Chapter 18: The Breaking Point

As soon as Ariana walked through the main hall of the resort guests began whispering about her. People exchanged quiet whispers as they exchanged furtive looks at the young lady.

She didn't have to ask. She already knew.

Antony had made his move.

Every person in the room focused their attention on her when she walked through the door. The bar screen displayed suspicious images showing Antony with a woman in a dim hallway while she placed her hand on his chest and their lips almost touched each other's ear.

A lovers' rendezvous? An engagement on the rocks? The Cameloe heiress betrayed?

Ariana showed no signs of emotion while the scene progressed because she acted as though it did not impact her.

The eyes of Rachel drilled through the surrounding people until they landed on Ariana who stood patiently with eager anticipation.

And Antony? He was nowhere to be seen.

Perfect.

The gossip settled down as Ariana walked through the room with purposeful elegance. Their expectations about her emotional response would lead to their total disappointment.

The bar became her resting spot while she requested wine with composure intact. The people around her could no longer control her with their expectations based on old assumptions.

The bartender paused before giving Ariana the glass of wine. "Miss Cameloe… I, uh, hope you're okay."

A simple formal smile parted her lips toward him. "Why wouldn't I be?"

The utterances held enough significance to find their way to their intended targets. Her nearest companions shared looks before starting a quiet conversation. Was she truly unaffected? Did she already know?

A calculated move. Let them wonder.

She enjoyed the quiet moment by drinking her wine.

Rachel's heels echoed their approach across the marble until she arrived beside Ariana holding back her satisfaction.

Rachel tried to appear concerned when she asked "You're acting too composed for someone in your position." "I thought you'd be—"

Ariana put aside her glass to signal her end of the conversation. "Distraught? Heartbroken?" She tilted her head. "You sound disappointed, Rachel."

Rachel's smile faltered.

"I just thought," Rachel recovered quickly, "that after everything, you'd at least have something to say."

Ariana laughed softly as she shook her head. "Antony is a grown man. Since Antony behaves that way on his own why should I let myself be embarrassed by it

Rachel's fingers twitched. This outcome differed from her expectations.

Ariana moved closer to Rachel and spoke softly for them to hear each other. Rachel wants to know if humiliating yourself would be more embarrassing than your behavior. What exposes a woman more: disregarding scandals or setting up one that collapses?

Rachel lost her smile and grew tense.

Ariana finished her wine and rose to leave. "Enjoy the rest of your night, Rachel."

She moved away feeling how doubtful everyone appeared.

Right before she left the party a person stepped in front of her.

Antony.

His expression remained mysterious yet she sensed his anger through his stiff posture and fleeting eye emotion.

"We need to talk," he said quietly.

Ariana exhaled softly, glancing around. Being watched would not suit Antony so he asked her to talk in a private room.

Without a word she walked behind him to the peaceful lounge area.

As soon as he closed the door Antony studied her face to uncover her thoughts.

He expected me to inquire about his scandal but I remain silent.

Ariana viewed him with an uninterpretable gaze. "Should I?"

His jaw tightened. You seem completely indifferent about this situation.

She approached him while meeting his eyes. Your reaction would be more convincing if you used physical force. Caused a scene?" She spoke gently as if to provoke him.

He gripped his sides with his fists. "Damn it, Ariana." His voice dropped, rougher now. "I know you. I know you still—"

She extended her palm to interrupt his words. "Don't. You fake showing concern leaves me intact.

His gaze darkened. "Then tell me the truth."

She arched a brow. "About what?"

Antony approached her until their energy formed a strong bond. "Is there someone else?"

Ariana did not feel any skipping in her heart when he came to talk to her. She held his gaze, unwavering. "And if there was?"

His breath hitched.

And that was when she knew.

The start of doubt had become established.