Chapter 400

A bellyful of questions swirled inside Shi Yao, but she didn’t dare voice them. She bottled them up until she choked on her own frustration.

“So how do you want to settle this?”

Right then, Ryan drove into the Residential Neighborhood parking lot.

Years ago, after Alarieka earned her first fortune, she bought a luxury flat near her company. Jaylene soon followed, purchasing a unit there too.

Jaylene originally bought the apartment across from Alarieka’s, but Ryan convinced her to take the unit downstairs instead. That made Ryan Alarieka’s across-the-hall neighbor.

Alarieka stepped out of the car, muttering, “What choice is there? Would Kieran really ditch this deal?”

Ryan locked the car and grabbed her arm. “Meaning what? You’re meeting him? Last time you ‘talked’ with Mr. Johnson from Keyuan face-to-face.”

Alarieka shrugged, turning to meet his gaze—then froze at the intensity in his eyes.

Ryan’s stare was usually icy and detached, like he couldn’t be bothered. Now it was all tension, locked on hers, demanding answers.

Alarieka blinked. “You’ve got beef with Kieran? Since when?”

Ryan’s jaw tightened, frustration etching his features. “Yeah, I do. So spill—what’s your move?”

“What grudge could you possibly have with him?”

Alarieka eyed him skeptically. “You’re bluffing, aren’t you?”

Ryan gripped her arm harder. “Just tell me your plan. If you can’t handle it, I will.”

Alarieka twisted her arm free, scowling. “What else? Obviously—”

“Ryan.”

A trembling, tear-choked voice sliced through the parking garage.

Both whipped toward the sound.

There stood Cutie Pie in a white miniskirt—young, delicate, porcelain skin glowing under the lights. Her round eyes were red-rimmed and swimming, tears threatening to spill.

Her gaze snagged on Ryan’s hand still gripping Alarieka’s arm. Tears fell. “Ryan… is she your girlfriend? The one Grandpa mentioned?”

The scene reeked of a cheating scandal…

Alarieka’s eyebrows shot up, amused eyes darting to Ryan.

Ryan paled, glancing between Alarieka and Cutie Pie.

“Why are you here? Does your family know you came?”

He scowled. “It’s late. Get home. Now.”

Cutie Pie swiped at her tears, voice cracking. “You’ve got a girlfriend! Why pretend to care? Stop faking concern! Go fuss over her!”

She stomped her foot, bolted into the elevator, and mashed the close button.

Ryan’s forehead creased like crumpled paper. “There she goes—princess tantrum over nothing.”

Alarieka chuckled, patting his hand. “Let go and chase her. You’ll panic if she disappears.”

Shi Yao pressed his lips together, his expression genuinely anxious. He slowly released Alarieka’s hand and said, “Go back first. I’ll find her, make sure she gets home, then come back to you.”

Alarieka nodded casually. “Go ahead.”

Shi Yao quickly took off running but suddenly halted, doubling back to stand before Alarieka, his eyes fixed on her face.

“Aren’t you mad?”

His tone was awkward and complicated, laced with barely suppressed anger.

Alarieka chuckled. “Why would I be mad?”

Shi Yao opened his mouth, his brow furrowing deeper.

Alarieka patted his shoulder. “Go after her already! She’s really getting away. It’s late—don’t let that Cutie Pie wander around alone. It’s not safe. Hurry up!”

Irritation flickered across Shi Yao’s features. Before leaving, he blurted out, “I’ll be back tonight, but don’t wait up.”

“Got it. Just go.”

Alarieka waved him off.

Watching Shi Yao leave, Alarieka quietly sighed in relief.

This version of him felt utterly unfamiliar.

Returning home, Tamika heard the door and immediately rushed from her room. She hurried into the kitchen and brought out a bowl of sweet soup she’d prepared. “Eat this quick. It’ll help you sleep.”

Alarieka took a spoonful. “I know.”