Chapter 60

Roschelle definitely knew that Lindsey had already passed away; that’s why she acted so recklessly. She just didn’t expect, either, that Lindsey and this student of hers were still alive.

Alarieka kept her head down, eyes fixed on the patterned carpet, fingers clutching the fabric of her dress tightly. She noticed Roschelle glanced at her, then smiled and said, “It’s okay, some little girls really aren’t mature yet, so they always mess things up. I’m a few years older after all, so I shouldn’t argue with kids.”

Alarieka turned her head and met Roschelle’s eyes, which looked kind of mocking, kind of sympathetic.

“Alarieka, girls your age should focus on studying and try to get into a good college. Don’t worry too much about other things. You’re still young, if you don’t understand something, just ask more.”

She pressed her lips together, like she couldn’t bear it: “Alarieka, I know why you came, but this time, just take the school’s punishment as your consequence. After that, focus on your studies and I won’t hold it against you.”

Alarieka immediately looked up and pressed her lips together, staring at Roschelle.

When she saw the kind of victorious smile on Roschelle’s face, she almost couldn’t stop herself from blurting out Lindsey’s real identity in public. But she couldn’t. Reyna was still waiting; she couldn’t piss off Kieran and Roschelle yet.

She was just about to lower her head when she saw Kieran glance at her carelessly, his eyes sharp and intimidating.

“Alarieka, sorry.”

Just a few simple words, but they felt like a mountain pressing down. Her eyelashes fluttered and met Kieran’s gaze. Kieran was always firm and wouldn’t give her a chance to say no.

Antoine smiled at her with his peach blossom eyes and gently patted her back with his palm: “Alarieka, if you did something wrong, you have to say sorry. Go on.”

Almost everyone in the private room was looking at her, silently waiting for her to apologize. Alarieka closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, there was already a look of determination in her eyes.

She stood up and walked slowly over to Roschelle, her hands hanging awkwardly at her sides, clutching the thin fabric by her legs. She looked down at the ground and was just about to speak when she heard Kieran’s voice, low and clear.

“Lift your head and apologize.”

Alarieka’s hands shook a little, then she looked up and stared into Roschelle’s eyes. She had never felt it was so hard to open her lips before, like there was glue stuck on them.

The Roschelle in front of her was the murderer who killed her own daughter, the one who pushed her to the edge, and the thief who stole Lindsey’s identity. She had to apologize to this woman now.

She held her breath, opened her mouth, and her voice was dry. “Sorry, it was my fault, I apologize to you.”

Alarieka didn’t even have to look to know she looked really awkward and embarrassed.

Roschelle gave a satisfied smile and said, “It’s okay, I accepted it.”

Kieran didn’t look at her, just said, “Mm.”

Alarieka didn’t like Antoine; she even hated it when Antoine got close. But at that moment, she really hoped Antoine could take her away. She hurried back, forced a smile at Antoine, her voice still a bit shaky: “Take me with you.”

Antoine smiled with satisfaction, stood up, and put his arm around Alarieka’s shoulders. “Well then, Mr. Argent, I took Alarieka with me. The night is short, so Alarieka and I have to enjoy ourselves while we can.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the private room burst into a chorus of laughter and teasing. Kieran didn’t even look up and just said, “Yeah.”

The smile on Antoine’s face got bigger, and he put his arm around Alarieka as they left the room. Alarieka’s whole body was tense and just couldn’t relax.

She watched Antoine lead her to the lounge area, her breathing slowly getting uneven. She couldn’t help but stop, her hands twisting the fabric by her sides.

“Mr. Gomez.”

Antoine was probably a bit drunk. Smelling the alcohol on him, Alarieka almost couldn’t breathe and just wanted to throw up.

Antoine still had some patience with her, turned around, and lifted her chin with his finger. “How?”

Alarieka’s face was really pale. “Where are you taking me?”

There was a teasing, assessing smile in Antoine’s peach blossom eyes, and his hand was restless, touching and stroking the bare skin on her back. “Of course, a moment in spring night is worth a thousand gold. Don’t worry, Alarieka, I would make you really happy.”

Alarieka almost threw up right there and barely held it in, just managing not to run away.