Ariana, cool and collected, observed his every move, her senses heightened with caution as she kept her distance.

With a sharp turn, Jasper's eyes blazed with unrestrained aggression, fixing them on Ariana, his intent well too obvious.

Ariana, her discomfort mounting, felt compelled to confront him head-on.

"So, what is it that you want?" she demanded, her voice steady and laced with an undercurrent of resolve.

“It's a simple matter," Jasper started, looking at her with eyes oozing greed.

"With Theodore's demise, you find yourself without any support.

It would be wise for you to obediently return to my side."

Ariana's brows knitted together, a surge of repugnance threatening to break through her carefully crafted facade.

“I suppose I can overlook the fact that you are married.” Jasper feigned magnanimity as if he were making a grand sacrifice.

"In the future, I will assume the role of the family's head. If you are willing, you could regain your position as the matriarch of the Anderson family, once again enjoying all the privileges that were once bestowed upon you.”

Ariana, hearing his words, struggled to suppress her disdain, her gaze subtly shifting as she locked eyes with him.

"But aren't you on the verge of marrying Brielle?”

Jasper's eyes flickered with a tinge of contempt when he heard that name, and he derisively scoffed, "Brielle? What significance does she hold? She is but an empty facade, utterly insignificant without me. She is far from deserving the title of my wife!"

Amusement danced in Ariana's eyes as she found herself genuinely intrigued by his ulterior motives. One moment, he sought to ruin her, and now he desired to possess her. If she were not privy to Jasper's true nature, she would suspect him of suffering from a split personality.

Smiling mockingly, Ariana asked, “Weren't you fiercely protective of Brielle before?"

Failing to perceive the sarcasm in Ariana's words, Jasper, momentarily intoxicated by his own happiness, misconstrued her intentions as jealousy and coquetry. He hastened to respond, “You misunderstand.

Those previous actions were merely temporary strategies for promoting the movie. However, now that I am the acting CEO, my status has become exceedingly prestigious. A woman like Brielle is not worthy of me."

Proudly asserting his newfound position, Jasper glanced down at Ariana, then abruptly shifted the conversation.

"In fact, considering your background as a fallen heiress and a widow, you, too, did not initially meet my standards. But I tend to be loyal and faithful. I cannot forget you, and your abilities are quite commendable, surpassing BrieLle's. So I don't mind marrying you."

Ariana found herself suffocating in Jasper's presence, his very words turning her stomach.