Chapter 441
“Kieran, you there?”
Rose’s voice floated through the closed door.
Then his five-year-old son chimed in: “Daddy, hurry! So many guests outside!”
Kieran gave a low acknowledgment before turning to leave.
The door opened to Rose smiling up at him, linking their arms: “Kieran, let’s go. Grandpa and the guests are waiting.”
Kieran nodded, extending a hand toward Qi Yuan.
Qi Yuan beamed, darting over to grab his father’s hand and wedging himself between Kieran and Rose. He seized Rose’s hand with his free one.
“Mommy, Daddy, down we go!”
Rose glanced down with a soft laugh before meeting Kieran’s eyes, her smile warm and content.
Unlike the sparse gathering in the villa’s courtyard, the living room buzzed with people. Luckily, the vast space easily accommodated the crowd.
As Alarieka and Shi Yao entered, dozens of eyes turned their way. Though gazes held complexity, smiling faces approached: “President Shen, remember me?”
Alarieka Huston curled her lips: “Of course I remember.” She recognized most people in the living room–after all, many here had once trampled her underfoot.
“Mr. Chen Zhen just told us how well you’ve thrived in the capital, Alarieka. With Harmony Group’s momentum, everyone respects you now.”
“Alarieka, I was blind before. If I ever said anything offensive, I hope you’ll forgive me. Let me toast you.”
Alarieka took the wine glass from the servant but didn’t sip, watching the speaker drain his cup. Only after he finished did she smile: “I drove here tonight. Can’t drink.”
The man nodded understandingly: “Of course! Just as you wish.”
The room froze. News of Alarieka’s arrival had spread through the Argent’s villa instantly. Everyone knew she’d arrived by taxi.
Some guests exchanged dark looks.
A woman’s sarcastic voice cut through: “Alarieka’s too successful to bother with us now, huh? But don’t get cocky. When trouble hits, don’t come crawling back.”
Several others nodded in agreement.
Alarieka stared at the speaker, silent.
The woman frowned under her gaze: “What’re you looking at?”
Alarieka’s lips curved: “Yuan Yuan Zhao? From the Zhao family?”
Yuan Yuan’s eyes widened: “You forgot me?”
“Hardly.” Alarieka’s smile sharpened: “I remember you vividly. That time in the company cafeteria–you dumped food on me, accused me of bumping you, and forced an apology.”
All eyes snapped to Yuan Yuan, whose face paled. Shi Yao’s expression darkened again.
Alarieka’s voice cooled: “Wonder if you recall?”
Yuan Yuan gritted her teeth: “Ancient history! You’ve confused me with someone else!”
Alarieka scoffed, returning her glass to the servant’s tray: “How’ve you been these years? Heard your father’s under investigation–detained recently?”
Yuan Yuan stiffened: “You–Alarieka–” Her vision suddenly went dark.
“What?” Yuan Yuan’s pupils trembled.
The man before Alarieka hadn’t spoken all evening, yet his face and physique spoke louder than words, drawing every gaze. His silence had seemed harmless. No one expected him to step forward now–shielding Alarieka, head lowered, eyes stormy. Even in a suit, his towering frame revealed well-defined muscles. Yuan Yuan stood close enough to feel his oppressive aura.
“Who… who are you?”
Shi Yao smirked, his tone unwavering: “I’m her man.”
The audience erupted, their gazes turning peculiar, suggestive, and complex as they studied the pair.
Undeniably, Alarieka had been moved mere seconds ago by Shiyao’s chivalrous defense. But now, she just wanted to kick him straight into outer space.
Watching the shifting expressions around them, Alarieka stepped forward, pulling Shiyao to her side. She addressed Zhao Yuanyuan: “Any other questions?”
Zhao Yuanyuan’s chest tightened with fury: “You–”
“Alarieka.”
A low voice sliced through the tense standoff.
Heads turned toward the sound.
No one present could forget who owned that voice.
Instinctively, the crowd parted like the Red Sea.