Chapter 455

With every challenge, Rose’s expression grew more smugly apologetic.

Alarieka wasn’t blind—she saw Rose’s hostility. Nor was her heart numb—she tasted the meaning behind Kieran’s repeated dodges.

She wasn’t stubborn. She’d never force hands.

Had Kieran intended to sell, she’d never have returned to the Argent’s villa. Black-White Rabbit mattered for her new project, but if he refused, she’d pivot. No putting all eggs in one basket.

But if he’d lured her here under false pretenses? That crossed the line.

Alarieka demanded: “Well, Mr. Argent? Still silent?”

Clarissa suddenly brushed past her, approaching Kieran. She tickled Qiyuan’s chin: “Brother, just tell her straight. Spare us her shameless visits—they’re tiresome.”

“You said that?” Kieran suddenly asked Clarissa in a much lower voice.

Clarissa’s heart skipped a beat. Since Alarieka left, the Argent family had become much quieter, and even her brother treated her better. She hadn’t heard such a stern tone from Kieran in a long time.

Confused and nervous, she asked: “…Brother, can’t you tell me?”

“So you really don’t want to sell it to me?” Alarieka inquired.

Kieran didn’t answer directly, just looked at her and said, “You should head back first.”

“I see,” Alarieka smiled faintly. “Mr. Argent, you never cease to amaze me.”

Kieran’s sharp brows furrowed slightly, his thin lips parting as if to speak. Alarieka waited a moment, but no words came from Kieran.

Rose’s grin stretched nearly to her temples, while Clarissa watched with pitying eyes.

Alarieka nodded, her voice calm. “Well then, goodbye.” She tossed out the words, turned, and left—clean break, no lingering.

Rose pressed her lips into a smile. “Kieran, Alarieka’s got quite the temper, but don’t take it personally. She doesn’t grasp how vital Black-White Rabbit is to us. Let it go for now. Take Yuanyuan home to sleep, alright?”

After a pause, Kieran grunted in acknowledgment.

Rose’s eyes curved like crescent moons.

Once Alarieka got in the car, Shiyao slid in right after.

Leaning forward, Shiyao studied Alarieka’s face quietly. It appeared composed. But Shiyao—who claimed to know Alarieka better than anyone alive—couldn’t miss her terrible mood.

His voice softened. “Angry?”

Alarieka’s tone was level, yet undeniably stiff. “A little.”

Shiyao chuckled lowly, shifting closer until his arm draped over her shoulder. “See? Told you old geezers can’t be trusted. Someone young and handsome like me—that’s who you should lean on.”

He laughed lightly, half-serious. “Just say the word, and I’ll work for you forever. Us Shis? Loyalty and devotion—second to none.”

Alarieka clicked her tongue. “Give it a rest. You don’t even have a job. How’d you work for me?”

Shiyao tsked louder. “Why the disrespect? Don’t you know the world changes?”

Alarieka brushed him off. “Talk after you find real work.” Over the years, she’d watched Shiyao vanish and reappear without warning—hardly reliable.

Shiyao fell silent briefly before muttering, “Stop looking down on people.”

Fresh off learning Black-White Rabbit’s game rights were beyond her reach, Alarieka lacked energy to bicker.

Suddenly, weight settled on her shoulder. She glanced sideways—Shiyao’s big head resting there again.

Alarieka nearly shoved it into orbit. “Hey! I’m the one needing support here. What’s this?”

Shiyao nuzzled her shoulder shamelessly, mumbling, “Just borrowing… just for a sec. Don’t be stingy. Later… you can lean on me.”

Alarieka rolled her eyes in resignation.

Silence filled the car. As Alarieka focused on work messages, Shiyao’s voice cut through.

“Hey, Alarieka? Meant what I said. Need help? I’m here. If you just say the word…” His tone drifted carelessly, like an unconsidered throwaway line.

Alarieka almost doubted her ears.

She tilted her head to look, but could only see the top of Shi Yao’s head and his prominent nose bridge, unable to make out his expression.