Ariana forced herself not to look at him, but her heart was throbbing with pain.

"Theodore, I am my own person. Please respect my decision."

Theodore regained his composure and scoffed, "So, your choice is Mitchel?"

“Theodore, it's just a matter of choosing a doctor for my treatment. Don't make it seem like I'm betraying you. I don't wish to know how you tracked me down today.

What's important is that you should refrain from having someone spy on me. Let's afford ourselves some space to cool down." Ariana glared at him angrily. She turned to Mitchel, requesting, "Dr. Chadwick, could you please escort me out of here?"

Mitchel nodded in agreement and guided her away.

Theodore wanted to go after her, but was stopped by a cold glance from Ariana.

His hands started to tremble, his fingers frantically ruffling his tousled hair. The wild beast inside his heart was hammering against its cage, yearning to break free.

He kept reminding himself that Ariana's decision to leave with Mitchel was just a deliberate attempt to annoy him, as she truly loved him.

The pounding headache was intensifying, and he was in desperate need of a cigarette. But he remembered Adrian had confiscated them. In a fit of frustration, he whirled around and shattered a nearby vase.

The door of the lounge was opened again. Adrian walked in slowly, looked at Theodore with concern, and said, "Take a deep breath and calm down. Remember, you're here as Holden today, and there are many influential individuals who recognize you in this room."

Adrian had never thought that Ariana would be here. Until now, they hadn't contemplated the risk of their cover being blown.

Recalling Ariana's words, Theodore whispered to Adrian, "I don't want to lie to her anymore."

The implication of these words was to confess his identity.

Adrian objected, "Darian is already deep into the trap. Revealing your true identity as Holden now will jeopardize the entire plan. Just hold on a little longer."

Theodore covered his face, his eyes shutting tight in torment. Reluctantly, he conceded.

A light rain began to fall as Ariana was escorted out of the hotel.

Seated in her wheelchair, Ariana remained silent. Her gaze was downcast, her lips parched and tight. Her mind was consumed with the last expression she saw on Theodore's face.

He resembled a wounded lion—struggling, furious, yet retreating.

His stare was similar to a needle, piercing her heart and bringing a subtle twinge of pain that pulsed with her heartbeat.