Chapter 12: Ariana’s First Move – Testing the Waters of Power

Chapter 12: Ariana's First Move – Testing the Waters of Power

Ariana awoke to a different kind of morning.

No more drowning in anger.

Waiting for fate to determine the future no longer exists in her present.

She lifted her body from the bed while Jesse's words remained in her thoughts.

Learning the rules will prevent you from remaining a powerless piece.

During her former existence she remained unaware of the story because Antony and Rachel controlled everything. She chose to transform her story during this attempt.

Her fingers stopped in front of the phone screen as she reached for it. She wanted to get in touch with a person who had previously received no attention from her.

Her face displayed a slow smirk.

A critical moment arrived for her to begin her strategic plan.

Ariana kept her fingers moving on the shiny surface of the café table during her period of waiting. The private room remained silent except for occasional muffled voices that drifted through the doorway.

She wasn't nervous. Not exactly.

She entered uncharted grounds.

The woman entered the room with poise and she appeared to be near fifty years old. The connection between Eleanor Cheng and Ariana's mother ended because of Antony's deceptive actions.

Eleanor chose the seat across from Ariana while inspecting her with keen eyes.

"This is unexpected," Eleanor said smoothly. "I assumed you had cut ties with me."

Ariana smiled. "That was never my choice."

Eleanor's gaze flickered with interest. "Oh?"

Ariana didn't beg for sympathy.

She approached the table with composure while keeping her body slightly forward. I now recognize that effective influence surpasses monetary power in every situation. People who align with the proper individuals will transform everything.

Eleanor gave her a curious expression while her lips formed an amused smile. You think that I am the proper person for this?

"I believe we have mutual interests." Ariana's voice was steady. Your capacity to respect individuals who maximize their abilities makes you someone I believe you are.

A pause.

Eleanor let out a deep chuckling sound that carried understanding.

"Interesting," she murmured. "It seems you've changed, Ariana."

Ariana met her gaze evenly. "I had to."

Eleanor swirled her tea, thoughtful. She finally requested to observe my abilities after my claim. I have a lunch date with you next week to carry on this discussion.

Ariana responded with a subtle feeling of triumph deep within her.

One step forward.

The woman observed Antony and Rachel without their awareness.

She maintained absolute caution by controlling her responses so the others would remain unaware.

Rachel operated as she normally did to secure social positions by using flattering lies and her charming personality.

Antony displayed a wilder approach in his actions. The businessman went through many initiatives to regain his power following Jesse's negative response at the meeting.

Ariana didn't interfere.

Not yet.

Instead, she gathered everything.

Little details. Conversations. Subtle weaknesses.

She would use this perfect opportunity to break down her targets when the moment was right.

Ariana left her apartment before receiving the invitation through text message.

An invitation.

Elegant. Exclusive.

The card bore an unknown name yet its immense importance was clear because a powerful figure wanted her presence at the event.

A test.

Or a trap.

She didn't flinch.

But Jesse noticed.

The invitation caught his attention because she seemed nervous to him.

She arched a brow. "You think I should be afraid?"

Jesse's lips curved slightly. "I think you should be careful whose attention you attract."

Ariana met his gaze. The world demands me to step out from hiding to survive.

The long moment of his observation passed before Jesse turned away. The man said only two words when he replied "Then don't commit an error without a way to reverse it."

Ariana positioned herself in front of her mirror during that evening.

She followed the outline of her eyes in the mirror's surface.

Before her previous existence she maintained a simple nature.

Trust had led her to the wrong individuals.

She vowed to observe the fire directly this time.

She took a deep breath while adjusting her clothes before uttering an inner promise to herself.

I will not become the foolish person again this time.

She left the house to confront whatever challenges awaited her.