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.