Five years of hiding was enough.

At 10 PM, Alarieka left the near-empty office tower. Reaching the parking garage, she spotted a familiar car flashing hazard lights. No guessing needed. That car belonged to Yao originally, but after losing a bet to Alarieka, Yao forfeited it as the stake. Later, when Shi Yao fixed a deeply hidden bug, as a reward, she gave the car back to him. Shi Yao refused to take it, so Alarieka had no choice but to park it at the company building, telling him to use it whenever needed. Once, Shi Yao urgently needed the car and drove it away. Eventually, more things happened–like Alarieka’s car breaking down. Frugal by nature and without another vehicle, she had to drive this one to a dinner party. Back and forth it went, leaving both unable to clarify who truly owned the car. Now, either could drive it anytime.

Alarieka texted her driver to head home first and bring the car to her residential neighborhood tomorrow. She walked over, smoothly opening the passenger door: “Since when do you pick me up? Thought you feared I’d make you work overtime?”

Though they often bickered, Shi Yao stayed silent this time: “How’s user feedback now?”

Buckling her seatbelt, Alarieka replied, “Fine. No other bugs found yet.”

Shi Yao gave a noncommittal hum, starting the engine without another word. Exhausted, Alarieka leaned back, gazing blankly at passing headlights.

After a long pause, Shi Yao finally spoke: “Alarieka, did you secure Black and White Rabbit’s game rights?”

Her eyes flickered. “No. Things changed.”

She turned, studying his profile against the headrest. Neon lights streaked across his face, deepening his features. In the dim cabin, she barely made out how his usually full lips were pressed tight–as if stifling fury.

“What changed?”

Alarieka watched him silently.

At a red light, Shi Yao snapped toward her: “Why so quiet?” His tone was brittle.

Amused, she hummed. “What do you know?”

Over the years, she’d recognized his sharp instincts. He surely knew her history with the Argent family and Kieran. To him and the Shis, her past wasn’t hidden.

Shi Yao’s expression darkened further.

“Green light,” she reminded.

Cut off mid-retort, he scowled and slammed the accelerator.

“If I don’t ask, you won’t tell me?”

Alarieka arched an eyebrow. “You’re not my employee. Why should I?”

“Seriously?” Shi Yao’s voice tightened. “I promised you a month of work! Forgetting already?”

“Oh?” She smirked. “And who bolted early, scared I’d keep him overtime?”

He shifted uncomfortably. “I had things to handle.”

Eyes fixed on taillights ahead, Alarieka hummed ambiguously. “Then be a good little worker for me next time.”

“Got it,” Shi Yao’s voice dropped abruptly. “Then tell me about the black and white rabbits.”

Alarieka figured there was no point hiding it from Shi Yao. With Shi Yao’s capabilities, she’d find out sooner or later anyway. So she spilled everything in one go. The more Shi Yao heard, the deeper her frown became. “So what are you planning to do?”

Alarieka looked out the car window, answering lazily, “You must’ve already known about my past with Kieran Argent, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t be in such a hurry.”

A flicker of panic flashed in Shi Yao’s eyes. “I did know, but don’t misunderstand–I never investigated you. I just… happened to see it.”

“It’s fine,” Alarieka said. “Knowing is fine. I never intended to hide it anyway.”

What exactly is your relationship with Kieran Argent?

An ex-boyfriend?

Did you truly love Kieran Argent?

What happened between you two?

How long were you together?