“He’s playing you, Alaricka. You’re dancing in his palm. You’ll never get your hands on the Black–White Rabbit rights. Not in this lifetime.”

Alaricka found she could remain unmoved by most of Clarissa’s slander, but the matter of the Black–White Rabbit game rights–that she took very seriously. She went back to the Argent family specifically about the game rights issue. If Kieran really didn’t plan to sell her the game rights as Clarissa claimed, Alaricka would be furious.

Thoughts raced through Alaricka’s mind in seconds. While she was still pondering, Yao beside her abruptly stood up.

“What bullshit are you spouting?”

Alaricka froze.

Suddenly, Yao’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and yanking her into his arms. His arm locked firmly around her waist. Before Alaricka could react, Yao’s voice snapped sharply in her ear.

“Stop slandering my wife here.”

Alaricka stiffened instantly. Wife? Whose wife?

Clarissa’s voice rose sharply: “What did you say? Who are you? Alaricka is your wife?”

Alaricka felt the arm around her waist tighten, her face nearly buried in Yao’s chest.

Yao’s tone was rigid, his voice icy: “Can’t you see? She already has me. Why would she fall for other men? I’m young and fit–she’d have to be blind to choose some old guy over me.”

Clarissa frowned: “Old guy? Who are you talking about?”

Yao sneered: “Whoever you think fits the bill. My advice? Don’t treat old men like treasures. I’m twenty–four–great shape, handsome, full of stamina. What old guy can compete?”

Clarissa couldn’t tolerate anyone insulting her dear brother like this. She flared up immediately: “Who do you think you are? How dare you bark like a dog?”

Yao shot back: “I don’t bark. That’s your specialty–and you sound awful doing it.”

After a stunned pause, Alaricka realized Yao was calling the other woman a dog. She nearly burst out laughing.

Yes–this was the Yao she knew. Never backing down, especially satisfying when he had the upper hand.

Seeing Yao puff up ready to trade more insults with Clarissa, she quickly soothed him.

“Alright, alright, don’t get angry. Someone as handsome as you shouldn’t frown–wrinkles, you know?” Alaricka suppressed a laugh. “Come on, young stud, ignore the dog. Okay?”

Yao beamed, pulling her close: “Fine. Whatever my wife says.”

Hearing the term, Alaricka’s cheek twitched.

Their “loved–up display” made Clarissa and Holter Argent seethe.

“Alaricka!”

Alaricka answered sweetly: “Yes? Are you taking it personally, Ms. Argent?”

Clarissa looked apoplectic. Alaricka understood why. Clarissa despised her, couldn’t stand seeing her happy in love. To Clarissa, she was just Kieran’s pathetic simp.

Now that simp had landed a super handsome guy? The injustice burned Clarissa–pure jealousy. Add Yao defending her, and Clarissa’s composure shattered completely.

Alaricka softened her tone: “Clarissa, don’t be like this. My boyfriend’s a bit fiery–don’t mind him. Your brother’s generous–he won’t hold a grudge either.”

Clarissa sneered: “You’re no good! My brother treated you so well all those years, and now you just stand there watching this man insulting and humiliating him. He was right not to like you!”

“Alaricka, you don’t deserve my brother’s affection!”

Alaricka almost laughed out loud.

Good to her? Kieran was good to her? How exactly? Was it good when he covered for Roschelle despite knowing she drugged Alaricka? Or good when he stood by Roschelle’s side watching her reputation get destroyed by online attacks, all while knowing the truth? Or good in her past life when he kicked her out of the Argent’s villa at eight months pregnant, then ordered every business in town not to hire her, forcing her to give birth in destitution?