She breathed a sigh of relief and walked toward the stairs.

But Theodore continued, "Why are you still wearing so many clothes? You're sweating. Take your coat off; the heating's on."

Touching her hand to her forehead, she realized he was right; she was sweating a lot. She wasn't sure if this was because she was in a panic, or because it was hot inside.

She pulled at her coat nervously.

"I'm fine," she stuttered.

“I'm still a little cold. I'll take it off in my room."

Ariana tried to leave again. But when she passed by him, he grabbed her wrist.

She shook off his hand.

“What are you doing?"

Theodore didn't get angry at this, but simply smiled and asked, “I just saw the news. Are you the reason Lynch got arrested?"

With an awkward smile, Ariana said, “Of course not. I don't have that kind of power. It's just a coincidence.”

He raised his eyebrows, not showing whether or not he believed her.

“If there's nothing else, I'm going to my room to rest." With her guilty conscience, she couldn't face being alone with Theodore for any longer. She tried for the third time to go upstairs.

This time, he didn't stop her. He moved his wheelchair to make way for her.

Ariana thought Theodore was acting strange, and turned to see him smiling. It seemed he was in a good mood.

With a few more glances, she noticed he was wearing outdoor clothes, and there was a little mud on his trousers.

Had he also just come back?

The next day, Ariana and Sonia had arranged to meet at a coffee shop near the company building.

Dressed in a red dress and a green coat, Sonia seemed energized. There was anger and hatred all over her face. She pounded on the table.

"Damn that bastard! What I saw on his phone yesterday was so corrupt! I mean he Looked good, but he's a horrible criminal. Raping a minor? He's scum of the earth."