Kieran narrowed his eyes.

Alaricka froze for a second, glancing back at Kieran. She genuinely hadn’t thought of that, but counting the days, it was indeed almost Kieran and Rose’s anniversary.

Shiyao poked her forehead again, exasperated. “I knew you forgot just by looking at you.”

With that, he gripped her shoulder, turning her body fully towards Kieran. Still keeping an arm draped casually over her shoulder, Shiyao’s voice held apology. “Mr. Argent, my apologies. I forgot to remind Alaricka about this. When your anniversary comes, we’ll definitely send the gift over.”

Alaricka acknowledged the oversight. She added, “That was my oversight. I’ll make it up to you, Mr. Argent.”

Shi Yao nodded, patting her shoulder. “Right, that’s more like it.” As he spoke, his gaze casually met Kieran Argent’s.

Kieran lifted his chin slightly, eyes fixed on Shi Yao’s arm around Alaricka. His gaze turned colder. “No need.”

Shi Yao caught Kieran’s stare and tightened his hold on Alaricka’s shoulder with a smile. “How could we not? Alaricka and I have always heard how exceptionally devoted Mr. Argent is to his wife. We truly admire your deep bond. Besides…” He paused meaningfully. “Alaricka needs your help with something this time. We absolutely can’t neglect Mrs. Argent.”

Alaricka shot Shi Yao a skeptical glance. In five years, he’d never spoken so… normally. Usually, his “sincere” talk dripped with backhanded remarks. His hostility toward Kieran was palpable.

“I said,” Kieran’s voice lowered with casual certainty, “no preparations. Just have Alaricka return to the Argent family in a few days.”

Shi Yao’s expression froze. He looked down at Alaricka. “You’re going back?”

Alaricka nodded calmly. “Mr. Argent, I’ll deliver your wedding anniversary gift soon. We won’t trouble you further today.”

Shi Yao whispered urgently, “Are you serious?”

Alaricka gave a slight nod without explanation.

Mr. Argent’s eyes flicked again to Shi Yao’s arm around her. “Fine. But do you need assistance?”

Alaricka smiled faintly. “No need. Please attend to your business. I can handle this myself.”

This time, Kieran left without hesitation. Watching his car disappear, Alaricka turned to the driver. “Glenn, stop checking. If you can’t find the issue, call professionals. Get a tow truck first. Stay with the car–I’ll take a ride back.”

Glenn wiped his brow. “Yes, ma’am. Travel safely.”

Nodding, Alaricka pulled out her phone to book a ride. Just as she opened the app, a hand snatched it away.

She lowered her arm, palm open at her side. “Give it back.”

Shi Yao locked the screen and shoved it into her hand. The moment she took it, his fingers clamped around her wrist, yanking her in the opposite direction.

His strides were hurried. Alaricka struggled to keep up, his grip bruising her wrist. She frowned. “Shi Yao, what are you doing?”

He stayed silent until they reached a street corner. Then he whirled abruptly—

Alaricka gasped as the world spun. An instant later, her back hit the brick wall. She squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them.

Between her skull and the rough surface, Shi Yao’s palm pressed protectively. His face was stormy, lowered eyes burning into hers. A tight line sealed his lips, radiating displeasure.

The near-interrogation stance made Alaricka bristle. She refused to indulge him. “What’s wrong now?”

His voice emerged hoarse, ragged with frustration. “You’re really going to the Argent family with Kieran?”

Alaricka met his glare. “Yes. So what if I am?”

Shiyao pressed her lips together, nearly demanding: “When did you decide this? Did Kieran force you? Do you really have to go?”

Alaricka frowned, tossing out impatiently: “Got some grudge against that family?”