Her anger had subsided somewhat, and she was now in a better mood, though she put up a front of indifference.

"Then you'd better discipline her and make sure she behaves herself."

Theodore noticed the softening of her demeanor and seized the opportunity.

"Since Helen won't be a problem anymore, why don't you come back to the mansion with me?" he proposed.

Ariana declined the offer right away, saying, "I'm fine with this place."

Theodore proposed an alternative, "I can buy these two apartments, connect them to one, and renovate them for you."

Ariana looked at him doubtfully and asked, "What are you after?"

The idle nature of Theodore, a successful CEO, was a puzzle to Ariana. Why was he here, at the rented property she was currently staying at? And why was he making compromises now?

Suspicions swirled around in her head, as she eyed him warily.

“No, it's just my suggestion," he stammered, too afraid to meet her gaze.

“That's good to hear." Not bothering to ask more questions, Ariana turned to leave, but Theodore wasn't done yet.

He followed her, catching up when she almost reached the door.

"You don't need to knock anymore. The lock code is your birthday."

Ariana's abrupt stop caught Theodore off guard. She turned around and gazed at him, her eyes probing.

"Theodore, do you have a crush on me?"

He frowned and instinctively wanted to deny it.

Before he could even respond, Ariana sneered and cut him off, "Don't bother denying it. I know the answer already. You made it clear to me that I should never fall for you, so I won't. I won't bring any complications to your life. Please respect my decision and keep your distance from me going forward. Don't say things that could mislead me again."

Ariana turned her back and left without giving Theodore a chance to speak.

As she made her way to the door, she realized that the sound of the wheelchair was absent this time. Biting her lower lip, she felt the sting of tears in her eyes and reminded herself that she shouldn't let her emotions get the best of her.

Just as she thought she was going to leave without a response, Theodore's deep, resonant voice filled the air, stopping her in her tracks.