Chapter 17: The Setup

The resort lounge welcomed Ariana with its elegant atmosphere as she carried a glass of champagne while she moved through the space. The crystal chandeliers produced warm flickering light which illuminated the marble floors while ocean waves combined with guest conversations to create the atmosphere.

Antony watched her, his gaze trailing her from his distant position across the room. He spent his time scanning the lounge while waiting to witness her first misstep.

Unfortunately for him she maintained her mistakeless behavior.

Rachel's malicious accusations succeeded in making Antony question things about her. The night brought him an opportunity to create the confirmation he needed after the rumors spread by Rachel.

When she walked into the lounge Ariana instantly noticed the planned interaction between Antony and the other man. The tall man with keen facial features plus a friendly smile had been watching Ariana since the last ten minutes.

A 'coincidental' encounter? Please.

Antony had chosen well, though. The man personality displayed the exact blend between charm and threatening elements. Antony believed this man possessed enough appeal to make Ariana fall for him if she remained the woman Anthony still thought she was.

The man approached her while she pretended to ignore him while she took sips of her champagne.

"Miss Cameloe," he greeted smoothly, his voice a perfect balance of intrigue and warmth. "I've heard a lot about you."

Ariana shifted her gaze while raising her well-formed eyebrows. "Is that so?"

He smiled, offering his hand. "Ethan Lang. I work with Anthony on some of The investment projects.

Ah. So Antony entrusted his assignment to his business colleague to handle the dirty work.

The handshake received from her was delicate and formal. "A pleasure."

"he motion of Ethan's head was followed by a careful observation from his eyes. "Your personality does not match the woman who would engage someone like Antony in marriage."

A quiet chuckle escaped Ariana as she spoke. "Oh?" Struggling to maintain a professional demeanor she inquired "by type do you think I am?".

Ethan approached her while speaking softly. "The type that deserves better."

A calculated move. Antony will be carefully monitorng her reaction because he wanted to understand her attitude toward the proposal.

A smile crossed her face briefly while her eyes showed interest but she refused to endorse his proposition.

"Flattery," she mused. "You must be quite popular with women."

Ethan chuckled. "Only the ones who appreciate honesty."

He was good. Smooth. But not good enough.

Ariana allowed the discussion to continue a short while because she wanted Antony's aggravation to build. Her body remained motionless and her face blank throughout the entire encounter without showing even the slightest genuine response to Ethan or Antony.

The moment Ethan was about to advance the interaction his phone produced a loud vibrations.

He briefly showed surprise through his eyes before concealing his reaction. "Excuse me for a moment."

He stepped away from Ariana to answer his call after taking a drink while his voice became tense.

She gained full comprehension of the situation without requiring any specific information.

Jesse.

From across the room she quickly glanced at a distinguished man who positioned himself near the bar while maintaining an easy stance.

Jesse Ren.

She could feel his awareness of her without him needing to glance at her face. This wasn't coincidence.

Ariana released her breath before placing her glass on the table. Through unobtrusive means Jesse managed to interfere with the situation. There was no reason for his involvement but he moved forward anyway.

Antony maintained an irritated expression while standing opposite the room. He had not predicted that someone would interrupt his plans.

The room returned with Ethan who showed a regretful expression when he arrived."I have to take care of something. Duty calls."

Ariana offered a polite smile. "Of course. It was nice meeting you."

Antony reacted with a tense jaw movement when he departed. His strategy failed to start before its first steps could begin.

Ariana had enough experience with him to predict his refusal to abandon his goal.

This was just the first move.

The real test was still coming.