âYeah, youâre definitely hiding something, Sonia,â Jennifer chimed in, feigning anger.
âYou only share secrets with Ariana; weâre supposed to be your friends, too, you know?â
âNo, itâs actuallyâ¦â Sonia, ever the candid one, blurted out that she had indeed written the pornographic novel.
With the truth out, Sarah and Jennifer exclaimed in unison, âOh, now we get it! The book Maxwell has been reading aloud is that novel.
â
As soon as Ariana found an opportunity, she stepped back from Sonia and, raising her hands, declared innocently, âI didnât say anything.
You said it yourself.
â
The next second, Sarah, Jennifer, and Ariana burst into laughter.
When Sonia realized what was happening, she blushed deeply and lowered her head, her hands covering her face.
A moment later, Adrian came in with a delicious roasted turkey.
He noticed Jennifer was deeply engaged in conversation and tried to rejoin the group, but she pushed him away.
âGo take care of your own things,â Jennifer said, a frown of displeasure creasing her forehead.
She couldnât fathom why Adrian was so clingy.
Adrian looked hurt, yet he complied and returned to his tasks.
One minute later.
Adrian placed the turkey back in its place and let out a deep sigh.
âWhen will I ever hold a higher status in my family?â Adrian said, turning to Holden for insight.
As he set plates on the table, Holden offered a smile in response to Adrianâs query.
âForget about it.
You might never achieve that.
â
âI refuse to accept that,â Adrian retorted with a defiant snort.
âJust wait and see.
Iâll be the head of my family someday.
â
No sooner had the words left his mouth than someone twisted his ear sharply.
Jennifer was behind them, having heard everything Adrian had just said.
âYouâre quite bold, huh? You wonât be able to share a bed with me tonight.
You can sleep in the study,â Jennifer said.
Adrian quickly wrapped his arms around her, pleading playfully for forgiveness.
Just then, Ariana and the others approached.
Spotting Adrian pleading with Jennifer, Ariana chuckled, realizing Adrian might actually be banished to the study for the night.
The room was filled with laughter and chatter when suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted the scene.
Catalina, Mitchel, and Rodney arrived.
Arianaâs face lit up with joy when she saw them, and she hurried over to welcome them, beaming.
âWeâve been waiting for you!â