Ariana stood frozen Like a Lost child who had stumbled into a haunted house, her heart pounding in her chest. Her fingers shook as she clutched the tray of food, her eyes trained on the floor, too frightened to look up at Theodore's wrathful face.

In an instant, the commotion had drawn Judy, who rushed over, wringing her hands in panic as she pleaded for forgiveness.

“I'm sorry, sir. I forgot to tell Mrs. Anderson that the study is off-limits."

Ignoring her completely, Theodore's piercing gaze Locked onto the woman before him, who stood still like a deer in headlights. In a cold, cutting voice, Theodore growled, "Haven't I warned you not to show your face in front of me in this house?"

Ariana's eyelashes trembled ever so slightly; she swallowed hard, but still mustered the courage to speak.

“I'm sorry, I just brought you a midnight snack. I didn't know that the study was off-limits..."

But before she could finish her sentence, Theodore had already cut her off with a swift wave of his hand.

“Enough. I don't want to hear it," he barked.

His eyes fell on the food tray, and a look of disgust crossed his features. Without warning, he snatched it away and hurled it out of the study.

"Get out right now! If this happens again, I'll kick you out of the Anderson family!"

Bang! A deafening bang resounded through the hallway as the bowls and dishes shattered into a thousand pieces. The fragrant soup was now staining the once pristine carpet, mirroring the chaos in Ariana's mind.

The study door was forcefully shut, leaving Ariana standing in the hallway with her emotions in disarray. Her eyes welled up with tears as she tried to comprehend what had just happened.

ALL she wanted was to make things right between her and Theodore, but his unkind and hostile attitude made her feel like a villain with devious intentions.

Judy, seeing the distress in Ariana's eyes, placed a gentle hand on her back, offering words of comfort.

“Madam, don't fret. Mr. Anderson is just upset. The study is off-limits to outsiders, and perhaps he didn't close the door after leaving, and you innocently wandered in."

Though her eyes were red and puffy from crying, Ariana managed a small smile, grateful for Judy's empathy.

“Thank you, Judy. I get it," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

She squatted down and took the initiative to clean up the shards and stains, pretending as if the outburst of rage had never occurred.

Judy joined her to lend a hand, and her voice lowered to share a tidbit of advice.

"And, the room at the end of the fourth floor is also forbidden."