Helen was a master at hitting her where it hurt. Ariana had to concede that even if she claimed it didn't matter, she still cared about the decade-plus history shared between Theodore and Helen.

Helen scoffed, lifted her chin, and haughtily declared, "If Theodore learns that you're pregnant, he'll force you to abort it."

“Whatever you say." Ariana didn't believe Helen's words and had no desire to entertain her any further. She turned to leave.

Ariana chose to believe that Helen was trying to sow conflict between her and Theodore, rather than accept that he would pressure her into an abortion. Although Theodore wasn't the most affectionate partner, Ariana couldn't imagine him being so heartless as to abandon their child.

Despite attempting to convince herself not to trust Helen's claims, Ariana couldn't help but tremble. Her heart felt as if it were gripped by an unseen force, inciting panic and unease.

“If you don't believe me, tell him and see if he pushes for an abortion," Helen taunted with a wicked grin.

Ariana wavered. Helen's confidence forced her to consider the authenticity of her statement.

Helen stepped forward two steps and whispered like a demon, “If you want the truth, come to the Anderson family's residence alone tonight at twelve past midnight. I'll reveal everything."

"I won't go," Ariana stubbornly retorted. She couldn't be sure if this was another of Helen's ploys. If Helen could hire a private detective to trail her, she might have other schemes to drive a wedge between her and Theodore.

Helen glanced at her calmly.

"It's your choice whether to come or not. I'll wait until twelve-thirty. If you're a no-show, I'll leave, and you'll never learn the truth."

On the top floor of the Anderson Group building, Theodore finished another day's work and checked his phone, hoping to see a new message from Ariana. But after three long hours, the screen remained blank.

Theodore took one last drag of his cigarette before extinguishing it in the ashtray.

He turned his chair to face the window, gazing out at the bustling traffic below. His thoughts drifted as he rotated the wedding ring on his finger.

He straightened his suit jacket and stood up, ready to leave. Horace was waiting for him outside with a wheelchair.

Theodore sat down and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. He opened his eyes as they entered the elevator and checked his phone once more, but still no message.

Frowning, Theodore glanced at his watch. It was not yet eleven o'clock. He dialed Ariana's number, but it went straight to voicemail.

Theodore scowled, his irritation growing. Had she forgotten to let him know when she arrived home today?

“Let's head back to the apartment first," Theodore instructed Horace as he settled into the car.

As the car made its way through the busy streets, Theodore took the opportunity to rest with his eyes closed. Suddenly, his phone buzzed twice in his hand.