Chapter 416

Their roles had reversed completely. He hadn’t adjusted, a knot of resentment tightening his chest – unspoken, unexpressed.

Never would he have imagined the girl who once idolized Kieran would rise to stand toe-to-toe with him.

Where she once sought his favor, now he sought hers.

The chasm between them left him seething, yet powerless.

His hand still hung suspended when Alarieka’s eyes lifted slowly. “Something else?”

Kieran’s cool glance flickered toward him. The assistant stiffened, withdrawing his hand. “My apologies… I was distracted.”

Alarieka looked away, setting her cup down softly.

There was no need for reminiscing. The past was tangled chaos—mention it, and she couldn’t negotiate calmly.

So she cut to the chase. “Mr. Argent, Harmony Studio offers genuine sincerity. We’re prepared to pay one and a half times the market price for Black–White Rabbit’s game rights. Voice any concerns – I’ll address them.”

Kieran’s gaze remained impassive, steady on her.

Alarieka’s voice and tone were so open and natural, as if the two had never met before, as if those warm, twisted, and stormy past moments never existed, as if they were just meeting today, so they talked business openly without any other emotions.

Alarieka wasn’t blind; of course, she could see Kieran watching her.

She looked back calmly: “Mr. Argent?”

Kieran finally spoke slowly: “You’ve changed a lot over the years.”

Alarieka gave a light laugh: “Mr. Argent has changed too. Oh, I almost forgot to congratulate you and Mrs. Argent on your new son. I didn’t have time to attend your child’s first birthday party before; I hope you don’t mind.”

Her smile was flawless, as if genuinely congratulating him just as a business partner would.

Kieran watched her for a few seconds, his eyes darkening slightly before slowly looking away. He handed the menu to his assistant beside him: “I’ve ordered some dishes already. See if we need anything else.”

Alarieka took it and calmly added a few dishes.

Hearing one dish’s name, Kieran’s brow twitched: “You never liked these before.”

Alarieka passed the menu back to the assistant, her voice flat: “As you just said, I’ve changed a lot over the years. Nothing to be surprised about.”

Kieran tugged at the corner of his mouth: “True.”

Alarieka never forgot why she came today: “Mr. Argent, about the Black–White Rabbit game rights, do you have any other questions for me?”

Kieran countered: “In a hurry?”

Alarieka’s smile faded slightly: “I thought you valued efficiency.”

Kieran raised his hand, leisurely pouring himself tea: “Even efficiency requires a full stomach first.”

Alarieka’s smile vanished completely as she nodded: “True.”

With some time before the food arrived, Alarieka didn’t want to chat idly with Kieran anymore. She pulled out her phone to reply to work messages. Just as she was about to put it down, Timothy’s messages popped up.

Timothy: [Are you there yet?]

Timothy: [When are you coming back?]

Timothy: [I’m so wronged]

Timothy: [Jaylene locked me in the conference room; I can’t get out]

Timothy: [Come back quick and stand up for me, or I’ll make a scene]

A string of messages came through. Alarieka raised an eyebrow, quickly typing back: [Stay put. Don’t come over.]

Timothy replied with a crying emoji.

Alarieka coldly swiped away without looking, then messaged Jaylene instead.

Alarieka: [I’ll need more time to wrap up here. Make sure someone watches Timothy so he doesn’t slip away.]

Jaylene: [Got it sis. Nathan’s watching him, no problem.]

Nathan?

Alarieka frowned.

She knew all too well about Nathan’s admiration for Timothy and Timothy’s smooth-talking skills, seriously doubting whether Nathan could actually keep him in check.

Chapter 417