Chapter 443
Instantly, Shi Yao’s scowl vanished. Like an eager-to-please puppy, he beamed up at her, nodding obediently.
She gave his hair another ruffle before tilting her chin toward the study. “Shall we?”
Rose observed meaningfully. “You and your boyfriend seem quite close, Alarieka.”
Alarieka glanced at her, then addressed Kieran. “Will Ms. Whitaker be joining us?”
Rose nearly scoffed aloud—of course she belonged here—but Kieran interjected, “You remain.”
Her eyes flickered, a shadow passing through them. “Wh- Fine. Yuan Yuan and I will wait outside.”
Xing Qiyuan suddenly wrenched free from Rose’s grip, darting to cling to Kieran’s leg. “Daddy, can I come too?”
“Absolutely not,” Kieran stated flatly. “Stay with Mommy.”
“Why? Because of that nasty auntie? Daddy, why help her? I don’t like her!”
Xing Qiyuan frowned, venting all his anger on Alarieka.
Kieran knitted his brows even tighter, his tone stern: “Xing Qiyuan.”
Kieran Argent pouted, glaring fiercely at Alarieka: “I don’t care!”
Alarieka glanced at him, her tone flat: “Can’t be bothered with you. I’m leaving.”
Just a brat.
He’ll get what’s coming.
With that, Alarieka truly abandoned Kieran, heading upstairs alone.
Kieran Argent’s eyes widened as he charged forward: “No! You can’t go up!”
Kieran shot the servant a look. The servant immediately gripped the boy’s shoulder: “Young master, listen to Mr. Argent. Don’t go up, alright?”
As Kieran Argent struggled, Kieran’s low voice fell like a weight: “Kieran Argent. Your manners are slipping.”
Kieran’s stern gaze made Roschelle’s heart race. She rushed over, hugging the boy: “Enough now. Listen to your father. Don’t disturb them, okay?”
Kieran Argent pursed his lips, turning his back to Kieran in defiance.
Alarieka heard the commotion behind her but didn’t turn.
“Alarieka. You’re still angry.”
Kieran’s voice suddenly whispered by her ear.
Alarieka replied calmly: “If Mr. Argent sells me the Black-White Rabbit game rights, I won’t be angry at all.”
“Liar,” Kieran exposed.
Alarieka chuckled: “Try me and find out?”
She kept climbing, sensing Kieran’s gaze as his shadow fell across her face.
“‘Mr. Argent’ this, ‘Mr. Argent’ that. What exactly have you learned these years?”
Alarieka smiled wryly: “What would Mr. Argent prefer I call you?”
Kieran’s dark eyes turned icy: “Memory failing? Forgotten what you used to call me?”
Back then.
Back then it was Brother Kier.
But saying that now? Alarieka would rather declare bankruptcy.
She turned with a smile: “Mr. Argent is married. Best keep boundaries clear.”
“Besides,” her laugh sharpened, “I recall your warning about keeping ‘dirty thoughts’ off you. I may be disobedient, but that lesson stuck. Wouldn’t want to get thrown out publicly again.”
Kieran’s eyes remained impenetrably calm.
Just as Alarieka grew bored, he countered: “Draw lines with me, but not with Shi Yao?”
Alarieka’s breath hitched, meeting Kieran’s gaze up close.
He must be thirty now, yet time had been kind. Fine lines only heightened his sharp jawline and striking brow.
More devastatingly handsome than ever.
Roschelle must’ve fought hard these years—countless men and women
would kill to bed the wealthy, gorgeous Kieran Argent.
Among all the men Alarieka had met, only Victor could compare to him.
Kieran was far more composed than years ago. The ruthless intensity that once marked his brow had been tempered by time, replaced entirely by an imposing presence that remained unshaken through storms, his emotions never betraying him.
Alarieka felt the current Kieran was far more challenging to handle than before.
But thankfully, she now held her ground.
Alarieka curved her lips. “Because Mr. Argent and I aren’t a couple. Victor and I are.”
Kieran remarked ambiguously, “Well done. Grown up now, and bringing your boyfriend home too.”