Chapter 21: A Chance Encounter with a Future Genius

Ariana stepped out of the Ritz-Carlton resort while clenching her clutch in her hands. The night required her performance to fake friendly smiles at pretentious socialites while avoiding Rachel's hidden insults and acting as if she remained Anthony Raymond's obedient future wife.

Her patience was wearing thin.

The deceitful treatment she endured from those people in her past life had reached its limit. She determined to break free from the role of their mindless puppet during this particular situation. The long-term strategy required her to keep performing as a dutiful fiancée at least for now.

The cool breezes that swept over the city created a refreshing relief when she stepped out from the stifling building interior. Her walk took her past the streetlights which illuminated the pavement while it remained wet. A distant honk carried through the air along with rain scents that added to the ambiance of a city which reminds her city never slept at this hour.

Then she heard it.

Raised voices.

A man received a sudden expulsion from a modern office building when Ariana glanced in time to see him pushed through the doors which caused his papers to fly across the sidewalk.

"Get lost, Lin! You are finished here!" The security guard barked with a harsh order to leave and proceeded to close the glass doors in his face.

The man groaned, while sitting on the wet surface and rubbing his hand to his temple. The man's black-rimmed glasses lay a few feet off while his business clothes had become untidy from the fall.

Ariana narrowed her eyes. She knew that face.

Leo Feng.

In her past life, this man created such cutting-edge AI technology that major technology corporations engaged in intense competition to purchase it. His invention led to major transformations in finance together with security solutions as well as medical advancements. The struggling entrepreneur phase of his life preceded his success when investors discarded his talent assuming he was a replaceable commodity.

Fate was being generous tonight.

With a quick adjustment of the strap of her clutch he approached him while her heels created sounds on the pavement.

Leo muttered curses under his breath as he rapidly gather his document frustration and anger evident in the way he gathered the documents. 

"Need a hand?" From her position Ariana asked casually while she collected one of the papers that had been scattered on the ground.

Leo looked up, clearly annoyed. His eyes with irritation behind the hefty glasses flashed until his face shown he recognizes her.

"Miss Cameloe?" he asked, puzzled.

Ariana smirked slightly. "Tough night?"

Without any patience Leo took his documents then stuffed them into his bag. "More like a tough life. A CEO stole my AI prototype before defunding my whole operation and throwing me out like trash"

Ariana's gaze darkened.

So, this was the moment.

In her past life, Leo decided to quit his invention rather than fight for it before beginning another battle for his survival. Years later, another company sensed his worth and became his investor which transformed him into a successful billionaire. The incident occurred before his AI was transformed into a stolen product by the very individuals who had twice betrayed him.

Not this time.

Without hesitation Ariana held out the document that she picked up to him. "What if I told you I can help?"

Leo adjusted his glasses to study her face with a skeptical gaze. "And what's the catch?"

Ariana projected a calculated smile that made her eyes glint. "No catch. Just a business proposal."

He scoffed. " I don't do business with socialites"

Ariana took a small step toward him as she spoke in a discreet tone."what if I tell you I know exactly what your Ai can do... And how much it's worth" 

Leo's breath hitched.

 His defensive posture shifted momentarily as curiosity and perhaps faint hope appeared on his face.

Ariana took a step closer. "Those fools inside that building? They don't see your value. But I do."

His fingers clamped tightly around his bag during that moment. "…How do you know about my AI?"

Ariana chuckled. " Let just say my instinct to recognize brilliance mind is exceptional. And right now,you need someone who has absolute faith in your abilities surpassing your own self-belief."

Leo hesitated. His numerous rejections during the past years fostered deep distrust towards others. The way she carried herself and her firm conviction stopped him from rejecting her offer.

Ariana extended her hand again. "Join me, Mr. Feng. Let's rewrite the future together."

Leo took a deep breath as he massaged his forehead before ultimately receiving her handshake. "Alright. I'll listen. I will listen to your proposal but if this is some kind of joke..."

Ariana grinned. "Trust me, I Don't waste my time on jokes as I only make decisions that matter."

She led him to her car, a black sedan which rested at the curb with its shiny black exterior. The driver quickly made his way to open the car door after spotting Ariana approaching.

"Get in," Ariana said smoothly.

Leo hesitated only a second before he enter into the front seat. After informing the driver to bring them to a peaceful high-end lounge the pair began their conversation.

The ride remained gloomy with no conversation between them. Leo kept tapping his fingers on his bag while his thoughts undoubtedly galloped quickly.

After waiting for an extended period he finally asked "What exactly do you plan to do?"

The businesswoman turned toward Leo while smoothing her legs into a cross position. "First, tell me exactly what they stole from you."

Leo sighed, his hand brushing his tangled hair. "Everything. The prototype, the algorithm, the research. After working on this AI for many years they discarded me like garbage without any mercy."

Ariana hummed thoughtfully. "What if I told you that you can get it all back?"

He let out a bitter laugh. "That's impossible. They will secure a patent for my projects under their company name before weeks pass."

"Not if we act fast."

Leo frowned. "What do you mean?"

Ariana smirked. "I have resources. Legal teams. Connections. And more importantly the way to succeed in this game is known to me better than anyone else."

Leo studied her for a moment. "You're serious."

"Deadly."

He released his breath while he settled against the seat. "I am ready to join your cause, if you can help me regain control of my work."

Ariana's eyes glowed with satisfaction. "Good choice."

Ariana noticed her plan taking shape while the car passed through the city streets.

Anthony and Rachel remained oblivious to the upcoming threats in their lives.