CHAPTER 128: RANDOM GIRL

Yeri "..."

Since Shin had disappeared the moment they arrived, grumbling about the dirt on his shoes from kicking Leo, retreating straight into the bath, it was just the two of them left in the sitting room.

Yeri blurted quickly before she lost her nerve. "How about... the drugging incident years ago? Can you look into that too?"

Saeki’s eyes lit up. He turned toward her, his grin wide and conspiratorial, as though he had just found a partner-in-crime.

"I knew it. You know about that as well." He leaned back, lowering his voice. "At the time, I was curious too. Everyone suspected Lianna’s father. But it’s hard to conclude if she was part of it."

Yeri shook her head firmly. "Can you find out if Sister Lianna was involved? I don’t believe she was that kind of person."

Saeki narrowed his eyes at her. "You’re too trusting. Some people are just masters at manipulation."

But Yeri was certain, Lianna’s depression wasn’t an act.

If anyone was good at manipulation, it would be her, after all, she was a succubus in her past life. She could sense it in people, that subtle shift in energy, their emotions, their darkness. Lianna wasn’t like that.

The thought struck her suddenly, why rely on Saeki Jie at all? With her abilities, perhaps she could dig into the truth herself.

Her musings were cut short by a sudden commotion at the entrance. Both of them turned as a proud, well-dressed old woman swept into the villa, chin raised high.

"Elder Madam Keir!" Saeki greeted at once, rising to his feet.

The old matriarch softened at the sight of him. "Ah, young master of the Jie family! Why didn’t you attend my birthday? Hmph, your family is always busy. How is everyone lately?"

Saeki smiled, politely explaining work had tied him down. They exchanged pleasantries, the kind of surface-level chatter that hid daggers underneath.

It wasn’t until Yeri quietly rose from her seat, intending to slip away unnoticed, that Elder Madam Keir’s eyes finally landed on her. Surprise flickered in the old woman’s gaze, quickly replaced with sharp scrutiny.

"And who might you be?" she asked coolly, her tone heavy with disapproval.

Saeki opened his mouth, ready to blurt out "sister-in-law," but Butler Hong standing nearby with impeccable timing, interjected smoothly.

"She is the daughter of one of Master Keir’s old friends."

Yeri smiled awkwardly, bowing slightly. "Good evening, Elder Madam."

The old matriarch barely nodded, muttering, "It seems anyone can just enter this house nowadays..."

Butler Hong’s lips twitched, he nearly said ’Are you talking about yourself?’ but wisely swallowed it back.

Saeki, realizing the danger of saying too much, schooled his face into innocence. He suddenly remembered something "urgent" and excused himself before his loose tongue betrayed him.

Elder Madam Keir’s gaze returned to Yeri, sharp as a hawk. "Which family are you from?"

"The Zhi family," Yeri answered truthfully. "Zhi Corporation."

The old woman’s expression barely shifted, but her lack of enthusiasm was clear. Before she could press further, Master Keir himself appeared. He joined them with a cool composure that made the air feel heavier.

Yeri seized the chance and excused herself, disappearing toward her room. Elder Madam Keir’s eyes followed her until she vanished from sight.

Then she turned to her son. "Allister, why did you invite some random girl here? Are you trying to match her with your son?"

Master Keir arched a brow.

Before he could answer, the old woman pressed on, her words sharp. "The Zhis are not a good family match. If you’re determined to find Shin a wife, then help Calin Ricci instead. She is the only suitable candidate."

A cold smile tugged at Allister Keir’s lips. His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Of course. The family could certainly handle another Eleanor, right?"

The old matriarch stiffened, color rising to her cheeks. "You’re talking nonsense."

"How Calin behaves, you can’t tell me you don’t see it," he said evenly. "Her demeanor, her strategy of approaching you first... doesn’t she remind you of someone?"

Elder Madam Keir swallowed, her gaze faltering. She knew exactly who he meant.

Still, she lifted her chin, stubborn. "Calin is a perfect match for Shin. I will recognize no one else."

Allister’s eyes narrowed, his tone razor-sharp. "You probably think it doesn’t matter, because she won’t be your problem. But Shin isn’t me. You know how he is. The way he handles people... Are you sure you want to force this engagement onto him?"

The old matriarch’s lips pressed into a thin line. For the first time in a long while, she had no retort. And recalled, unwillingly, the time Shin had beaten Hadi half-dead.

The memory alone sent a bone-piercing chill through her spine. Right, ever since he was young, that bastard never listened to her. No matter how she scolded, schemed, or punished, Shin always did what he wanted, carving his own path like a beast that refused a leash.

She quickly pushed the thought away. Talking about that bastards violent streak was dangerous, even for her. Best to change the subject.

Her gaze sharpened. "Speaking of which, where’s Tristan? And what about the pink diamond ring? Don’t tell me you don’t know."

"Why should I know?" Allister Keir pinched the bridge of his nose. "He must be handling business negotiations somewhere."

Elder Madam Keir’s voice turned indignant. "Nonsense! I’ve tried calling Tristan for days. Always busy. Yet according to my inquiry, the ring was delivered to this villa today. That’s why I came in a hurry."

She tapped her cane against the floor with impatience. "Surely that bastard knows about it. Tristan must have entrusted the ring to him to pass to me."

Allister’s mouth twitched. The last thing he wanted was for his son and his mother to clash face-to-face. Sparks always turned into fire. He was about to claim Shin was still working when, unfortunately, Shin himself appeared, freshly bathed, his damp hair framing his sharp features as his gaze swept the room.

He was clearly looking for Yeri.

The moment he spotted Elder Madam Keir, his mood plummeted. His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed with annoyance.

Allister immediately stepped forward, forcing a smile. "Shin, come with me for a moment. Business." He didn’t wait for refusal and all but dragged him into the study.

Once the door shut, Allister exhaled heavily. "I forgot to tell you, your grandmother seems to think the pink diamond ring you got at the auction is Tristan’s gift for her."

Shin blinked slowly, then scoffed. Grandmother? Since when was the old witch upgraded to that status?

His lips curved faintly, cruelly. That ring still carried the demon’s intent. If the old witch wore it, with her frail body and age? Forget a year, she’d be dead in a few months. Not a bad fate, actually.

But Yeri deserved better. Once he stripped away the cursed intent and infused the jewel with his own, it would become flawless. Pure. A ring worthy of his Empress.

"So, her misunderstanding isn’t my concern," Shin finished with a shrug.

Allister pressed his fingers to his temple. With his mother’s personality, she would definitely make a scene.

"Fine. I’ll deal with her. But Shin don’t let her notice your relationship with Yeri. Not yet."

Shin’s frown was immediate. "Why?"

"Because you’ll put Yeri in a predicament. You know how my mother is."

Shin’s eyes darkened. "And you think I couldn’t protect her?"

Master Keir sighed. "At least ask Yeri’s opinion before charging ahead."

---

Meanwhile, in her room, Yeri was sitting cross-legged on the bed, scrolling through her phone.

A knock, then Shin’s voice came. "It’s time for dinner."

She looked up, hesitating. Then, as if remembering something, she turned her phone toward him. On the screen was Calin Ricci’s page, she had reposted Shin’s post as if supporting him.

"That woman who came to you at the hospital... was it Calin Ricci?" Yeri asked.

Shin’s expression was indifferent. "I guess that’s her name. Don’t exactly remember."

Yeri: "..."

"Does she bother you? I’ll take care of it." His tone was casual, as though he were asking whether she preferred tea or coffee.

Yeri quickly shook her head. "No need. Really. I was just curious. She seems to have feelings for you. With her status and background... don’t you like her?"

Shin’s gaze turned sharp, holding her eyes. "Didn’t I say before? I don’t need a woman’s status to help me with the company or my position. And..." his lips curled, his voice low, "do you want to give your husband away to someone else?"

Yeri nearly choked on air. What husband? When did that happen?!

She glared at him. "I said I was just curious."

Before Shin could press further, Butler Hong knocked politely. "Young Master, Young Miss, dinner is ready."

---

At the dining table, Elder Madam Keir was already frowning at the spread. A row of seafood dishes gleamed under the lights, rich aromas filling the room.

"You eat such heavy meals at night?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Allister answered calmly, "Having seafood on occasion isn’t bad."

But the old woman wasn’t convinced. Her lips pursed as though the very sight of lobster offended her.

Just then, Shin and Yeri entered. Elder Madam Keir’s attention darted immediately to the girl. She froze for a beat, as if Yeri had materialized out of thin air, then narrowed her eyes.

Yeri felt uncomfortable under that scrutiny, but she wasn’t worried. She had taken etiquette lessons since childhood, she knew how to sit, how to eat, how to carry herself.

Still, the old matriarch’s gaze made her skin prickle.

"Allister," Elder Madam Keir said coolly, "you really shouldn’t invite random people into the house, especially at this hour. Have you thought of what people will say?"

Shin’s reply was instant. "I’m surprised you have that kind of awareness. Then shouldn’t you leave?"

The old matriarch was caught off guard. Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing. Normally, she would erupt in fury. But in front of an outsider?

No. her pride demanded composure. She rolled her eyes dramatically instead. "Don’t say things you don’t mean. Others might think you have no respect for your elders."