Brushing off Brielle, he posed as a sage, addressing Theodore with a self-assured air, “Do you even know who you're talking to? I am Reilly Holmes, proprietor of Star Club. I preside over an empire of more than a dozen establishments." Taking a moment to assess Theodore, Reilly scoffed, "The Anderson Group, as you know, is on its last legs. If you were to prostrate yourself before me at this moment, perhaps I might extend my grace to help you. After all, I could find a position for you once you're ousted from your job."

With a smile playing on his lips, Theodore echoed, “Reilly Holmes, owner of Star Club. I won't forget you."

Reilly, basking in self-satisfaction, anticipated Theodore's capitulation. His intent was to propose a trade-off—Theodore's woman in exchange for his help. Yet, before he could put forth his condition, Theodore whisked Ariana away, not even sparing a backward glance.

A surge of fury washed over Reilly as he grasped the implication Theodore's blatant disrespect incensed him. He yearned to put Theodore in his place, but his stride was halted by a near collision with a wire pole, causing him to stagger.

Brielle tentatively approached to offer her support, only to be rebuffed by a livid Reilly. He bellowed at Brielle, "Worthless woman, you are of no use!”

Brielle swallowed his harsh words, knowing well she was a mere outlet for his wrath. Nonetheless, she had to pacify him. After the fallout with Jasper, she had lost all her resources and endorsements. The prospects of her movie getting aired were dicey at best. Hence, she needed to leverage Reilly's clout in the entertainment sector to safeguard her interests. Her fists clenched with resolve.

She was set on overcoming Ariana and ascending the ladder of success, whatever the cost.

Reilly, mollified by Brielle's soothing words, leered at her, "Your sister is far more enticing than you are.”

His hand slid over her chest, his mind lingering on the image of Ariana's radiant face.

Brielle fought off the repulsion that Reilly's lecherous smile elicited. Maintaining her composure and her plastered smile was a feat, but she took solace in the fact that at least he was wealthy. Theodore, on the other hand, was nothing more than a handsome face. His value would plummet with the downfall of the Anderson Group. She reassured herself that she would still be in a better position than Ariana.

As she wallowed in these thoughts, Reilly's phone buzzed. He answered the call, and two seconds later, his previously calm face contorted with shock. He roughly pushed Brielle away.

The voice on the other end of the phone relayed news of sudden police investigations into their family's casino for various reasons, alongside other business complications that demanded immediate resolution.

Struck by this unexpected news, Reilly broke into a cold sweat and hastily departed, leaving Brielle alone.

Brielle, who'd heard the voice over the phone, felt her heart hitch in surprise. Her gaze instinctively followed the direction in which Theodore and Ariana had departed.

Could it be a coincidence? Or— The moment the thought crossed her mind, Brielle dismissed it.

Theodore, following the downfall of the Anderson Group, was considered a failure. Surely, this had to be a coincidence.

Upon entering the restaurant, Theodore's attention was glued to his phone as he exchanged a series of messages. His face betrayed no emotions.

Ariana, fretting over Theodore's state of mind following Reilly's incident, stole glances at him, uncertain about what to say. After some time, she asked, “Are you okay? If something's bothering you, you can tell me."

Hearing her concern, Theodore let out a Light chuckle. Putting away his phone, he affectionately tousled her hair.

"Small fry like them aren't worth my attention. The Anderson Group is exactly where I want them to be. We should be rejoicing.”