Adopting a more submissive tone, he refilled Theodore's cup with steaming tea.

“Perhaps they are just friends, you see. Doctor and patient. Let not your thoughts run wild. As for Ariana's presence at the summit, perchance Mitchel brought her along to alleviate her boredom."

“And is Mitchel so benevolent to all his patients?" Theodore retorted with a sneer, the bitterness seeping into his words.

“Well, are doctors not known for their compassion?” Adrian puffed on his cigarette, inhaling deeply.

"I believe it would be wise for us to depart from here swiftly, lest Ariana chance upon our exit. There remain many unresolved matters between the two of you. If your true identity as Holden were to be exposed, I fear Ariana may not forgive you."

Theodore's annoyance escalated. He longed to leave with Ariana, disregarding all else. The thought of his beloved in the company of another man was unbearable to him!

“When does the summit conclude?"

Adrian glanced at his watch and replied, "It shall endure for a while longer. It is not too late to leave now. And, I shall assign someone to keep a vigilant eye on them. Should they venture astray, they shall be stopped without delay.”

Theodore's annoyance grew even more fervent.

"What do you mean should they venture astray? I cannot bear to let them be together alone!"

“How about I procure an invitation for you as Theodore? You may then take her without alerting anyone,” Adrian pondered, trying to keep things under wraps.

Theodore fell into a momentary silence, deliberating on the potential efficacy of the suggestion. Just then, one of his subordinates burst into the room, visibly flustered.

"Sorry, something is amiss. Madam has entered Doctor Chadwick's private lounge.

And it's just the two of them!"

Theodore rose swiftly from the sofa and bolted out of the room.

On the other side, Ariana was escorted to a private chamber within the lounge by a waiter. Closing the door behind her, she let out a sigh of relief, preparing to change her clothes.

In the hotel room, only pants were available. As Ariana endeavored to remove her dress and don the pants, she found herself struggling to maintain balance on a single leg. In her attempt to steady herself, she reached for the wheelchair, neglecting to secure its wheels. Consequently, the wheelchair commenced its motion, causing Ariana to lurch forward suddenly.

With a resounding sound, Ariana hit the floor!

In a room within the lounge, Mitchel shrugged off his jacket. As he wiped his neck and hands with a damp towel, traces of red wine were erased from his skin. There was a small scrape on his cheek, a minor injury that he chose to ignore, the dried blood rendering it harmless.

After changing into fresh pants and a crisp shirt, his fingers had just brushed against the buttons when a sudden clamor erupted from the adjacent room.