“Who knows? Is he perhaps planning to get married soon? Who is the girl in the wheelchair? Are you familiar with her?"

“I don't know her personally, but she must have a significant background to capture Mr. Chadwick's attention."

Unable to reach a consensus, they turned to Debora, who had been enjoying the spectacle.

"I noticed you were engaged in a lively conversation with that girl just now. Did you discover anything?"

"Stop speculating. I spoke with her, and she is married," Debora replied. She waved her hand, attempting to quell the growing excitement of the crowd.

Unexpectedly, the revelation of Ariana’s marital status only heightened everyone's interest.

"She's married?!" they exclaimed. The atmosphere was growing more entertaining by the minute.

"If Mr. Chadwick's grandfather knew that his grandson had fallen in love with a married woman, he would undoubtedly be astounded!" remarked one of the intrigued onlookers.

Debora was speechless.

"Let's not jump to conclusions,” she urged, trying to curb the speculative chatter.

"Oh, did you hear that he asked that girl to exchange clothes with him? Who can honestly claim there's no underlying meaning?" chimed in another voice, fueling the gossip.

“You're missing the point," interjected a well-informed observer.

"Mr. Chadwick has never brought a female companion to events before. But this time, he arrived with a girl in a wheelchair. What does that imply? It means he deeply loves her."

Debora, feeling helpless in the face of relentless gossip, pleaded, "Alright, alright.

Let's refrain from further speculation about these young people. It's simply not appropriate."

"You're right," agreed another, attempting to redirect the conversation.

"Let's cease discussing that and focus on our project for the next six months."

Meanwhile, Theodore, unsettled by Ariana's sudden appearance, dared not remain in the vicinity any longer. He swiftly devised an excuse and made his way to the private lounge.

The BRD Group, a prominent shareholder of the hotel, had ensured the provision of a special lounge exclusively for Theodore's use.

Slouched on the sofa, Theodore indulged in puffs from his cigarette, his mind consumed by distress. Memories of the moment when Mitchel had shielded Ariana flooded his thoughts, prompting an overwhelming urge to keep her by his side at all times.