Chapter437

Shi Yao’s eyes and tone held seriousness. “Nothing. Why so close?”

He studied her. “I suspect indecent thoughts.”

rieka kept deadpan. “You’re mistaken.”

He leaned in, gaze locked.

She swallowed, retreating further. Guilt prickled–scheming to be his patron…

Shi Yao, ever the keen observer. She prayed he missed her unease.

A low chuckle escaped him. “Enough teasing.”

He patted her shoulder. “We’re here.”

Only then did rieka notice the car had stopped at the vi’s entrance. Ahead, a dozen vehicles lined the left side.

Lanterns bathed the courtyard’s center in warm gold, illuminating guests clinking sses amidst harmoniousughter.

rieka Huston pushed the car door open and stepped out.

Out of habit, even while talking, people instinctively notice changes in their surroundings.

So when ricka Huston and Sean got out, the men and women chatting in the courtyard immediately looked their way

“Who’s that?”

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“Looks like President Zhang.”

“Doesn’t seem like President Zhang.”

The crowd murmured among themselves.

With no lights outside the Argent’s vi and the dim surroundings, the courtyard guests couldn’t clearly see the neers‘ faces at first

nce.

They could only make out a man and a woman–her arm linked through his. He stood tall and imposing, she was slender yet curvaceous, both radiating such striking presence they dwarfed everyone else. Together, they made an arresting pair.

“Hiss, why don’t I recognize these two?”

“Same here, they don’t look familiar.”

As the pair drew closer, courtyard light spilled over their faces.

The crowd fell silent instantly, the hush so deep you could hear a pin drop.

The man wore an exquisitely tailored ck suit that emphasized his towering height and straight posture. Though fully clothed except for his head, the sharp cut revealed an athletic build beneath–easily rivaling any top model’s physique.

His face outshone even his impressive frame: deep–set features, sculpted jawline, razor–sharp nose bridge–every angle wlessly carved Bathed in warm gold light, his looks bordered on unreal

“Mixed heritage?”

“I’ve seen countless handsome men and thought only Mr. Argent deserved the top–tier‘ title. But this one… he fits the bill too.”

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“The woman beside him… is that ricka Huston?”

The woman wore a light blue form–fitting gown that entuated her breathtakingly slender waist. The high slit skirt revealed glimpses of her long, pale legs with every step, radiating effortless allure.

Her delicate face bore subtle makeup, striking features dominating her petite frame. Crimson lips curved slightly, eyes shimmering with natural grace–every movement exuded unforced charm.

Having dealt with the Argent family for years, how could these garden guests fail to recognize that face?

That was…

rieka Huston, expelled by the Argents!

rieka Huston!

“rieka? How can it be rieka?

Didn’t Wace Argent banish her? Why is she back?”

“rieka Huston, of all people! How dare she show up?

Doesn’t she fear being thrown out again?”

“Wait… why does that name ring a bell?”

“Teh teh, call security! Who let her in? She’s got no business being here. If Wace Argent sees her-”

The garden fell silent, making those hushed voices piercingly clear.

As ricka and Shi Yao drew closer, every word reached their cars.

Shi Yao’s expression darkened.

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He knew rieka faced hostility from the Argents, but never imagined they’d insult her to her face.

If they spoke this vile openly, what might they do behind her back?

Yearster it remained this harsh–back when rieka was just an ordinary high schooler, it must’ve been crueler.

The thought made Shi Yao’s chest tighten with stifling anger. He itched to p each sneering face.

Truthfully, rieka had long grown ustomed to such malice.

Wace Argent, Kieran, the entire family despised her–this wasmon knowledge. The Argents dominated Shanghai’s elite circles; others scrambled to curry favor.

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