With Jasper being brought back to the family when Theodore was twelve years old, Ariana deduced that the girl named Marley couldn't possibly be a relative of Theodore.

This realization left her with burning questions: If they were not related, why did Theodore exhibit such care and concern for Marley? How was it that she could live here? Could she be his first love?

The mere possibility of Marley being Theodore's first love left a bitter taste in Ariana's mouth. If Marley truly held a place in his heart, then Theodore would never forget her. This would explain why he kept the room locked, refusing entry to anyone else.

Ariana's complexion grew paler as these thoughts swirled in her mind. Sensing her distress, Helen couldn't help but smile, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Theodore's mother has a devoted maid named Marianna," she began, her voice laced with intrigue.

"Marianna has been by his side for many years, raising him practically as her own child. Their relationship is far from ordinary."

A pause followed, as if Helen relished the anticipation.

"Marley is Marianna's daughter," she finally revealed, her fingers delicately grazing the beautiful dresses before her.

"Tragically, Marley's father passed away in a car accident shortly after her birth. Due to Marianna’s close ties with Theodore's mother, Marley has resided here since childhood and even possesses her own room, making her a true member of the Anderson family."

“So Theodore and Marley aren't siblings?" Ariana asked, her voice steady.

Helen, her smile undeterred, swiftly responded, "No, they are not siblings in the conventional sense. Their connection runs much deeper. In Theodore's heart, Marley represents his first love, a love untouched by impurity." Helen's lips curled, and her white teeth peeked through.

"Growing up together, their bond is unbreakable. Marley possesses a gentle spirit that surpasses any words used to describe her beauty. Even Theodore's mother holds a deep fondness for her."

"So what?" Ariana's gaze flickered coldly.

Unfazed by the lack of reaction, Helen pursed her lips and pressed on, determined to elicit a response.

"Don't you feel any sorrow, Ariana? If Marley had not met her untimely demise at the age of fifteen, you would not have found yourself married into the Anderson family."

“That is all in the past, is it not? Iam Theodore's rightful wife now. The past cannot be altered." Ariana sneered, her voice dripping with defiance.

No matter the depth of her sadness, she refused to reveal it to Helen. She knew very well that Helen wanted her to be sad, but she would not give her that satisfaction.

"No, the past can never truly be left behind. And Theodore's love for Marley has softened him. When it comes to her, he is not as cold and ruthless as he once was,"

Helen persisted in provoking Ariana. She didn't come here to engage in idle conversation, but to compel Ariana to give up.

Regardless of how much Helen may have despised Marley, the reality remained that the deceased could not be brought back to life, and despite her efforts, the past could not be changed. However, the situation with Ariana was different. Helen was uncertain about the tactics Ariana had employed to truly win over Theodore's heart.