Chapter 436

Her attention clearly elsewhere, Shi Yao seized her wrist, dragging her past the clerk’s wide-eyed stare to a deserted corner.

“Alarieka, tell me—were things ever good for you with the Argent family?”

Alarieka chuckled softly. “So you’ve been quiet this whole way, thinking about that?”

Victor’s eyes flashed with momentary embarrassment. His expression turned serious as he lowered his voice, leaning closer to urge, “I knew something was off when Jaylene pushed us to go together. Spill it.”

Alarieka twisted her wrist free from his grip. “Nothing to say.”

Victor frowned instantly. “You don’t want me knowing?”

She averted her gaze, tone flat. “It’s not about wanting. You don’t need to know. This is my business.”

She turned away, the back of her head facing him.

Behind her, Victor stayed silent for a long moment.

Alarieka replayed her words, realizing how harsh they’d sounded. He must’ve taken it badly.

She opened her mouth to explain, but he spoke first.

“But I want to know.”

Alarieka turned to face him.

“If I’d been happy at the Argent family, I wouldn’t have slunk off to the capital alone. That’s all I’ll say.”

Victor suddenly reached out, gripping her shoulders with both hands. “Got it.”

Summer heat pressed down. Alarieka wore an off-shoulder khaki knit top and flared jeans, hair swept back to reveal striking features with casually curled ends—effortlessly polished.

The neckline bared her elegant collarbones, pale skin glowing.

Victor’s broad, warm palms pressed flush against her bare shoulders.

The contact froze Alarieka’s gaze momentarily.

She snapped back with a tsk. “What’d you get? Let’s pick that gift already.”

After selecting presents, Alarieka took Victor to meet their high-school teacher, Reyna.

Both marveled at time’s changes during their two-hour reunion before leaving.

The farewell timed perfectly with Kieran and Rose’s fifth-anniversary celebration. Alarieka changed into a simple sheath dress, swept up her hair with minimal makeup, and headed out.

She considered it understated, but others disagreed—especially Victor, whose eyes lit with awe.

“Look at you, Alarieka. Finally dressing up, huh?”

She swatted his arm. “Quit joking. Move.”

Victor dodged with a laugh but stayed close enough for her to land the hit.

After a few steps, Alarieka halted. “Almost forgot—grab the gift.”

Victor waved the box. “Got it. Relax, okay?”

The Argent’s villa stood downtown, barely ten minutes from their hotel.

Alarieka stared from the car at the villa’s distant glow, momentarily dazed.

The Argent’s villa remained unchanged, save for vines coiled around its walls. The unidentified tree in the courtyard had grown taller, and from afar, Alarieka spotted a newly appeared swing swaying beneath it.

Having stayed away for over five years, the sight of the villa resurrected buried memories that swirled in her mind, replaying relentlessly.

Sweet yet distorted, humble yet helpless recollections clogged her chest as if they’d happened yesterday. Alarieka’s throat tightened.

“Alarieka Huston.”

Shi Yao’s voice cut through.

She closed her eyes, suppressing tangled emotions. “Hmm?”

Gazing out the window, she noticed a dark silhouette approaching in her peripheral vision—Shi Yao’s head. Too close.

Alarieka leaned back. “What are you doing?”

Shi Yao’s eyes, brown-black by day, revealed traces of blue at night.

He suddenly grinned.

Alarieka froze.

Time had transformed them both. Shi Yao’s features grew more chiseled and arresting, his stature and looks rivaling top international models.

He’d not only dominate runways but attract wealthy patrons. A wicked thought struck Alarieka: if he modeled, she could afford to keep him. Should he seek a sponsor, she’d outbid anyone. He’d obey her every whim.

“Alarieka, what’s on your mind?”

She snapped back, staring blankly before recalling her fantasy. The subject stood before her, stirring discomfort.