“Don’t worry, dear boy. No one can bully you while you’re with Grandpa.”

Wallace’s words carried pointed meaning.

Roschelle Whitaker relaxed, watching Qiyuan and Wallace talk with evident pride.

Qiyuan smiled sweetly: “Thank you, Grandpa.”

Wallace’s back was aged, yet he still bent patiently to Qiyuan’s level.

Alarieka Huston thought Qiyuan was clever. Once caught in his lie, he’d instantly switched tactics – from claiming she tripped him to admitting he fell accidentally. He’d mastered Roschelle’s two-faced hypocrisy perfectly. Quite the performance.

“What kind of people are here? Did you really live in this environment before?” Shi Yao spoke low near her ear. His warm breath brushed her cheek with his proximity.

Alarieka’s heart skipped. She shifted away slightly before replying: “So why did you come?”

Shi Yao’s voice turned rigid: “What’s that supposed to mean? Sick of me already?”

Alarieka sighed: “No, what are you thinking? Sensitive much?”

“Sensitive how?”

Alarieka: “…Never mind.”

Shi Yao glared at her nonchalant expression, jaw tight: “Get this straight – I came to stand up for you. What’s your problem?”

Alarieka raised an eyebrow: “What did I say?”

Shi Yao gripped her shoulder: “Alarieka, look at me. I took your side immediately. What more do you want?”

Touched, Alarieka nodded: “I’m satisfied.”

Shi Yao fought the urge to pinch her cheek: “You’d better mean that.”

Alarieka quickly added: “I do. I swear.”

He seized the chance: “Then swear it.”

Alarieka hesitated: “…There are too many people here.”

“Later then. I’ll hold you to it.”

Alarieka: …

Wallace straightened, leaning on his cane while keeping a hand on Qiyuan’s shoulder: “Enough. This ends now. I’ll take Yuanyuan for ointment. Carry on.”

His gaze swept the room, finally landing on Alarieka. “Alarieka, behave since you’re back. Guests should respect their hosts’ ways. I value peace.”

Alarieka replied innocently: “Then you’d better watch your Yuanyuan closely. He cries so loudly – wouldn’t want to disturb your rest. It’s quite late.”

“I’m aware.” Wallace’s eyes narrowed as he led Qiyuan away.

The boy immediately scampered after him. Before exiting, the little brat turned and stuck his tongue out at Alarieka.

Shi Yao clicked his tongue; “What an ill-mannered child.”

Alarieka stated: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Shi Yao raised an eyebrow: “Well now, throwing shade?”

Alarieka sniffed: “What did you expect?” She turned to look at Kieran Argent: “Mr. Argent, can we discuss the game rights for Black and White Rabbit now?”

Hearing this, Shi Yao frowned at once: “Haven’t you talked about it yet? Then what were you doing here just now?”

Alarieka Huston blinked innocently at him.

Shi Yao’s anger flared up again, he was furious: “I heard everything downstairs, were you playing the piano for him just now?” As he spoke, Shi Yao glared at Kieran Argent. Then he glared at Alarieka, eyes brimming with hurt and anger, frustration and humiliation. The usual Shi Yao was all swagger and coolness, nose practically in the clouds, ready to drop lines like “The weather’s cold, time to crush the Wangs” over minor issues. When had he ever worn this expression, like some wronged little wife? Honestly, it made Alarieka feel oddly guilty, as if she’d truly done something to betray Shi Yao.

Alarieka froze: “You heard?”

Shi Yao’s face darkened further, staring her down: “What’s that supposed to mean? Trying to hide it from me? Alarieka, are you even human?”

Shi Yao’s fury and accusations pelted Alarieka’s face, leaving her dazed: “Why are you mad?”

Why am I mad? You ask why I’m mad? Is this even anger? This is jealousy!

Seeing Alarieka’s innocent confusion, Shi Yao’s rage clogged his chest, making it ache.