Chapter436

Her attention clearly elsewhere, Shi Yao seized her wrist, dragging her past the clerk’s wide–eyed stare to a deserted corner.

“rieka, tell me–were things ever good for you with the Argent family?”

rieka chuckled softly, “So you’ve been quiet this whole way, thinking about that?”

Victor’s eyes shed with momentary embarrassment. His expression turned serious as he lowered his voice, leaning closer to urge, “I knew something was off when Jaylene pushed us to go together. Spill it.”

rieka twisted her wrist free from his grip. “Nothing to say.”

Victor frowned instantly. “You don’t want me knowing?”

She averted her gaze, tone t. “Not about wanting. You don’t need to know. This is my business.”

She turned away, the back of her head facing him.

Behind her, Victor stayed silent for a long moment.`

rieka reyed her words, realizing how harsh they’d sounded. He must’ve taken it badly.

She opened her mouth to exin, but he spoke first.

“But I want to know

ricka turned to face him.

0.00%

16 18 D

Chapter436

11 288 Nouchers

“If I’d been happy at the Argent family, I wouldn’t have slunk off to the capital alone. That’s all I’ll say.”

Victor suddenly reached out, gripping her shoulders with both hands. “Got it.”

Summer heat pressed down. rieka wore an off–shoulder khaki knit top and red jeans, hair swept back to reveal striking features with casually curled ends–effortlessly polished.

The neckline bared her elegant corbones, pale skin glowing.

Victor’s broad, warm palms pressed flush against her bare shoulders.

The contact froze rieka’s gaze momentarily.

She snapped back with a tsk. “What d’you get? Let’s pick that gift already.”

After selecting presents, rieka took Victor to meet their high–school teacher Reyna.

Both marveled at time’s changes during their two–hour reunion before leaving.

The farewell timed perfectly with Kieran and Rose’s fifth–anniversary celebration. rieka changed into a simple sheath dress, swept up her hair with minimal makeup, and headed out.

She considered it understated, but others disagreed–especially Victor, whose eyes lit with awe,

“Look at you, rieka. Finally dressing up, huh?”

She swatted his arm. “Quit joking. Move.”

Victor dodged with augh but stayed close enough for her tond the

26.30%

1618 C

Chapter436

hit.

288 Vouchers

After a few steps, ricka halted. “Almost forgot–grab the gift.”

Victor waved the box. “Got it. Rx, okay?”

The Argent’s vi stood downtown, barely ten minutes from their hotel.

rieka stared from the car at the vi’s distant glow, momentarily dazed.

The Argent’s vi remained unchanged, save for vines coiled around its walls. The unidentified tree in the courtyard had grown taller, and from afar, rieka spotted a newly appeared swing swaying beneath it.

Having stayed away for over five years, the sight of the vi

resurrected buried memories that swirled in her mind, reying relentlessly.

Sweet yet distorted, humble yet helpless recollections clogged her chest as if they’d happened yesterday. rieka’s throat tightened.

“rieka Huston.”

Shi Yao’s voice cut through.

She closed her eyes, suppressing tangled emotions. “Hmm?”

Gazing out the window, she noticed a dark silhouette approaching in her peripheral vision–Shi Yao’s head. Too close.

ricka leaned back. “What are you doing?”

Shi Yao’s eyes, brown–ck by day, revealed traces of blue at night.

58 08%

16 18

He suddenly grinned.

ricka froze.

Time had transformed them both. Shi Yao’s features grew more chiseled and arresting, his stature and looks rivaling top international models.

He’d not only dominate runways but attract wealthy patrons. A wicked thought struck rieka: if he modeled, she could afford to keep him. Should he seek a sponsor, she’d outbid anyone. He’d obey her every whim

“rieka, what’s on your mind?”

She snapped back, staring nkly before recalling her fantasy. The subject stood before her, stirring difort.

86 144