Chapter 19: The Unraveling

Antony faced Ariana as she stood with an unreadable expression and a firm yet relaxed posture. The luxurious suite that should have provided relaxation and pleasuren had developed into a place where they fought. The space between them pounded with intense energy because their collective history lay heavy on their relationship like an invisible wall.

Ariana tone remained calm as she crossed her arms in front of her chest and said "You're being ridiculous." "Why do you have sudden interest in who I spend my time with?"

Antony's jaw tightened. His expectation was anger or panic but Ariana maintained an unflustered demeanor in front of him. "You're avoiding the question."

A soft breath emerged from Ariana like a gentle laugh. "Am I? Your fear of discovering the truth prevents you from asking for an answer."

His brows drew together. "I have every right to know. You're still my fiancée...."

A slight movement of her head accompanied a restrained smile she showed him. "Correction. My current status remains as your cover until you discard this arrangement."

Antony's hands curled into fists. "And what if I do need you?"

There it was. The slip.

The hidden emotion in his anger revealed itself to Ariana. Possession. Uncertainty.

She had invested numerous years in the belief that he loved her but instead he treated her as nothing more than a stepping stone. But now? He began to doubt all the things he believed before.

Ariana moved in a slow manner until she stood right before him while she spoke with the sound of deadly poison in her voice. "Tell me, Anthony..... Is this really about loyalty or anxiety over losing your grip on me? You appear uncertain about maintaining your grip on me. Is that what worries you?"

A slight movement of his body indicated the break of his controlled composure.

Rachel who have been standing by the door with crossed arms observed with concealed happiness until her posture stiffened. She saw it too. The hesitation. His eyes started to become doubtful.

Ariana faced Rachel while giving her a discerning glance. "You really should have thought of the outcome before planting those rumors. Placing those rumors into the world required more consideration before doing so." She mused. " instead of making him hate me, you have only made him question you."

Rachel briefly lost her complexion but quickly showed a sneer. " you are just trying to manipulate the situation ..."

Ariana cut her off by laughing quietly. "And yet, am the one standing here while you are desperately clinging to his sleeve."

Rachel's breath hitched.

Antony was silent.

Good.

Since the beginning Ariana predicted Rachel would eventually grasp that her plotting would never succeed in making Antony forget about Ariana. Deep within his heart he could no longer be certain about his true feelings because he tried to ignore the truth repeatedly.

Not about Ariana. Not about Rachel. Not even about himself.

The beginning of losing everything started when uncertainty entered his mind.

Ariana gently released her breath before facing the exit. "Your entertaining conversation ends now because I have more important matters rather than feed your psychological doubts."

 Before she left Antony she stopped to look at him again. "I suggest you figure out what you really want, Because right now? You're just flailing."

Ariana left the space without waiting for his reply.

Jesse Ren stood on his private balcony to watch the events play out in front of him. Jesse Ren observed Ariana move through the crowd by using his keen gaze while studying her composed nature which remained unfazed and self-assured.

He kept observation during the span of time because he wanted to understand this woman who had lost her innocence to the world's misconception.

His first strategy involved passive observation followed by strategic involvement when needed. He saw Antony falling apart while Rachel struggled to manage the situation which prompted him to initiate his first substantial action.

Taking his mobile phone from his pocket he completed one phone call.

 Lincoln Park, His assistant received a call "Gather financial data about the recent business acquisitions made by Antony Raymond. Every flaw alongside all possible risks must be exposed to me. Also notify Antony Raymond's essential investors about his situation yet do it in a discreet manner."

A pause. Then: "And Ariana's father's company?"

Jesse's gaze darkened slightly. " Make an arrangement for some people to monitor the activities of these targets very closely. An impending move against their business operations is underway."

Lincoln park listened to the response after a quick order and the call disconnected.

Jesse stayed at the railing while watching Ariana's deliberate pace through the resort's garden by maintaining his gaze on her.

He smirked to himself.

She remained unaware about the real depths of the waters she approached.

But soon, she would.

Throughout the whole time Ariana moved about her room he maintained observation of her actions.

The moment Ariana entered her hotel room her mobile phone started buzzing.

Unknown number: you are running out of time because their next operation extends beyond your personal concerns to impact your family's business. They're making their next move. Your family business has become the center of focus since their attention has shifted from you to the company. Be ready.

Her breath stilled.

She looked at the text while her thoughts sprinted out of control.

She had anticipated Antony and Rachel to keep their assaults ongoing yet this fresh development was something totally different. The shift in their attention toward her family business indicated their plans to launch a major strike that threatened substantial harm.

Ariana clenched her phone in her hand more firmly.

She would not let them win.

She took a deep breath before walking to her work desk to retrieve her computer. The moment to defend herself had passed.

The critical moment required her to develop her following strategic plan.