Ariana understood that regardless of Theodoreâs anger or disappointment, the fact of her pregnancy was irreversible.
The most critical task at hand was to handle the situation effectively.
Staring at Theodore in the warm glow of the candles, she acknowledged his significant transformation for her sake.
She chose to believe that his reluctance to become a parent stemmed from deeply personal reasons.
Once the Anderson Group matter was resolved, she would have a thorough discussion with hin.
Reflecting on the tense atmosphere at the Anderson Group that day, Ariana inquired, âDid you take some action against the Anderson Group?â
Unflinchingly, Theodore nodded.
âYes, I did.
Iâm pushing the Anderson Group toward bankruptcy.
â
He paused, then turned to Look at Ariana.
âDo you think Iâm heartless? After all, Darian is technically my father.
â
His eyes, fraught with nervous anticipation, held Arianaâs, awaiting her verdict.
Ariana merely shook her head.
âHe deserves it.
Heâs committed numerous unethical deeds,â she comforted him, yet a hint of worry crept into her voice.
âBut if the Anderson Group goes bankrupt, you too will face repercussions.
Have you considered that?â
Relieved at her understanding, Theodore smiled broadly.
âDonât worry.
One way or another, IâLL take care of you.
â
Ariana was rendered speechless by his assurance.
She wasnât helpless, but she couldnât resist teasing him.
âAnd how exactly do you plan to do that? Surely youâre not suggesting some sort of secret identity.
One powerful enough to send Darian into despair?â
Caught mid-slurp of his spaghetti, Theodore choked, erupting into a fit of coughing.
âTake it easy,â Ariana hastened to gently pat his back, querying with a twinkle in her eye, âWhatâs causing such fervor? Could it really beâ¦â
Attempting to cloak his discomfort, Theodore swiftly altered the subject.
âNo, itâs merely that the spaghetti turned out to be too salty.
â
âReally?â Arianaâs eyebrow quirked as she scrutinized him.
âAre you wrestling with some guilt?â
Theodore found it difficult to meet her teasing gaze, his secret teetering on the edge of his tongue.
Holdenâs name nearly slipped out, but Theodoreâs rationality reined him in.
He resolved to bide his time and let the Anderson Groupâs matter settle before divulging the truth.
Just a few more days, he told himself.
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Quickly recovering his poise, Theodore lightly nudged Ariana away, averting his gaze.
âNo, donât read too much into it,â he declared.
Ariana, merely ribbing him, shrugged and settled back into her seat.
Without overthinking, she resumed her meal.
She sampled the spaghetti, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing.
Offering her compliment, she said, âYour cooking skills shine this time.
Keep it up next time.
â
Theodoreâs face lit up with her few words of praise.
Watching Ariana relish the food brought him immense joy.
Indeed, he mused, he possessed a flair for cooking.
Horaceâs dismissal had been sorely misguided; his culinary prowess was on par with any five-star chef.