Sensing his intention, Ariana swiftly disentangled herself from his embrace, retreating to another sofa, creating a physical divide between them.

Before Theodore could react, Ariana had slipped away from his grasp, leaving him to gaze at her with a forlorn expression.

With seriousness etched on her face, Ariana locked eyes with Theodore, her voice measured and resolute.

"Tell me, Theodore. Why did you keep Marley's true identity as your sister hidden from me? Did you find pleasure in watching me fumble in the dark, searching for the truth?"

Theodore was at a loss as to what to say about the suffering that he had been through.

With a slight bow of his head, he reached out to clasp Ariana's hand and explained, “Forgive me... I've kept things from you. Marley's identity was a tangled web of complications. It was a pivotal moment and there was irreparable damage between Darian and me. My mother hadn't been buried yet. I wanted to share everything with you when the things settled.”

Ariana empathized with Theodore.

She understood the depth of his sacrifice and the risks he had taken.

Concerned about Theodore's relationship with Helen, she inquired, "What about Helen? Why do you show her such Leniency?”

Leniency? Theodore was perplexed, for he believed he had never treated Helen with undue leniency.

Still, he explained, "I am not being lenient with Helen. She was Marley's dearest friend, and it was Marley's wish to help cure Helen's ailing heart. I merely sought to spare her further distress.”

Seeing that Ariana was still somewhat displeased, he continued, “I know you prefer not to see Helen, so I made arrangements to keep her at a distance from you."

This explanation assuaged Ariana's unease. Then, a memory stirred within her. She recalled the night at the Anderson family's residence when Helen wove an elaborate tale about Marley's identity, a tale that seemed flawless. Suddenly, something struck her. She Looked at Theodore with a furrowed brow and questioned, “Is Helen the daughter of Marianna, the servant at the Anderson family's residence?"

“How did you come to know?" Theodore gazed at her in astonishment. He couldn't recall ever mentioning Helen to her.

Ariana comprehended and pressed on, "Is it true?"

Theodore nodded.

“Indeed, Helen is Marianna's daughter. When my mother resided in the Anderson family's estate, Marianna was constantly by her side. She served as a housekeeper of sorts, and everyone in the residence took good care of Helen."

Ariana's expression hardened as she replied frankly, “Yet, Helen claimed Marley was Marianna's daughter."

“What?" Theodore exclaimed, disbelief etched on his face.

“You're surprised, aren't you? This is how she duped me!" Ariana sneered, recounting to Theodore every falsehood Helen had spun, including the fact that Helen had hired a private investigator to trail her.