Ms. Huston, don’t mind it and don’t take it seriously. Please sit down.”

Alarieka Huston raised an eyebrow.

“Well, still a tough little old man.”

In every word, he was treating her as an outsider, not as his grandson’s girlfriend.

Sean frowned and emphasized: “Old man, what are you saying? She is my girlfriend.”

Grandpa said coldly: “Over the years while you’ve been out there, I’ve long investigated everyone around you. Ms. Huston is very capable. I, this old man, admire that. But these things are separate. I’ve already arranged a future wife for Sean. She’s very suitable for Sean. You two should break up as soon as possible and not waste each other’s time.”

Sean almost sneered: “Did I say I agreed? And you arrange it for me?”

Grandpa’s voice deepened: “Otherwise, what do you want to do? That’s your Grandpa Zhao’s granddaughter. Your Grandpa Zhao was my former comrade-in-arms. He saved my life. Before he passed away, I promised him I would take good care of his granddaughter and not let his 'Cutie Pie' suffer any grievance. Now you bring your girlfriend to meet me; you’re causing her grievance.”

“'Cutie Pie' and you grew up together, childhood sweethearts who know each other inside out. Your families are well-matched, her parents approve of you, and yours adore her as their daughter-in-law. I’ve watched 'Cutie Pie' grow into a sensible, well-mannered young woman. She even studied computer science just to connect with you! All these years she’s waited for your return. With all this, you must marry her!”

“Come home with me now. Discuss wedding plans properly with her family and get your life back on track. The family business needs you too–stop messing around out here!”

Shi Yao scoffed coldly. “Since childhood, I’ve only ever seen Qingzhu as a sister. I won’t marry her. Give up—I’m not going back.”

Just as Alarieka was reflecting on Shi Yao’s family situation, he suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her to sit opposite Grandpa Shi.

“There’s only Alarieka in my heart. I won’t leave her.”

Alarieka blinked, studying Shi Yao’s profile. They were just acting, yet he seemed genuinely angry.

She turned away, mentally rehearsing yesterday’s script to proclaim their love before Grandpa Shi. As she opened her mouth, Grandpa Shi snorted, eyeing Shi Yao like a mischievous child.

“Cut the act. Would you dare kiss her right in front of me?”

Alarieka choked back her words, throat tightening uncomfortably.

Shi Yao’s ears flushed crimson. Usually quick-tongued, he now stammered, a faint blush spreading across his handsome face. “Wh- what nonsense is that? With you here… I’m not that shameless.”

Alarieka parted her lips, but Grandpa Shi cut in, “Ms. Huston, stop this charade.”

She arched an eyebrow, silent.

“My people have watched you both for years. I know you’re not dating. Quit pretending to be lovers–it’s unconvincing.”

Exposed, Alarieka accepted it calmly, unruffled. “Fine, I’ll act better next time.” She pondered where she’d slipped up. “Grandpa Shi, could you tell me what gave us away?”

Grandpa Shi coughed heavily. “You’re young. Don’t waste time on each other. End this now–take the wine back.” He turned to Alarieka. “Ms. Huston, thank you for looking after Shi Yao these years. I’m taking him home.”

Shi Yao yanked her hand back. “I said I won’t return.”

Alarieka watched them with leisurely amusement. Shi Yao glared. “Say something!”