Hearing her, Kieran looked up. Warmth softened his dark, hooded eyes: "Sit and rest."
Rose's pulse raced – especially after coming from Alarieka's place. Seeing Kieran smoothed her ruffled nerves.
So what if Alarieka liked Kieran? So what if she demanded fifty million?
Kieran's heart belonged to Rose. That was something Alarieka could never touch.
Rose walked over and settled beside Kieran, murmuring: "Handling work?"
Kieran hadn’t spoken yet when Rose quickly glanced at the documents and just as swiftly averted her eyes.
"I shouldn't look. What if I see company secrets?"
A faint flicker of amusement crossed Kieran’s eyes. "It’s fine. I told you, you can see all of this."
Rose pressed her lips together, warmth flooding her chest. "Kieran, I know."
Kieran set the documents aside and turned to her, his gaze intent. "What did you talk about with Alarieka?"
Rose lowered her eyelids, an unreadable emotion flashing briefly in her eyes.
She shook her head lightly, her voice soft. "Just the competition. It’s nothing, don’t worry."
Kieran watched her silently, his expression unreadable.
Rose’s heart raced.
Kieran said, "Come to me if you need help. I meant that."
A small smile touched Rose’s lips, her eyes brimming with warmth. "Okay, I know. If I need you, I won’t hold back."
But this matter wasn’t exactly honorable. She didn’t want Kieran or anyone else to know; she had to keep it hidden.
Fifty million was a lot, but not impossible to gather.
Besides, Kieran had recently gifted her a 5% stake in Kierose Group. That meant dividends would roll in every month, even if she did nothing.
Even if she gave Alarieka fifty million, it would come back quickly. After all, Kierose Group was nearing a hundred-billion-dollar market cap, and the dividends were substantial.
Rose glanced out the window at the sky, her cheeks suddenly flushing.
"Kieran, it's very late. When are you planning to go back?"
Kieran remained silent. Rose’s voice dropped lower, the flush on her cheeks deepening.
"Maybe… stay tonight? It's so late already, don't go back."
Such a request was quite forward for a man and woman alone.
But for a couple about to be engaged, it felt natural.
Rose's heart pounded, her fingers curling unconsciously.
After a moment, Kieran reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
His voice was low and warm. "Alright."
Rose instantly looked up, a wide smile spreading across her face.
She threw herself forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Kieran’s waist. Boldly, she buried her face in the curve of his neck, breathing deeply, utterly lost in his scent.
The familiar, pleasant aroma of his cologne filled her senses. Her heart settled with contentment, overflowing with warm, deep affection for him. She wished she could hold him like this forever.
Her arms tightened further around his waist, as if trying to mold her entire body into his embrace.
"Kieran…"
She closed her eyes.
She felt Kieran lift his hands, his warm palms resting on her back, giving her a gentle, soothing stroke.
"What's wrong? Did Alarieka upset you?"
Kieran’s voice, as always deep and steady, brushed her ear, sending warmth through her.
Rose shook her head, her voice muffled against his chest.
"No. I just really missed you."
Kieran hummed, his hand gently and slowly stroking her back: "If you feel wronged, just say so. I’d never let the mother of my child suffer."
Rose’s ears flushed crimson as she murmured, “The baby’s been very well-behaved these past few days, not fussy at all.”
Kieran replied, “Good.”
Listening to the water running in the bathroom, Rose called Natalie.