Listening to Sarah, Ariana felt a mixture of gratitude and helplessness, with a wave of guilt washing over her

It's one thing to say it, another to live it. Right now, she felt Like she was floundering, utterly adrift. Theodore’s feigned demise had left her unprepared, and even though she had figured out his plan, she couldn't share it with anyone. All she wished for at this moment was for Theodore to appear, just so she could deliver a punch to him, between bouts of laughter and tears.

“Don't worry. We're owning up to our decisions," said Betsy, stepping forward to offer Ariana a few comforting words.

Taking a deep breath, Ariana managed a nod, forcing herself to maintain a calm demeanor.

Breaking away from the Anderson Group was part of Theodore's strategy, and she played her part accordingly. Yet her friends had made a significant sacrifice, oblivious to the underlying truth.

Still, she couldn't spill the beans just yet.

She looked at her friends, making a silent pledge to herself. Once the dust had settled, she would let them in on the truth and do everything in her power to make it right for them.

Tyler, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly suggested, "Since we're all here, how about we grab a bite to eat together?"

He made the offer to the group, but his eyes were glued to Ariana, a look of worry etched on his face.

Sarah was quick to support his idea.

“I second that! Ariana, you can't keep cooped up at home all the time. Let's have a meal together. Think of it as a farewell feast and a toast to fresh starts."

Ariana, won over by their infectious excitement, decided to go along with the plan.

Just as they settled in for the meal, Ariana's phone buzzed. She pulled out her phone, saw an unknown number flash across the screen, and her heart pounded. The first thought that sprang to mind was that Theodore might be reaching out. She couldn't resist the possibility and answered the call eagerly.

"Ariana!" Jasper's voice rang out from the other end of the phone.

Ariana immediately recognized the voice. The expectation in her eyes disappeared in an instant, and her expression darkened. She didn't give Jasper time to say anything and just hung up the phone. She then blocked his number.

Just hearing Jasper’s voice made her nauseous and she didn‘t even want to know what he wanted from her.

Ariana took a moment to calm herself down and swallow the negative emotions this call had just stirred up in her. Once she'd calmed down, she turned her full attention back to the dining table.

After the food they ordered was served, they began to eat while discussing setting up a studio.

There were still many troublesome matters to deal with at the moment.

Now that they had signed the termination agreements with Jasper, there were many follow-up tasks that needed to be completed.