Chapter 23 laying the trap

"Are you sure this will work?" Leo feng typed rapidly on his keyboard while asking whether his creation would succeed.

Ariana smile her pairs of white teeth showing while resting her crossed arms on the chair's back. "Anthony and I planned our wedding before he turned out to be a scammer. I have all the information about what this scammer will find too tempting to pass up."

Leo feng chuckled, shaking his head. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

She moved closer and showed her happiness with her gaze. "Too late. You work for me now."

Leo feng sighed dramatically, feigning regret. "And here I thought my life was going to be boring."

Ariana showed her smile then focused again on the computer display. She worked in her brand-new private office at a rented property that bore a new business name. The organization began operating as a new tech startup by under a shell company front that pretended to develop advanced AI technology.

Everything in the company stood as artificial deceptions.

Her purpose remained to deceive Antony Raymond without constructing authentic infrastructure. She made an imaginary project to entice Antony Raymond into her hidden plan.

"How's the website looking?" Ariana asked.

Leo feng displayed his laptop screen to her. The appearance of this platform would deceive typical investors. "A futuristic AI research facility, a team of 'brilliant' engineers—of course, those engineers are just stock images of random people."

Ariana examined the website screen and expressed her satisfaction. "Good. Now let's work on the next step—spreading rumors."

Leo feng grinned. "Already on it. A few well-placed forum posts, a leaked 'internal' memo, and a carefully crafted social media buzz should do the trick. People seeking investment opportunities will line up because the next Age of Artificial Intelligence awaits."

Ariana smirked. "And Antony will be at the front of the line."

It was almost too easy. 

Antony wanted to seize every chance that would improve his reputation and make him rich. As soon as Antony learned about this special investment opportunity it would be irresistible to him.

She wanted Antony to pursue the deal based on his own desires.

---

Antony felt far from being relaxed as he worked.

The executive stared at financial reports while getting angry on his office chair. The company was struggling to achieve adequate success. When Ariana responded differently to him his business operation weakened.

He didn't understand it.

She submitted to his authority and acted reliably until that moment. She acted as a flawless future wife for him. But now? She was different.

Distant.

Unconcerned with him.

It was unsettling.

The gossip about his romance with Rachel continued to travel even though things were not improving. The business people around him changed their attitude and talked about him behind closed doors. New investors cancelled their business deals to avoid perceived image problems in his public profile.

Antony clenched his fists. He needed to regain control.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

"Sir," Kim George, his secretary, said. Through my research I discovered an excellent investment chance. A new company builds leading-edge AI technology. Existing high-profile investors are showing strong interest in the company.

Antony narrowed his eyes. "Send me everything you have."

"Already did. It's in your inbox."

Antony pulled up the documents. NovaTech operates as an AI research company that develops superior predictive analytics software. People expected significant returns from this new opportunity while interest in it expanded quickly.

He smirked.

He found exactly the type of opportunity that he required. His early entry into the project would help him earn money and prove he runs a successful business.

"Set up a meeting with their founder," Antony ordered. "I want to look into this personally."

The thought of Rachel Lawrence did not sit well with Antony.

Every trace of anger showed on her face when she discarded her phone onto her vanity table. Trying all she could Ariana failed to uncover the owner of the automobile which Ariana entered during that other night.

The investigators under her payroll failed to uncover anything because the car owner managed complete secrecy. The car belonged to a private business which operated as a shell entity to hide its owner who took measures to keep their identity secret.

It infuriated her.

According to all expectations Ariana ought to have played the part of the simpleton in this entire narrative. According to the story Antony's lover should have displayed distress about his cheating yet she appeared nonchalant whenever seen.

Rachel clenched her fists. She required an effective plan to recover her grasp of the situation.

---

Sylvia Raymond the mother of Antony maintained her position across from him at their secluded townhouse.

Sylvia noticed Antony's faltering relationship and she spoke it directly when she took a sip of tea.

Antony scowled. "It's under control."

Sylvia raised an eyebrow. "Is it? Ariana seems to be drifting away from me according to where I presently stand. Your total collapse will lead to complete loss of everything you possess.

Antony gritted his teeth. Mother I understand fully what I am doing.

Sylvia put her teacup on the table before she continued her conversation. "Then prove it. Secure the engagement. Your marriage bond would officially link Ariana to you. Full access to the company will become yours after you secure marriage with Ariana.

Antony exhaled slowly.

His mother understood him better than he wanted so he disliked her ability to pierce his facade.

"Fine," he said. "I'll handle it."

---

Ethan lifted his gaze from his workstation when he returned to Ariana's office. "Antony took the bait."

Ariana smirked. "Of course he did. He belongs to a predictable type of man who looks for easy opportunities.

According to Ethan the man wanted to meet the company founder. "How do you want to handle it?"

Ariana's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Simple," she said. "We give him exactly what he wants."

At that moment her grin stretched across her face.

"Let the game begin."