Yet the gnawing uncertainty tugged at her. It had been too long since she'd last seen Theodore. Anxiety pooled within her like an unwelcome guest. Why hadn't he surfaced yet? When would he spring into action?

Could she bear to see the funeral rites concluded, to witness Theodore's existence being erased from the world?

Heavy-hearted, a crimson hue tinged Ariana's eyes.

Her fists clenched; she repeated a mantra to herself-wait, just a little longer. If she could endure, maybe he would appear.

As these thoughts danced in her mind, the priest switched on the microphone, a religious text cradled in his hand, and addressed the gathering with the opening Line of his eulogy.

“Welcome to Aimee Wallace's funeral."

The utterance sparked an immediate furor among the gathering.

“Aimee Wallace? Isn't this Theodore Anderson's memorial?"

“Who is Aimee Wallace? Why have I not heard of her?"

“Is something amiss? Did the priest mispronounce the name?"

Abruptly, murmurs filled the air.

Ariana, too, was dumbfounded, momentarily frozen in place, thoughts eluding her.

After a few moments, she recognized the name Aimee Wallace as Theodore's mother.

Simultaneously, Darian, after a moment of stunned silence, erupted in an indignant and agitated outburst, "What is this nonsense?! I didn't pay you a king's ransom to engage in this absurdity!"

His tone was harsh, his glare threatening, but underneath, there was an undeniable undercurrent of panic he couldn't conceal at the sound of that name.

Sharon too, was caught off guard. Her usually rosy complexion turned ashen.

Oblivious to Darian’s rage, the priest calmly addressed the attendees, “There is no error. This is the funeral of Darian's former spouse, the erstwhile matriarch of the Anderson family, Aimee Wallace, which was fifteen years overdue."

His declaration immediately sent shockwaves through the crowd, particularly amongst the business associates who had become acquainted with the Anderson Group only after Darian's ascension. They were completely taken aback by the revelation of Darian's ex-spouse.

“What? He was married before? This is the first I've heard of her..."

“And if it's his ex-wife's funeral, then where is Theodore?"