Soon after, a message from Tyler came in, overflowing with reassurance and comfort. Like Sarah, he feared for Ariana's peace of mind at the company, urging her to stay home and seek respite.

Yet Ariana's spirit refused to retreat to the confines of her home. She knew that giving in to seclusion would only amplify the delight of her adversaries, Brielle and Jasper.

With a brief reply to Tyler, Ariana readied herself to venture out.

Stepping out of the elevator, Ariana's phone rang once more. It was Sonia. Ariana slipped on her shoes and answered, "Hello?"

“Goodness gracious, please, I implore you, do not Leave your residence at this moment! A horde of paparazzi is on your doorstep. They've even sold your address to unscrupulous media outlets, and they're all converging on your location."

Ariana stood frozen.

Sonia's words had arrived too late. She had already pushed open the security door downstairs, venturing into the unknown.

Within an instant, she found herself swallowed by a swarm of paparazzi, leaving her no way out!

In an instant, a sea of cameras and microphones swarmed Ariana, their lenses and microphones like hungry predators closing in for the kill.

The relentless clicking of shutters and blinding flashes nearly forced her eyelids closed against their intensity.

“Miss Edwards, have you truly meddled in your sister's marriage as word has it?"

“Miss Edwards, what led you to the treacherous path of becoming a mistress?"

“Miss Edwards, how do you see Mr. Jasper Anderson's engagement? Will you persist in sabotaging their love affair?"

The questions cut like sharpened blades, aimed to wound and twist the truth.

Ariana attempted to address a few milder inquiries, but the reporters paid little heed to her words. They persisted, hoping to shape her into a scandalous mistress and fuel the flames of sensationalism.

Ignoring Ariana's rebuttals, they twisted her words and hurled even more audacious questions.

Aware that reasoning with them was futile, Ariana fought against the throng, desperately trying to break through.

But she stood alone, a mere sapling amidst a relentless storm.

The reporters acted as elastic bands, relentlessly pushing her back each time she tried to move forward. Her feet faltered, threatening to send her crashing to the ground.

Instinctively, Ariana shielded her stomach, not trying to make any sudden moves.