All Novel XO
Chapter 23
Ariana felt a lump form in her throat, her hands trembling as she clutched her tableware.
Her heart raced with nervousness, unsure of what Darian was going to suggest. Ariana had learned about the Anderson Group from Jasper, and she knew that it was one of the most prominent companies in the hotel industry in Eleymond. The group had almost a monopoly on high-end hotels in the city, making it an incredibly successful business.
However, after Darian’s father passed away and he took over, the company started to experience a downturn.
It was on the verge of bankruptcy before Theodore intervened, taking over the company and implementing sweeping reforms to revive its fortunes. Under his guidance, the Anderson Group even opened a subsidiary in the entertainment industry, which proved to be a smart move.
But now, it seemed as though Darian was trying to use Theodore’s illness to push him aside and reap the benefits of his hard work.
It was clear that Theodore saw right through Darian’s ploy. He calmly set his glass down and fixed his gaze on Darian. “Why don’t you just come straight to the point and say you want to strip me of my power? There’s no need for these fancy words,” he sneered.
Darian was unable to maintain his composure any longer. He slammed his fist onto the table and bellowed, “Do you speak to your own father in such a manner?”
However, Theodore wasn’t fazed by Darian’s outburst. Instead, he turned his attention to Ariana, who had stopped eating and was clearly distressed by the scene. “It’s alright. Don’t worry about it. Just finish your breakfast,” he said, in a reassuring tone.
Ariana nodded absentmindedly, her appetite gone. Darian’s face turned red with anger, struggling to keep his emotions under control.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
“Theodore, | appreciate all the work you've done for the Anderson Group, but after the accident, the company has been ina precarious state. Since you need to rest and focus on your health, why not let Jasper help out and ensure the company’s stability? It’s for all of our sakes.”
Theodore sneered and replied cryptically, “That’s a tough call for you.” But his expression soon turned serious, and his icy stare locked onto Darian. “I'll agree, but only on one condition.” Everyone looked at Theodore in anticipation.
Theodore’s smile turned into a mischievous grin as he made his shocking request. “I want Ariana to work at the Anderson Group,
too.
Theodore’s shocking proposal left everyone at the table in disbelief, particularly Ariana. She wondered why he would drag her into their family feud.
Just as she was about to decline, Darian slammed his fist on the table and yelled, “This is ridiculous! You're not taking this seriously!”
Jasper, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “l agree. Theodore, you can’t be so careless. You're risking the company.” Theodore’s lips curled into a smile, but his eyes remained icy. “Ariana is not only my wife but also an Anderson. It’s only natural
for her to support her husband. And if Jasper, the illegitimate child, is allowed in the company, why can’t my legal wife work there as well?”
Jasper’s face turned red with fury at Theodore’s words. Unable to stand up to Theodore, Jasper tumed his wrath toward Ariana with his degrading words.
“Ariana, it was you who figured out this bad idea for Theodore, wasn’t it? But let’s face it, as a woman, you know nothing. You should just stay at home and focus on bearing my brother's child and taking care of him, now that he’s disabled and can’t even manage without constant attention. Going to work at the Anderson Group will only cause problems, and you won't be the one clearing up the mess.
Ariana, shocked by the sudden attack, felt her anger surge within her.
Before she could defend herself, Theodore stepped in to put Jasper in his place.