The Masked Man was someone she knew all along (2)?

Ariana snapped her head up as she looked at her mother in shock. She hadn't expected her to bring Nicolai up when she hadn't even confessed the truth that she thought she had hidden well.

"What—how—I didn't even tell you anything," she said in awe. 

"I am your mother," Kaylen picked up a small pastry and brought it to her lips with her eyes twinkling. She said to Ariana, "Do you think that you can hide the little exchanges that took place between the two of you when he came last time? Not to mention you were quite upset when his engagement was fixed with Penelope." 

"Then why didn't you—" 

"Say anything?" Kaylyn shrugged as she brought the cup down and placed it on the table. "I was waiting for you to speak up, Ari. I am your mother; it's my responsibility to make a haven for you, not to corner or treat you like you are my possession." 

Ariana blinked her eyes and questioned, "Then you… agree?"