Kieran’s gaze was dark and icy, his thin lips pressed into a line as he watched her calmly.

Beside him, Rose clung affectionately to his arm. Kieran’s son stood behind him, clutching his father’s leg while pouting and eyeing rieka with wary suspicion.

This group had been making a scene for some time; no one knew when the three Argents had arrived or how much they’d overheard.

rieka’s voice remained t: “Mr. Argent. Mrs. Argent.”

Rose’s lips curved with an amused glint: “rieka brought her boyfriend home. nning to introduce him to Grandpa?”

All eyes fixed on rieka.

rieka stared directly at Rose’s smile.

The implication was crystal clear.

Rose had likely feared rieka might steal Kieran. Now, learning she had a “boyfriend,” relief washed over Rose–one less threat to her marriage.

ricka arched a brow at Kieran, her tone cool: “Pity. My own grandfather died shortly after I was born.”

Dead silence fell. The crowd gaped, shock and disbelief written across their faces.

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Everyone knew exactly whose grandfather Rose meant: Wace Argent.

rieka’s words were nothing short of a public p to the Argent patriarch’s face.

Ignoring their stunned expressions, rieka continued: “But given the chance, I’d certainly take him to visit the gravesite.”

The room held its breath, utterly still.

This was Argent territory. None dared voice such thoughts, let alone intervene.

Rose nearly pitied rieka’s foolishness, her eyes softening with condescension: “rieka, you’re clever. You know exactly which grandfather I mean.”

rieka’s lips curled: “Even if I wanted to acknowledge him, would he ept me? Everyone knows I was kicked out years ago. What right do I have to call him Grandpa now?”

Kieran’s eyes narrowed.

rieka met his gaze: “You were there that day, Mr. Argent. Surely you remember me being thrown out to a rental apartment?”

Kieran remained silent.

Shiyao murmured: “rieka.”

rieka shed Kieran a smile before extending her hand to Shiyao: “Give me the gift.”

He’d held it since they arrived. Taking the package, she approached

Rose and offered it..

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“Got so caught up talking I almost forgot. A small anniversary gift for you both. Nothing fancy–hope it’s not beneath you.”

Rose’s eyes crinkled with a smile as she epted the gift. “We’re family, no need for formalities.”

ricka spoke softly, “With giftse blessings. May you sharesting happiness.”

Her gaze locked with Kieran’s as she added meaningfully, “I trust Mr. Argent remembers our promise.”

Rose’s smile faltered momentarily. “What promise did you two make, Kieran?”

rieka gave a mysterious smile. “Why not ask Mr. Argent yourself, Ms. Whitaker?

If he won’t tell you, neither can I.”

Rose drew a breath, forcing her smile wider. “It’s fine. Kieran knows his limits. I trust him.“–

rieka arched an eyebrow. “How remarkably devoted you two are.”

“rieka.”

Kieran’s voice cut through.

She acknowledged with a hum.

“Grandfather expects you in the study,” he stated coolly.

ricka nodded. “Understood.”

Turning to Shi Yao, she said, “Let’s go.”

Shi Yao’s eyes lit up instantly. “I’lle with you.”

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Kieran’s brow furrowed, his dark eyes sweeping over Shi Yao. “He stays.”

Shi Yao’s expression darkened, his re icy as it shed with Kieran’s. Electric tension crackled between them.

ricka raised an eyebrow. “Why? He’s not an outsider.”

“Has romance addled your judgment?” Kieran’s frown deepened.

“Not particrly,” she replied..

His obsidian eyes bored into her. This concerned the critical ck- White Rabbit game rights.

rieka turned to soothe Shi Yao. “Wait here. I won’t be long.”

Shi Yao’s face visibly shadowed. After struggling silently, he leaned in to whisper bitterly, “Hurry back. I’ll wait.”

rieka patted his head. “Good boy.”

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