Moved by empathy, Ariana instinctively shielded Marge from the onslaught, locking eyes with the instigators and coldly retorting, "If you find her words implausible, shall I show you our wedding photograph as tangible evidence?"

Ariana's unwavering resolve left them hesitating, their voices subdued and wary.

Who would possess the temerity to masquerade as Theodore's wife within the walls of the Anderson Group, basking in the scrutiny of numerous witnesses?

Not even endowed with tenfold courage would Ariana confidently assert her role as Theodore's wife in front of such a gathering.

Could it be possible, then? Could her claims bear a hint of truth?

Silent contemplation shrouded the spectators, uncertainty lingering in the air. No one dared utter a word, nor could they discern with certainty if Ariana's audacity was a facade or a revelation of her genuine status.

At that moment, Ariana lifted her gaze toward Brielle, who was observing her from the vantage point upstairs, and calmly addressed her, “According to the ancestral customs of the Anderson family, even Jasper should extend me the courtesy befitting an elder. You're getting married shortly, and you've been watching the show for quite a long time. Really, that's not particularly appealing, is it?"

Brielle's countenance stiffened imperceptibly, as she had anticipated Ariana's denial in the face of Marge's revelations.

However, she had not foreseen Ariana's audacious proclamation, publicly confirming their relationship without Theodore's consent.

Aware of the gazes fixed on her, Brielle reluctantly masked her disquietude with a strained smile and descended the staircase.

Despite her internal discontent, she conceded Ariana's asserted identity.

“I happened to chance upon this gathering and was compelled to pause for a moment," Brielle explained, avoiding the customary terms of address. Yet, she refrained from overtly denying Ariana's claims.

The onlookers heard Brielle's response and grew animated.

Although Brielle refrained from referring to Ariana as "sister" or “sister-in-law,” she refrained from explicitly negating Ariana's words.

Coupled with Ariana's unwavering confidence, could it be that the claims held some semblance of truth?

Everybody got worked up, whether they were bystanders or troublemakers.

Ariana was actually Theodore's wife! This was a major topic of conversation, and it was common knowledge that Theodore, despite his handicap, was more capable and attractive than Jasper.

So how could Ariana care about Brielle's wedding when she was already married to Theodore? Were the rumors on the Internet made up?

Those who had previously taunted Ariana now found themselves at a loss for words, their faces paling as a cold sweat formed upon their backs.

The implications of their past words, spoken without regard for Ariana, loomed before them, their countenances a portrait of dread.