Years ago, Rio’s wife passed away, leaving only a daughter. Rio spoiled her, giving her whatever she wanted. His daughter loves piano; Rio took her to many concerts, and he ended up liking it himself…

Shi Yao pondered: “You mean to approach through his daughter?”

Alarieka glanced at him: “Why put it so harshly? I just want to be friends with the kid.”

Shi Yao nodded: “But Rio keeps his daughter well hidden; I haven’t found her yet. But since Rio came to China, he must have brought her.”

“No need to search.”

Shi Yao said: “You have a way?”

Alarieka looked back: “I just saw a panda plushie on Rio’s table. I recognized the tag; it’s from Eastern District Zoo. With the hot weather, a famous panda there got heatstroke and was taken back to base for care. Tomorrow, that panda will be released. I bet Rio and his daughter will go.”

Shi Yao clicked his tongue lightly: “Impressive, spotting key info so fast. That’s you.”

Alarieka raised an eyebrow: “So, want to go see the show?”

Shi Yao reached out, messing up Alarieka’s hair: “Of course I’m going.”

Alarieka clicked her tongue, slapping his hand away: “What are you doing?”

Shi Yao kept laughing, even trying to provoke her.

Alarieka walked away speechlessly.

“Alarieka.”

Rose’s voice suddenly came from behind.

The smiles on both their faces faded instantly. Alarieka tidied her hair and turned around.

Rose walked over in small heels, holding her long skirt, smiling gracefully.

“Alarieka, after you left yesterday, Kieran and I were worried about you.”

The concern in Rose’s eyes was too fake. Alarieka said flatly: “Really? Why didn’t you come after me?”

Rose’s smile stiffened: “Yuanyuan needed me…”

Alarieka said: “Then why didn’t you call?”

Rose’s smile dropped: “Alarieka, are you mad at Kieran and me about the Black–White Rabbit copyright? Kieran didn’t mean to not sell it to you. You know, the Black–White Rabbit game rights were gifted to me by Kieran. We agreed they wouldn’t be resold. Besides, the game Kieran developed for me is about to launch soon. I hope you’ll understand our position. It wasn’t intentional.”

“Alarieka, I know why you’re here. It’s about the Game City copyright, isn’t it?” Rose said with concern. “I’d advise against wasting your effort. Director Rio’s impression of you… isn’t favorable. Chances are slim he’ll sell you the rights.”

Alarieka smiled faintly. “If Mrs. Argent has spare time, perhaps refocus on the Whitaker family. I’m managing fine, but several of your brothers seem headed for prison. Best hurry home before the crackdown intensifies. Tell them to lay low–maybe shutter those nightclubs temporarily.”

She referred to the Whitakers who’d kidnapped Jaylene to a nightclub five years earlier.

Perhaps karma worked in mysterious ways. Even the Argent alliance couldn’t halt the Whitakers’ decline. Their family business saw dwindling profits year after year, losing major clients.

Years prior, the Whitakers had opened legally dubious nightclubs. Recently raided and shuttered, their founders remained in police custody–still not bailed out despite Whitaker efforts.

Rose’s throat tightened. “How did you-” She swallowed her words, forcing a smile. “I’ll handle it. No need for your concern.”

Meaningfully, she added, “Even if I don’t, Kieran will assist me.”

Alarieka’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Let’s hope so.”

Rose’s expression darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Alarieka delivered the verbal dagger coldly: “With Mr. Argent’s resources, it’s curious they’re still detained after all this time. Perhaps remind him, Mrs. Argent? Important people tend to forget things.”

Rose’s smile vanished completely.

Alarieka stood gracefully. “I’ll take my leave then.”

In the car, Yao rested his chin lazily on his hand, observing Alarieka. “You’ve had it rough.”