Alaricka distractedly typed work replies on her phone, mumbling, “He kept harping about Kieran and Roschelle Whitaker’s anniversary coming up, telling me to prepare gifts. All that passive–aggressive crap—like he’s got some vendetta against Kieran.”

Jaylene understood Shi Yao’s motives perfectly; they were crystal clear to her.

She stifled a laugh. “Oh, he definitely has a grudge.”

Alarieka looked up from her phone, surprised. “You know why?”

Jaylene smirked. “Don’t you?”

Alarieka grew more puzzled. “No? What’s between them?”

Jaylene burst out laughing.

Alarieka frowned, utterly baffled. “What’s so funny?”

Jaylene barely contained her giggles, patting Alarieka’s shoulder. “Nothing. Let Shi Yao explain. I’m not brave enough—he’d throttle me.”

Alarieka eyed her suspiciously. “What scheme are you two cooking up?”

Jaylene hummed. “Anyway, I still say you should bring Shi Yao.”

Alarieka thought for a moment. “Give me solid reasons why I must.”

Jaylene tapped her chin. “Shi Yao can outshine Kieran and Roschelle when they get all lovey–dovey—his face is way younger than Kieran’s.”

Jaylene blinked. “Well? Solid enough? What does our CEO Alarieka think?”

Alarieka deadpanned: “Denied.”

Jaylene groaned dramatically.

Though Alarieka had “denied” the suggestion, when departure day came, she inexplicably brought Shi Yao along to the airport.

During the drive, Alarieka gazed out the window, propping her head on her hand while Shi Yao hummed behind her.

“What a wonderful day, everything’s going my—”

“Stop singing,” Alarieka snapped, rubbing her temples. “Quiet down.”

Silence fell instantly.

A moment later, feather–light fingers brushed her wrist, trailing upward and raising goosebumps.

Alarieka swatted his hand away, glaring. “What are you doing?”

Shi Yao leaned in close, eyes crinkling with delight. “I’m so glad you brought me.”

Alarieka kept her voice icy. “Don’t get too excited yet.”

He ignored her entirely, humming again. “Alarieka, you’re way too good to me.”

Alarieka shut her eyes. “Shut up.”

The distance between the magic city and the capital isn’t too far, just a few hours by plane.

As Alarieka Huston and Shi Yao stepped out of the airport terminal, a young man in a suit approached them—his refined features stern, unmistakably Kieran Argent’s assistant.

“Ms. Huston, Mr. Argent’s car is waiting at the entrance. If convenient, we can take you directly to the Argent’s villa now.”

Shi Yao held Alarieka’s luggage while she stood empty–handed, her tone detached. “Please inform Mr. Argent I have prior engagements. I’ll attend his anniversary celebration at the villa tonight and present my gift then.”

The assistant hesitated. “Ms. Huston, Mr. Argent insisted I escort you back today. He wishes you to stay at the villa these days—your room is prepared. Would you reconsider…”

Before Alarieka could respond, Shi Yao slid an arm around her shoulders, grinning. “Our apologies, but urgent matters call. Surely Mr. Argent won’t mind?”

The assistant stammered, “But—”

Shi Yao tightened his hold. “Let’s go. What are we waiting for?”

With Alarieka’s nod, he guided her toward the exit.

Near the VIP gate, a black Bentley’s window slid down. Narrow, obsidian eyes watched the striking pair—their silhouettes sharp against the terminal lights—while chiseled features remained partially obscured in the car’s gloom.

The assistant approached from the side. “Mr. Argent, Ms. Huston said she’ll come tonight.”

Kieran’s voice chilled the air. “Got it.”

The assistant exhaled, stealing a glance through the rearview mirror.

Thank god. He doesn’t seem angry.

Yet the open window framed Kieran’s unwavering gaze on the distant figures.

He came personally for her? And she refused? Unbelievable.

Wiping his brow, the assistant whispered, “Shall we leave, sir?”

As the pair entered their car, Kieran’s eyelids lowered like drawn curtains. “Proceed.”

Mid–journey, Kieran glanced at his phone. “Detour to fetch Yuanyuan first.”