Chapter 429

Ryan spread his arms and threw himself into Roschelle’s embrace. “Mom, I don’t want to go back. It’s so fun here. I know I’m dirty; I’ll take a bath when I get back. Can you not be mad?”

Roschelle, both amused and exasperated, patted Ryan’s little body. “Ryan, it’s lunchtime already. We have to go home. Grandpa misses you too.”

Ryan whined, “No, no, I don’t want to go back.”

“Ryan.”

Kieran called him sternly by his full name.

Ryan immediately ducked his head and said loudly, “Going back, Mom. I’m going back now. I won’t play anymore. I’ll play next time.”

Kieran Argent dreaded when his father called him by his full name—it meant trouble was coming.

Rose smiled and took his hand, accepting his coat from the staff. “Let’s go home for dinner with Grandpa.”

Kieran nodded obediently, instantly switching to a baby voice to sweet-talk her.

The mall wasn’t far from the Argent estate, but Kieran fell asleep in Rose’s arms before the car had gone far. Sleeping, he looked peaceful and adorable—no crying, just soft features that made Rose’s heart swell. She gently patted his back.

Slowly, her smile faded. “Kieran,” she asked softly, “did you pick her up?”

He glanced at the sleeping boy, his tone cool. “No. She’s busy.”

Rose felt a weight in her chest. “Kieran… why did you want her back?”

His gaze shifted to her face.

Rose had lived with the Argents for years, every need met with luxury. Time should’ve etched lines of worry, yet her skin stayed petal-smooth.

For five years, she’d been a carefree princess in a castle, every problem handled by his knight Kieran. Her only concerns were piano practice and Kieran’s naps.

He owed her no explanations but answered anyway. “She wants to buy Black-White Rabbit’s game rights.”

Rose froze. “Black-White Rabbit?”

A single “Mm” from him.

Her lips curved, her voice honeyed. “You’d sell it to Alarieka Huston?”

“But… didn’t you buy those rights for me?”

“Your company’s game launches soon. Why sell to her?”

Her smile turned brittle. “You said those rights belonged only to me and Yuan Yuan.”

Kieran’s eyes remained calm. “I’m not selling.”

Relief flickered in Rose’s eyes. “So that’s it. Does Alarieka know? Isn’t this unfair to her?”

Another “Mm,” blunt as stone.

Rose muffled a laugh. “You’ve grown so cruel lately.”

He tilted his chin. “We’re here. Get out.”

“What’s this urgent business I didn’t know about?”

Leo blocked Alarieka Huston at the door, suspicion sharp in his voice.

She waved her phone. “I’m visiting old friends while I’m back. Move.”

“Old friends?” Leo’s grin turned shameless. “Take me with you.”

Alarieka clicked her tongue. “Behave. You don’t even know them.”

He scowled, giving her the look reserved for a cheating lover. “You drag me to this foreign place and ditch me at the hotel? You’re not even human?”

Alarieka stared back, expressionless. “What’s this nonsense?”

Simon accused, “Besides, how long will you be gone? Am I supposed to just wait in the hotel? I don’t care; I’m coming with you!”

Alarieka’s expression darkened.

Shi Yao blocked the hotel room door with shameless persistence, his posture screaming: if you won’t let me tag along, you’re not leaving either.

Alarieka remained unmoved, leveling a silent glare at him.

Shi Yao’s face soured, launching his final assault: “Alarieka, be reasonable. We booked two rooms, but who’s been unpacking for you since we arrived? Me! Who’s been glued to their phone on the bed since walking in? You! You can’t treat me like this. It hurts…”

Under his accusations, the certainty in Alarieka’s eyes flickered with discomfort.

Chapter 430