Chapter 1034: Chapter 1041

The others also consoled Ariana.

For her part, Sonia was fully aware of Sadie’s intense jealousy and hatred towards Ariana.

Her friends’ unconditional support warmed Ariana’s heart and raised her spirits somewhat.

Sonia’s comforting text helped her brace herself mentally.

It was just the first round.

She would have no problem outmaneuvering a petty schemer like Sadie.

Just then, a private message popped up on Ariana’s phone.

“Free to talk?”

It was her mysterious online wealthy friend.

She hadn’t talked to the person since visiting the Fredrick estate and realizing he was most likely Holden Frederick.

‘s

Thinking about Holden inevitably made Ariana think of Sadie, fueling her burning anger.

She replied laconically, “What’s the matter?”

Holden’s message didn’t come before a short while.

“How’s Melon been recently?”

However, Ariana was too irritated to indulge in a chit chat with him.

She simply replied, “Not bad,” and ignored any further messages.

Sensing she was in a bad mood, Holden sent another message.

“Okay to call?”

Ariana wanted to decline, but his call already came through.

Ariana found herself hesitant, staring at her phone screen, a whirlwind of emotions within her.

“Hello?” When she finally made up her mind to answer, a soothing voice greeted her from the other end, causing her heart to take an unexpected emotional rollercoaster ride.

It was a voice that tugged at her heartstrings, making her grip her dress’s hem in an unconscious display of her inner turmoil.

In the depths of her mind, she whispered reassurances, “It’s not Theodore, but Holden.

”

Ariana’s racing heart calmed somewhat, and she replied, “What’s up?”

The man on the other end seemed to have caught wind of her somber mood.

After a moment of heavy silence, he gently probed, “Something wrong? What’s got your goat? What happened? Do you need my help?”

His gentle tone carried an air of caution that left Ariana feeling flustered.

She had been managing her composure until this moment.

However, when he spoke, his voice resembled Theodore’s so much, and her grief burst like a tidal wave.

Her hands clenched involuntarily, and she had to remind herself to keep calm.

Sniffing back her emotions, she mustered a composed response.

“No, thanks.

”