Chapter 437
Shi Yao’s eyes and tone held seriousness. “Nothing. Why so close?”
He studied her. “I suspect indecent thoughts.”
Alarieka kept a deadpan expression. “You’re mistaken.”
He leaned in, gaze locked.
She swallowed, retreating further. Guilt prickled – scheming to become his patron…
Shi Yao, ever the keen observer. She prayed he missed her unease.
A low chuckle escaped him. “Enough teasing.”
He patted her shoulder. “We’re here.”
Only then did Alarieka notice the car had stopped at the villa’s entrance. Ahead, a dozen vehicles lined the left side.
Lanterns bathed the courtyard’s center in warm gold, illuminating guests clinking glasses amidst harmonious laughter.
Alarieka Huston pushed the car door open and stepped out.
Out of habit, even while talking, people instinctively notice changes in their surroundings.
So when Alarieka Huston and Shi Yao got out, the men and women chatting in the courtyard immediately looked their way.
“Who’s that?”
“Looks like President Zhang.”
“Doesn’t seem like President Zhang.”
The crowd murmured among themselves.
With no lights outside the Argent’s villa and the dim surroundings, the courtyard guests couldn’t clearly see the newcomers’ faces at first glance.
They could only make out a man and a woman – her arm linked through his. He stood tall and imposing, she was slender yet curvaceous, both radiating such striking presence they dwarfed everyone else. Together, they made an arresting pair.
“Hiss, why don’t I recognize these two?”
“Same here, they don’t look familiar.”
As the pair drew closer, courtyard light spilled over their faces.
The crowd fell silent instantly, the hush so deep you could hear a pin drop.
The man wore an exquisitely tailored black suit that emphasized his towering height and straight posture. Though fully clothed except for his head, the sharp cut revealed an athletic build beneath – easily rivaling any top model’s physique.
His face outshone even his impressive frame: deep-set features, sculpted jawline, razor-sharp nose bridge – every angle flawlessly carved. Bathed in warm gold light, his looks bordered on unreal.
“Mixed heritage?”
“I’ve seen countless handsome men and thought only Mr. Argent deserved the top-tier title. But this one… he fits the bill too.”
“The woman beside him… is that Alarieka Huston?”
The woman wore a light blue form-fitting gown that accentuated her breathtakingly slender waist. The high slit skirt revealed glimpses of her long, pale legs with every step, radiating effortless allure.
Her delicate face bore subtle makeup, striking features dominating her petite frame. Crimson lips curved slightly, eyes shimmering with natural grace – every movement exuded unforced charm.
Having dealt with the Argent family for years, how could these garden guests fail to recognize that face?
That was…
Alarieka Huston, expelled by the Argents!
Alarieka Huston!
“Alarieka? How can it be Alarieka? Didn’t Wallace Argent banish her? Why is she back?”
“Alarieka Huston, of all people! How dare she show up? Doesn’t she fear being thrown out again?”
“Wait… why does that name ring a bell?”
“Teh teh, call security! Who let her in? She’s got no business being here. If Wallace Argent sees her–”
The garden fell silent, making those hushed voices piercingly clear.
As Alarieka and Shi Yao drew closer, every word reached their ears.
Shi Yao’s expression darkened.
He knew Alarieka faced hostility from the Argents, but never imagined they’d insult her to her face.
If they spoke this vile openly, what might they do behind her back?
Years later it remained this harsh – back when Alarieka was just an ordinary high schooler, it must’ve been crueler.
The thought made Shi Yao’s chest tighten with stifling anger. He itched to slap each sneering face.
Truthfully, Alarieka had long grown accustomed to such malice.
Wallace Argent, Kieran, the entire family despised her – this was common knowledge. The Argents dominated Shanghai’s elite circles; others scrambled to curry favor.
Chapter 438