A wave of indignation and helplessness washed over Ariana as she thought of Theodore's audacity. His plan probably didn't account for their unplanned rendezvous in town.

She was now a wild card that could potentially expose his charade. Yet, he had plowed on with his plan, leaving her none the wiser.

Did he not worry that she might impulsively spill the beans upon realizing the truth? That she might proclaim to all that the body in the morgue wasn't his?

Did he trust her to keep her emotions in check, or did he trust her ability to feign despair?

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke her train of thought. In an instant, Ariana painted herself into a picture of despair, lying down wordlessly, her gaze lost in the distance beyond the window.

Ariana realized she couldn't let her guard down, unsure if any of Theodore's foes were watching her under the radar. Whenever others were around, she had to put on a convincing act.

A nurse walked in, gave Ariana a once-over, and then left the room.

Ariana exhaled in relief, although she stayed alert. The entire day passed in a haze of worry for Theodore, leaving Ariana tense and restless. It was hard to catch a wink of sleep, which only added to her frazzled appearance.

Ariana mulled over her next steps. The hospital was a busy place, and security was Lacking. Perhaps discharging herself was the smarter move.

Just as she was toying with this idea, her phone began to ring. In her surprise, she answered it without thinking, only to be met with Donna's furious rant.

“Ariana Edwards! Where on earth have you disappeared to? It's audacious of you to ditch work without even taking a leave of absence! Get back to the office immediately!"

Donna's furious roar echoed through the phone, causing Ariana‘’s brows to slightly furrow, and she swiftly ended the call.

As an agent, Ariana relished the freedom of flexible working hours, often venturing away from the office for extended periods on external assignments. Consequently, her daily presence at the office was unnecessary.

Donna had never dared to intervene before.

Clearly, Donna had learned about Theodore's demise, and those under Jasper's command believed the matter was settled, ready to openly suppress her, the bereaved widow.

However, it made little sense for Ariana, who had recently lost her husband, to hastily return to the company solely based on Donna's command.

Nevertheless, Ariana anticipated that Donna wouldn't relinquish her grasp easily.

As expected, Donna promptly dialed again, bellowing on the other end, “You've got some nerve! Let me make it crystal clear: whatever flimsy excuses you have, I expect your physical presence in the office today! Otherwise, pack your belongings and make a hasty exit!"

Donna forcefully terminated the call, sparing Ariana the need to respond. Thus, Ariana rose from her sickbed, devoid of any makeup or tidiness, and made her way to the company, her face worn and pallid.

Given Donna's insistence, Ariana decided to return to the company and see the true intentions of those individuals.