Alaricka paused for half a second before realizing who he meant by "him."

"Didn't you hear? I'm going to discuss the game rights for Black White Rabbit."

Shi Yao sneered: "Kierose Group is a huge enterprise. The game rights for Black White Rabbit are worth peanuts. Toss them into Kierose’s waters, and you wouldn’t even hear a splash. Kieran wouldn’t even bat an eye at such a small sum. Why the big deal of having you personally go and talk to him?"

"Maybe he's got a screw loose."

Shi Yao was dazed by the sudden news that Alaricka was going to meet her ex-lover. Without even processing what she’d said, he blurted out: "Sick, definitely sick. An assistant could handle this, but he insists on you going personally. Who knows what he’s scheming? Alaricka, don’t let him trick you."

After saying this, Shi Yao suddenly realized what Alaricka had said.

"What did you say?"

Alaricka said nonchalantly: "I didn't say anything. It was all you talking."

Shi Yao stared into her eyes: "No, you did say something. You said Kieran’s got a screw loose."

Alaricka admitted frankly: "Yeah, I said it. So what?"

Shi Yao kept staring into her eyes, his gaze intense, and said nothing.

Alaricka said: "Stop staring at me. The game rights for Black White Rabbit are crucial for the new game. I have to get them. Since Kierose Group is demanding it, I have to comply. If you don’t agree, then help me snatch the game rights."

Shi Yao suddenly repeated inexplicably: "You said he’s got a screw loose."

Alaricka: "?"

Shi Yao emphasized: "You said he’s got a screw loose."

Alaricka: "…"

Alaricka said: "If you keep repeating that, then the one with a screw loose isn’t him, it’s you."

Shi Yao stepped closer and grabbed her wrist firmly: "I'm going with you."

A flicker passed through Alaricka’s eyes. If she wasn’t mistaken, her meeting with Kieran would be a bucket of drama. This was between her and Kieran. She didn’t want to drag anyone else into it, including Shi Yao.

Alaricka refused calmly: "No need. I can go alone."

Shi Yao frowned: "I'm definitely going with you."

Alaricka said: "It's unnecessary."

Shi Yao’s expression darkened. He pressed his lips together and stared at her.

Once Alaricka made a decision, it was hard to change: "I told you, I can handle it alone. You stay at the company—"

"No," Shi Yao cut her off, "I don't want to. I'm going with you."

Alaricka frowned and clicked her tongue. "Shi Yao, what’s gotten into you?"

Shi Yao sneered: "I'm worried about you and want to go with you, and this is how you talk to me?"

Alaricka frowned. She wanted to retort but suddenly stopped. Shi Yao wasn’t acting normal. He got all worked up at the mention of Kieran’s name.

Alaricka’s expression softened: "Shi Yao, why are you so concerned? What do you know?" Though she’d never shared her past with him, Shi Yao could easily uncover it if he tried.

Shi Yao pressed his lips together, stubbornly glaring at her before scoffing: "What do you think I know?" He nearly choked on the words burning in his chest.

Know what? Of course, he knew about her history with Kieran Argent. Knew the tangled past between her, Kieran, and Roschelle Whitaker. Knew this sudden trip might rekindle old flames with Kieran.

What else could he possibly know?

Even though Kieran and Rose were married with a child, Shi Yao understood men—especially why Kieran insisted on seeing Alaricka now.

He swore—absolutely swore—he wouldn’t let Alaricka and Kieran rekindle anything.

Alaricka felt a sudden surge of irritation welling up inside her.