Noticing Aldus's brewing irritation, Theodore had no choice but to placate him, "I'll arrange a visit soon."

Aldus, however, was not easily appeased. He demanded, “I wish to meet her at once."

Without further ado, he retrieved his phone and dialed a number.

"Grandpa, wait!"

Startled, Theodore snatched the phone out of Aldus's hand with quick urgency. Shaking his head, he said, “Not right now. I‘1l handle it later."

"Why?" Aldus questioned, a sea of confusion washing over him.

Theodore's response was a choked silence, his subconscious frown mirrored his struggle for words.

Observing this, Aldus ceased his questioning and instead pivoted his gaze towards Horace.

Horace, maintaining a stoic expression, pushed his glasses up his nose and explained, "Because Mrs. Anderson remains in the dark. She has no idea Holden is actually the boss."

"What?!" Aldus was so startled that he almost lost his false teeth.

With a forceful thump of his cane against the floor, he voiced his concern for Theodore.

"You stubborn boy, she will slip right through your fingers if you don't change your ways."

Horace concurred silently, yet kept his peace.

In a tone laced with worry, Aldus commanded Theodore, “The Anderson Group teeters on the brink of bankruptcy. It is vital that you reclaim your identity as Holden as soon as possible."

Theodore remained silent. His blinking eyes were the sole indicators of his inner turmoil.

His worry was palpable. Would Ariana feel deceived when he revealed his secret? What if she couldn't forgive him and decided to part ways?

Perceiving Theodore's hesitation, Aldus let out a weary sigh.

"The Anderson Group matter is nearing its end. As the heir to the Fredrick family, you must step into the Limelight and intimidate any potential troublemakers.”

With relief that Aldus didn't press him to divulge the truth to Ariana, Theodore nodded.

Lunch concluded and Aldus made his exit. Theodore proceeded to the underground parking lot, and as he was about to slide into his car to journey home, Darian jumped out of nowhere and blocked Theodore's path.