Chapter 433
Paloma Wyatt shook her head with a wry chuckle. “Just a job, nothing remarkable.”
Alarieka’s smile faded slightly as she gazed at her. “After the Seaside Resort incident… I’ve been worried about you. Thank goodness your career wasn’t affected. Had my actions truly derailed your path, I could never face you again.”
Paloma sighed, her expression softening. “I told you back then I’d handle it, but you charged ahead like a runaway bull—no force on earth could’ve stopped you. While you fret over me, you nearly gave me heart failure! But seeing you free and thriving now… let’s cease this mutual worrying.”
Alarieka could only offer a quiet smile, the full weight of those past events remaining unspoken.
Kieran Argent suddenly chuckled. “True. Once Alarieka sets her mind to something, she’ll see it through—no arguments accepted.”
Alarieka shot him an exasperated glare.
Kieran blinked back with feigned innocence.
Seated across from them, Paloma watched their exchange with amusement. “Alarieka, is this gentleman your boyfriend?”
Alarieka paused, realizing Paloma must have overheard Kieran’s earlier fabrication in front of Mr. Argent. Seeing no reason to deceive Paloma further, she opened her mouth to clarify—
But Kieran cut in smoothly. “Indeed. I’m Alarieka’s partner, Kieran Argent. Kieran as in ‘enduring,’ Argent as in ‘silver.’ You may call me Kieran, Ms. Wyatt.”
Alarieka’s brow furrowed. She turned to find Kieran flashing her a rakish grin as he leaned close, his whisper brushing her ear: “They’re still watching. Don’t blow our cover—awkwardness awaits.”
She responded with another sharp glare.
Straightening up, Kieran adopted a formal tone. “Ms. Wyatt, allow me to introduce myself properly. I’m twenty-five, an only child. My parents are entrepreneurs, and I hold a legitimate position—”
Alarieka nearly cringed. “Kieran! What are you doing?”
He turned, gaze gentle but voice resolute. “Please let me finish.”
Clearing his throat, he continued: “Rest assured, I’ll never let Alarieka suffer any—”
Alarieka flung herself at him, hands clamping over his mouth. “Enough!”
Kieran’s shoulders shook with silent laughter, eyes crinkling at the corners as he beamed at her.
His mirth only deepened her flush. She shoved harder. “Kieran Argent, stop laughing!”
Seeing genuine irritation spark in her eyes, Kieran reined in his amusement—though traces still lingered on his face.
Biting back another chuckle, he leaned back, allowing Alarieka to tumble against his chest. His hands gently encircled her wrists, steadying her with care. One leg shifted protectively beneath her.
He had noticed earlier that the tables and chairs in the restaurant were spaced quite far apart. If Alarieka kept squirming like this, she might just tumble off her chair.
If Alarieka really fell, he’d be the one feeling awful afterward. And knowing her, she’d probably get even angrier.
But from a distance, this position looked like two people shamelessly embracing in public, intimately wrapped around each other.
“Alright, alright, I’ll stop laughing. I won’t say another word,” Kieran gently pushed Alarieka back into her seat, soothing her. “My fault. Don’t be mad.”
Alarieka yanked her wrist from Kieran’s grip, scowling at him.
Ms. Wyatt stifled a laugh watching the young couple bicker. “Come now, Alarieka. You’re almost twenty-four—old enough to date. No need for shyness. Young Kieran here seems perfectly lovely, and quite handsome too.”
Kieran nodded earnestly. “Exactly! Ms. Wyatt, you should really convince Alarieka to appreciate me. This is my first relationship ever.”
Ms. Wyatt raised an eyebrow. “First love?”
“Yep,” Kieran confirmed. “Never dated anyone before Alarieka. Surprised, Ms. Wyatt?”
“Frankly, yes,” Ms. Wyatt’s eyes twinkled, “Alarieka dear, you really should cherish Kieran. Where else would you find such a handsome boyfriend?”
Kieran nodded vigorously. “Absolutely.”
Alarieka slumped forward, defeated. “I give up…”