Theodore's face contorted into a cruel smile as he cut him off.

"Do I have to cut your tongue to remind you of your surname?" he hissed.

Horace gulped audibly and took a step back. His boss's threat was clear. He knew better than to push the issue any further.

Theodore let out a disdainful snort as he recalled the fear that had been etched on Ariana's face. The memory only served to deepen his frown.

*

Meanwhile, Ariana scurried out of Theodore's room and headed to find the housekeeper, Judy Kelly.

The warm-hearted, slightly plump middle-aged woman took Ariana's hands in hers as she persuaded, “Mr. Anderson has just woken up and he may need some time to adjust. Love requires patience and understanding. Please, my dear, be obedient and tolerant toward him. Things might turn around for the better soon.”

Ariana bit her tongue, holding back the retort that she wouldn't please that tyrant even if she was out of her mind. She trembled at the thought of getting too close to him, fearing for her life.

After Judy arranged a guest room for her, Ariana collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from the day's events. She fell asleep in no time.

The next morning, Ariana jolted awake to the blaring sound of her phone alarm. As she blinked away the sleep from her eyes, she gazed up at the unfamiliar ceiling, her heart heavy with confusion and worry. Her mind swirled with thoughts of her future and how uncertain it had become.

Ariana had foolishly believed that her husband's death was imminent and that she could secure her place as an Anderson family daughter-in-law.

But the reality was far from what she had hoped. Not only had Theodore survived, but he also seemed intent on banishing her from the family altogether.

Ariana groggily reached over and fumbled with her phone until she found the alarm. As she silenced the ringing, a piece of news caught her bleary eyes.

“Hundreds of high-price items are on sale at the auction in Ivebridge...".

The headline grabbed her attention, and she leaned closer to read more. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the first item on the auction block was a necklace that belonged to her late mother.

Ariana read the news with a heavy heart and her eyes were brimming with tears as she saw the picture of her mother's necklace.

She was sure that her stepmother Glenda was responsible for the auction of the necklace.

The necklace was part of a complete set of jewelry, each piece of which was exquisite and priceless. The necklace, in particular, was adorned with a rare ruby, making it even more valuable.

Ariana couldn't help but remember the Last time she saw her mother. Her mother had held her hand and whispered that she wanted her to marry with this jewelry set in the future. The memory made Ariana even more devastated.

The thought of Glenda selling off her mother's precious belongings enraged her.