ricka distractedly typed work replies on her phone, mumbling, “He kept harping about Kieran and Roschelle Whitaker’s anniversarying up, telling me to prepare gifts. All that passive–aggressive crap- like he’s got some vendetta against Kieran.”

Jaylene understood Shi Yao’s motives perfectly; they were crystal clear to her.

She stifled augh. “Oh, he definitely has a grudge.”

rieka looked up from her phone, surprised. “You know why?”

Jaylene smirked. “Don’t you?”

rieka grew more puzzled. “No? What’s between them?”

Jaylene burst outughing.

rieka frowned, utterly baffled. “What’s so funny?”

Jaylene barely contained her giggles, patting rieka’s shoulder. “Nothing. Let Shi Yao exin. I’m not brave enough–he’d throttle me.”

rieka eyed her suspiciously. “What scheme are you two cooking up?”

Jaylene hummed. “Anyway, I still say you should bring Shi Yao.”

rieka thought for a moment. “Give me solid reasons why I must.”

Jaylene tapped her chin. “Shi Yao can outshine Kieran and Roschelle when they get all lovey–dovey–his face is way younger than Kieran’s.”

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ricka: ?

Jaylene blinked. “Well? Solid enough?

What does our CEO rieka think?”

rieka deadpanned: “Denied.”

Jaylene groaned dramatically.

Though rieka had “denied” the suggestion, when departure day came, she inexplicably brought Shi Yao along to the airport.

During the drive, rieka gazed out the window, propping her head on her hand while Shi Yao hummed behind her.

“What a wonderful day, everything’s going my-”

“Stop singing,” rieka snapped, rubbing her temples. “Quiet down.”

Silence fell instantly.

A momentter, feather–light fingers brushed her wrist, trailing upward and raising goosebumps.

rieka swatted his hand away, ring. “What are you doing?”

Shi Yao leaned in close, eyes crinkling with delight. “I’m so d you brought me.”

rieka kept her voice icy. “Don’t get too excited yet.”

He ignored her entirely, humming again. “rieka, you’re way too good to me.”

rieka shut her eyes. “Shut up.”

The distance between the magic city and the capital isn’t too far, just a

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As rieka Huston and Shi Yao stepped out of the airport terminal, a young man in a suit approached them–his refined features stern, unmistakably Kieran Argent’s assistant.

“Ms. Huston, Mr. Argent’s car is waiting at the entrance. If convenient, we can take you directly to the Argent’s vi now.”

Shi Yao held rieka’s luggage while she stood empty–handed, her tone detached. “Please inform Mr. Argent I have prior engagements. I’ll attend his anniversary celebration at the vi tonight and present my gift then.”

The assistant hesitated. “Ms. Huston, Mr. Argent insisted I escort you back today. He wishes you to stay at the vi these days–your room is prepared. Would you reconsider…”

Before rieka could respond, Shi Yao slid an arm around her shoulders, grinning. “Our apologies, but urgent matters call. Surely Mr. Argent won’t mind?”

The assistant stammered, “But-”

Shi Yao tightened his hold. “Let’s go. What are we waiting for?”

With rieka’s nod, he guided her toward the exit.

Near the VIP gate, a ck Bentley’s window slid down. Narrow, obsidian eyes watched the striking pair–their silhouettes sharp against the terminal lights–while chiseled features remained partially obscured in the car’s gloom.

The assistant approached from the side. “Mr. Argent, Ms. Huston said she’lle tonight.”

Kieran’s voice chilled the air. “Got it.”

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The assistant exhaled, stealing a nce through the rearview mirror.

Thank god. He doesn’t seem angry.

Yet the open window framed Kieran’s unwavering gaze on the distant figures.

He came personally for her?

And she refused?

Unbelievable.

Wiping his brow, the assistant whispered, “Shall we leave, sir?”

As the pair entered their car, Kieran’s eyelids lowered like drawn curtains. “Proceed.”

Mid–journey, Kieran nced at his phone. “Detour to fetch Yuanyuan first.”

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