Suddenly resistant, Yuan Yuan wrenched his hand free and darted behind Rose, shouting, "No! I won't talk to her!"

Despite Rose’s coaxing, the boy refused to emerge.

Kieran frowned slightly. "Kieran Qi Yuan,"

This time, the child defied even his father. "No! She’s a bad lady! I hate her!"

Most parents would scold their child for such rudeness, but Rose’s smile only seemed to brighten. "My apologies," she said, feigning bewilderment. "I don’t know what’s gotten into Yuan Yuan. He’s usually quite ill-mannered with all our friends… but around you, he just…"

Her words, heavy with insinuation, made even Shi Yao—who didn’t know Rose—frown.

Shiyao folded her arms, her voice icy. "Since you have a child, you should discipline him properly. Bringing him out like this only embarrasses you as parents."

Alaricka blinked, turning to look at Shiyao.

Shiyao raised an eyebrow at her, mouthing, "Let me handle this."

A faint smile touched Alaricka’s lips. She couldn’t deny it—having someone stand up for her felt incredibly satisfying.

Rose’s smile froze at her lips. "Alaricka, is this your boyfriend?"

Just as Alaricka was about to retort that it was none of her business, Shiyao suddenly pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "That’s right," he declared brightly. "I’m our Ala’s boyfriend."

Our Ala?

Alaricka’s cheek twitched. But she didn’t stop Shiyao—sometimes his sharp tongue could shut people down completely.

Shiyao flashed a dazzling smile. "My apologies, but I can’t stand seeing our Ala mistreated. My words were harsh, but please understand–your son insulted her first. As her boyfriend, I had to comfort her."

Since Xing Qiyuan had publicly disrespected an elder, Rose couldn’t argue.

Her smile wobbled precariously. "...Yes, Yuan Yuan was wrong."

Shiyao chuckled. "No matter. Our Ala is magnanimous—she won’t hold a grudge against some little brat."

"That's not true!" Xing Qiyuan shouted. "You're the brat!"

Rose took a deep breath, hissing under her breath, "Yuan Yuan! Mind your manners!"

"Boyfriend?"

Kieran Argent, who’d remained silent until now, finally spoke. His pitch-black eyes fixed on Alaricka with restrained intensity, projecting invisible pressure.

This time, Shiyao didn’t intervene.

Alaricka laughed lightly. "Yes, boyfriend. Do you find him handsome, Mr. Argent?" She emphasized “boyfriend,” her tone casual as if making small talk.

Shiyao’s eyes lit up. He tightened his arm around her shoulders, pressing closer. "What kind of question is that? Of course I’m handsome!" Grinning easily at Kieran, Shiyao continued, "Remember me, Mr. Argent? We met recently."

Kieran narrowed his eyes, his gaze inscrutable.

Alaricka lost patience. "We have matters to attend to," she stated bluntly. "We’ll take our leave."

Rose exhaled in relief. "Of course. We should head to dinner too—Grandfather’s waiting impatiently." She gestured toward Kieran and the boy. "Come along, Kieran, Yuan Yuan."

Alaricka nodded and turned to go. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the restaurant manager bowing deeply behind Rose. "This way, Mr. Argent, Mrs. Argent, Young Master Xing."

Hearing “Mrs. Argent,” Rose straightened her posture, confidence restored. "Let’s go, Kieran, Yuan Yuan."

The two groups parted ways. Alaricka’s expression remained unchanged, perfectly composed. She and Shiyao took their seats opposite Paloma Wyatt.

“Ms. Wyatt,” Alaricka announced calmly. “I’ve returned.”

Paloma’s eyes brimmed with emotion, tears welling as she looked at Alaricka’s current attire and poise, nodding repeatedly: “Good, good, it’s wonderful you’re back. I see you’ve been doing so well all these years. I’ve kept up with your news, and you’re truly transformed now—I’m thrilled for you.”

Alaricka Huston smiled faintly. “And you? How have you been all these years? I heard Ms. Wyatt joined M Country’s Bridge River Conservatory. Quite impressive.”