Suppressing her rising temper, she feigned a mix of emotion and doubt, saying softly, "What if Brielle stirs up trouble?"

Jasper's excitement grew at Ariana's coy demeanor. With a boastful grin, he said, “She can't dare! She owes me everything, and if I can give it, I certainly have the power to take it away! Brielle means nothing. She'll dance to my damn tune!"

As Ariana watched Jasper reveling in his self-satisfaction, she managed to resist the urge to roll her eyes. How could she have been so blind as to have been in love with such a man in the first place?

With caution, she asked Jasper, "If I agree, will you spare Sarah and Tyler?"

This should have been a trivial matter for Jasper, but somehow he hesitated and appeared uneasy. After a moment, he responded, "Sarah's album suspension and Tyler's movie funding withdrawal have already been confirmed."

“Why?" Ariana asked him.

“My dad called the shots," Jasper replied, embarrassment all over his face. Anticipating Ariana's potential rejection due to denying her request, he hastily clarified, “It's not just them; numerous other artists' endeavors have been put on hold."

He suspended all of them?! Why would he do that?

Suspicion consumed Ariana.

Could they be planning to make off with the company's money right after Theodore's death?

If that were the case, why was Jasper so thrilled about being the acting CEO?

As Ariana maintained her silence, Jasper patted his chest, attempting to reassure her.

“But you have nothing to worry about. As long as you obediently heed my words, your people will receive the best resources. and your career will soar. I could even grant you a stake in the company if you please me!"

Ariana had no interest in Jasper's empty promises. Casting a disdainful glance at him from the corner of her eye, she noticed his frail frame, an outward manifestation of excessive indulgence. Who knew how long he would last? Her concern lay more with Darian's recent actions.

He had halted so many projects, as if he required a significant infusion of funds in the short term. What was he planning?

As Ariana continued to ponder silently, Jasper's impatience grew at her lack of response. Closing the gap between them with a single step, he persisted anxiously, “Just say yes to me.”

Taken aback, Ariana instinctively moved away, both eyes on Jasper, who seemed intent on making advances. Suppressing the urge to push him away, she attempted to extract more information.

Clearing her throat, Ariana innocently asked, “Have the company encountered any difficulties lately?"

“Sweetheart, what difficulties could possibly beset the company?"

Jasper's restraint dissolved as Ariana evaded him, his gaze fixated on her Like a wolf ready to pounce on its prey.