Chapter 434

Once the food arrived, Alaricka finally calmed down and focused on eating.

Alaricka and Ms. Wyatt were old friends, chatting animatedly about shared memories. Victor, unfamiliar with Alaricka’s past, mostly listened quietly as stories unfolded.

Slowly, Victor realized his own silence was fading.

He looked down, a soft smile touching his lips. Using the serving fork, he placed a tender piece of meat into Alaricka’s bowl. She ate it without hesitation.

Alaricka had noticed his quietness. Unobtrusively, she steered the conversation toward topics all three could share, ensuring he felt included.

How thoughtful, Victor mused. Is Alaricka trying to make me adore her forever?

The thought made him smile wider.

Not impossible.

Alaricka suddenly turned to him, frowning. “Why are you grinning like that? It’s creepy.”

Victor thought, Should’ve known better than to expect romance from her.

He gritted his teeth. This damn, clueless woman. Seriously? I just praised you!

For a moment, Victor didn’t know how to react. He just stared at her, utterly speechless.

Alaricka squirmed under his wounded gaze, slowly turning her face away.

Her appetite diminished, Alaricka soon set down her fork. After excusing herself, she headed to the restaurant restroom.

Exiting the stall, she moved to the sink and began washing her hands.

“Alaricka.”

A familiar voice.

Rose.

Only then did Alaricka look up into the mirror before her. Through the reflection, her eyes met Rose’s.

She hadn’t noticed earlier–the woman beside her was Rose.

Alaricka’s gaze steadied, her voice cool. “Ms. Whitaker.”

Rose wiped her hands dry, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. A warm yet meaningful smile touched her lips. “Alaricka, Kieran and I have been married five years now. Perhaps you should call me Mrs. Argent.”

Alaricka kept rubbing the foam between her hands, slowly lifting her eyes to meet Rose’s.

Rose’s smile turned smug and proud, yet retained a veneer of warmth. “You’re Kieran’s sister–not by blood, but still. You could call me sister-in-law after all. Clarissa and Holter have called me that for five years now. I suppose Kieran would want you to as well.”

Alaricka rinsed off the foam and dried her hands. “As you wish, Mrs. Argent,” she said lightly.

Rose’s smile deepened.

“However,” Alaricka continued, turning to face Rose’s reflection in the mirror with a faint smile, “sister-in-law is unnecessary. Mr. Argent and I aren’t siblings, and I’ve no interest in claiming that connection. Don’t read too much into it, Mrs. Argent.”

“Your insistence only makes you seem insecure and possessive. Don’t you trust Mr. Argent?”

Rose’s smile stiffened slightly before she responded, “Not at all. I’m simply reminding you to recognize the boundaries between Kieran and myself. I’d hate for you to forget and cross lines that would cause us both distress.”

Alaricka arched an eyebrow. “Are you implying I’d pursue a married man when younger options exist?”

Her tone dripped with sarcasm. With a light laugh, she added, “If that’s what you think, Mrs. Argent, you’re overestimating things. Personally, I prefer simpler men–at least they’re genuine. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Rose’s expression darkened, though she maintained her ladylike composure. “See that you do.”

“Tonight marks our fifth wedding anniversary,” she continued. “You’re welcome to join us. The Argent children miss you terribly.”

Alaricka smiled coolly. “I’ll be there.”

She turned sharply and exited the restroom.

After the verbal sparring with Rose, Alaricka felt nothing but irritation. Annoyance prickled beneath her skin.

She took several steps down the hallway.

“Alaricka.”

She was speechless.

No sooner had Rose left than Kieran appeared.

Spinning around with practiced ease, she eyed the man leaning against the wall. “Something you need, Mr. Argent?”