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.