It was strange. He hadn't been to an event like this in a long time. But she kept these thoughts to herself.

Theodore scanned her up and down and returned the question.

"What are you doing here? And what's with the broom?"

Ariana's heart skipped a beat. Gripping the broom tighter, she replied with another question.

“Did you see someone running past just now?"

"No." Theodore's response was concise. He turned to Horace and asked, “What about you? See anyone?"

Horace shook his head.

“No, me neither."

“Why, what happened? You're shivering." Theodore looked at her more closely, his deep eyes unreadable.

Only then did Ariana realize that she was trembling all over. She loosened her grip and the broom fell to the floor. Seconds later, her knees gave way and she too fell.

She felt a warm embrace as she was covered with a coat. She opened her eyes to see Theodore who had taken off his coat and draped it on her.

“Thank you." Ariana forced a smile, acknowledging his kindness. After all, she was in quite a bad state.

For a moment, Theodore silently studied her face. Then, he asked, "Who are you Looking for? What did he do to you?"

"Come with me," came her response.

Ariana got to her feet and led them to the ladies’ room.

Jett was still splayed out on the floor, unconscious.

Still scared, she stayed as far away from him as possible as she explained what had happened.

Theodore looked at Jett's injuries. With a raised eyebrow, he asked, “You did this? Looks like a couple of his ribs are broken."

“No, it wasn't me. Someone came to my rescue..." Ariana stammered. It was hard to get her mind straight.

“Who was it?" Theodore asked. Ariana shook her head and avoided his gaze.