“If you need anything, just say it. I’ll try to help.”

Wace’s eyes were clouded, but the pressure in his gaze was clear.

“You’re one of the family after all. rissa’s been spoiled and crossed the line a bit. Please bear with her. No need to go to the police. I’ve taken care of everything.”

ricka listened in silence. Her hands were trembling.

Did he take care of everything?

How?

By asking her, the victim, to shut up?

In exchange, they had tossed her a few things they didn’t even care about.

What else could she do?

Wace patted his knee. “rieka, think about your mom, your future. Being part of the Argent family is something people dream about. You should cherish it.

“This is also what Kier wants.”

After a while, she slowly opened her eyes.

She said in a hoarse voice, “Alright, I see.

She was about to leave when Kieran walked in through the front gate.

ricka acted like she didn’t see Kieran. She brushed past his shoulder and walked out of the vi.

Kieran paused. He kept a straight face, but his eyes were dark as he watched her walk away.

“You’re back?”

Wace asked.

“Yeah. Grandpa.” Kieran replied with a low and smooth voice like the sound of a cello.

Wace leaned back on the sofa and said in a weak, tiring voice, “This was rissa’s fault. Her parents aren’t here, and I’m too old to discipline her. You and Holter can take over from now on.

“And about rieka…”

His voice suddenly turned cold as if he were talking about a product.

“She isn’t one of us. Keep an eye on her. Don’t let her make trouble. It won’t end u

“And Roschelle,” Wace added, opening his eyes. “She’s decent. If you like her, try getting closer.”

That was his reward to Kieran.

Then he warned. “rieka is just a driver’s daughter. She’s not like Roschelle. If you want to have some fun, it’s okay. But don’t bring her home for me to meet as your wife.”

Kieran said nothing but nodded.

Wace assumed that meant yes.

123

He smiled. “Out of all my grandchildren, you’re the one I count on most. Keep it up.”

Kieran replied in a neutral tone, “I see.”

When ricka walked out of the vi, one thought kept repeating in her head. “I have to move out.”

It was

like a beast roaring in her brain. Next thing she knew, she was standing in front of a rental agency.

She stepped inside.

While the agent introduced the apartments, her phone started beeping, flooding with notifications.

She pulled her phone out. ssmates were flooding her with

messages.

“rieka, check the school forum right now!”

“Is that true?”

“Someone said you slept with a guy from our ss!”

“Everyone knows now. Even the teachers.”

Her heart sank. She tapped open the campus forum. The top post was a rumor about her.

“Shocking news! Adopted rich girl caught in a hotel with a male ssmate. She skipped school sick, probably after making out. That guy already changed schools!”

rieka’s eyes went cold. She checked the post and found several photos secretly taken of her.

#275%

The photos captured her and Ivan entering a hotel. The back view and the side profile had a special angle chosen to look suggestive.

Thements reached over a thousand.

“You didn’t know? She has always been like this and is even trying to climb into Mr. Argent’s bed. She knows he’s got a fiancee! So shameless!”

“I’m in her ss. She didn’te today and took a sick leave. Guess yesterday was wild, huh?”

“I know that guy. His family came early this morning to transfer him out. They must have found out, too.”

ricka shut her phone, furious.

She told the agent she’de backter and then rushed outside.

In the taxi. rieka dialed rissa’s number with shaking hands.

Getting no answer, she tried Kieran.

The call was picked up fast. But it wasn’t him. Roschelle answered it.

“Ms. Huston, Kier is taking a shower. What’s up?”

rieka could hear water in the background.

She said, “Put him on. Right now.”

Roschelle chuckled and said, “You can tell me. I’ll pass it along to Kierter.”

rieka repeated, “Put him on.”

Roschelle paused. “What’s this about, ricka?”

12.35

Suddenly, rustling sounds came through the phone. Roschelle said in at surprised voice, “Kier? You’re out?”

ricka could hear Kieran’s vague answer.

Kieran said over the phone in a cold voice, “What is it?”

rieka said, “rissa’s ndering me online. Are you going to do something about it?”

Kieran sounded indifferent. “nder?”

“She said I seduced you and slept with another ssmate.”

Kieran didn’t immediately respond.

Then he let out a sneer. “ndering?

“Isn’t that just the truth?”