79

Arielle's POV.

The tension around us thickened but I refused to be intimidated. Cecilia was the one in our space, she should be the one to feel uncomfortable. Not the other way around.

"Is there a problem?" Baron whispered to me. He remained seated while staring at the seething Cecilia.

"Not necessarily, just— just wait here." I slowly got to my feet.

I turned at Riley and she squeezed my hand gently. Her message was clear, nothing would happen to me as long as they were here.

She got up with me and followed behind me, throwing glances at Baron to do the same.

I couldn't deny that their presence gave me the extra courage I didn't think I needed. I walked with my head held high and as I got before her, I paused and smiled.

"Cecilia, how are you doing?" I asked while taking note of her cold expression. "What brings you here—"