Chapter 418
Alaricka offered a light laugh: “Mr. Argent, this is unrelated to today’s matter. May I decline to answer?”
Kieran pressed: “For companies potentially partnering with Kierose Group, I expect no complications in any aspect—including personal relationships. Any scandal could tarnish Kierose’s reputation.”
“So, you still think it’s unrelated?”
Alaricka’s fingers curled slightly. She chuckled softly: “Mr. Argent, I assure you my personal life poses zero risk. Besides, if you distrust me now, mere words won’t convince you. Why not investigate thoroughly after we solidify our partnership?”
For a long moment, Kieran stayed silent. Head bowed, he watched ripples dance across his tea.
Alaricka drew a quiet breath.
Her words were an invisible slap—gentle yet undeniably challenging Mr. Argent’s social status.
After all, she needed his help this time. She was begging him to sell the Black-White Rabbit game copyright. For now, she couldn’t afford to bruise his ego.
Alaricka opened her mouth to smooth things over: “Though we haven’t met, I’ve always heard Kierose thrives under your leadership, Mr. Ar—”
“Alaricka Huston.”
Kieran’s cold voice cut through.
He lifted dark eyes, tone icy: “Has anyone told you your smile looks fake?”
Alaricka’s smile faded: “What do you mean, Mr. Argent?”
He pushed his cup forward with one finger, gaze sharp: “Don’t force smiles. Don’t force conversation either.”
Alaricka’s eyes narrowed.
“Alaricka, I despise forcing people.”
Inwardly scoffing, her expression hardened as she turned away blankly.
“Then I appreciate your… concern, Mr. Argent.”
Silence fell.
While waiting for dishes, the VIP Lounge turned glacial. Alaricka stayed mute: Kieran was never talkative.
Only when servers brought food did the tension ease slightly.
Seated, Alaricka watched plates cover the table—then stilled.
She remembered her own order. These extra dishes? Likely chosen by Kieran.
They were her favorite sweets from years past. Several leaned heavily sugary.
Alaricka stayed quiet. Her phone screen lit up in her palm—a message from Shi Yao.
Shiyao: I’m so bored, come back soon?
Shiyao: If you don’t return, I’ve no idea how long Jaylene and her partner will keep me locked up?
Shiyao: Hurry back, I’m begging you.
Alaricka’s hands rested beneath the table, fingers rapidly typing a reply.
Alaricka: Stay put.
Shiyao responded instantly: Alaricka, I swear I won’t come looking for you. Just tell Jaylene to release me. I’ll behave.
Alaricka: No chance.
Shiyao immediately sent a sobbing emoji.
“Alaricka,” Kieran’s voice turned icy, “You’ve checked your phone twice since we met.”
Alaricka set her phone down. “Apologies. Urgent matter.”
Kieran’s dark, narrow eyes fixed on her. “If you have pressing business, handle it first. But my time is limited. Next meeting is uncertain.”
Alaricka thought of Shiyao’s messages and cleared her throat. “My apologies for neglecting you, Mr. Argent.”
To demonstrate resolve, she turned her phone face down on the table.
Thus, she completely missed Jaylene’s incoming message.
Kieran gave a curt nod. “Eat first.”
Alaricka picked up her bowl and fork, quietly lifting a nearby vegetable to her mouth.
Throughout the meal, neither she, Kieran, nor his assistant spoke. Only the clinking of forks echoed in the VIP Lounge, the atmosphere unnervingly still.
Alaricka’s appetite hadn’t grown over the years. She soon set down her fork, wiping her mouth with a napkin. Kieran ate sparingly too, finishing shortly after. The assistant, clearly still hungry, hurriedly set down his fork seeing both superiors done.
Alaricka cleared her throat. “Mr. Argent, may we discuss the Black-White Rabbit game copyright now?”
Kieran stated, “I reviewed your proposal. Impressive work.”
Alaricka smiled.
She knew Kieran couldn’t refuse this deal.
Just as she began, “Then let’s hope our cooperation—”
Kieran abruptly cut in: “However, I won’t sell.”
Alaricka’s smile faded slightly.