Chapter 373 Mind Your Own Business
Blanca stared intently at Ariana, her eyes filled with malice. Ariana worked at a top-notch company; there was no way she was broke. She was definitely planning to let Orval die!
Sitting across from Blanca was Leandro Mcginnis, a man in his forties with one blind eye and a scarred face, making him look pretty intimidating.
Leandro asked, "So, you're really gonna pay me four grand if I bring her back?"
Blanca gritted her teeth. "Absolutely. Eldridge promised sixty grand as a dowry. Once I get that money, you'll get your four grand."
Leandro sneered. "You're getting sixty grand and only giving me four? Doesn't that seem a bit unfair?"
Blanca's face twisted; she hadn't expected Leandro to pull this stunt. "Leandro, don't try to jack up the price now. That money's for saving my son. Are you really gonna take advantage of me now? Isn't that a bit heartless?"
Leandro's expression was mocking. "You're planning to marry off your daughter to save your son. So, who's really the heartless one here?"
Blanca's face turned livid. "Are you gonna do it or not? If not, I'll find someone else!"
Leandro replied, "Of course I'll do it. Who would turn down easy money?"
Blanca said, "Then hurry up! I've arranged for her to be back tonight."
Leandro didn't say another word and got up to leave the restaurant.
Watching Leandro disappear into the crowd, Blanca felt a surge of anticipation.
As long as Leandro caught Ariana and brought her back, Orval would be saved!
To get from the Silvercrest Group Building to her place, Ariana had to pass through a pretty empty alley.
Ariana had barely entered the alley when a wave of unease hit her, making her quicken her steps. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Even though they matched her pace, she still noticed.
She spun around, but the alley under the streetlight was empty, the only sound being her own breathing.
She took a deep breath, turned, and quickened her pace.
Just sixty more feet and she would be out of the alley.
Though the area ahead wasn't bustling, it was near residential buildings where people often passed by.
However, when Ariana was just thirty feet from the alley's exit, a hand suddenly reached out from behind and covered her mouth.
Fear engulfed her. She tried to struggle, but whatever was on the person's hand emitted a strange scent, making her vision blur and her strength wane.
Just as Ariana was about to lose consciousness, the grip on her suddenly loosened.
Ariana's body slid to the ground, but she felt no pain, only a sense of weightlessness.
Kirk's voice called out, "Ariana, Ariana! Wake up!"
Ariana sensed someone shaking her. She forced her eyes open, her vision gradually clearing.
She saw Kirk's worried face and took a moment to process.
"Mr. Marshall, did you save me?" Ariana asked, her voice trembling with fear, her face pale.
Kirk replied, "Yeah, how are you feeling? Do you need me to take you to the hospital?"
Ariana quickly shook her head. "No, I don't have any money. I'll be fine after a while."
Kirk frowned but didn't press further. He helped Ariana out of the alley and into a nearby restaurant, asking the owner for a glass of water.
After handing her the water, Kirk asked seriously, "Do you want to report this to the police?"
Ariana took a sip of water, finally starting to feel better.
Her hands were still shaking as she put down the glass. If Kirk hadn't shown up, she couldn't imagine what would have happened.
Ariana asked, "Okay, did you catch a glimpse of his face?"
Kirk shook his head. "Nope, he had a mask on. I was more worried about you, so I didn't chase after him when he bolted."
There were no cameras in that alley. Reporting it wouldn't do much good without a clear view of his face, but it was better than doing nothing.
Ariana bit her lip, deciding she'd rather take a longer route than go through that alley again.
Seeing her pale face, Kirk was silent for a moment before saying, "But, the guy did say something as he left."
Ariana's eyes widened. "What did he say?"
Kirk replied, "He told me not to meddle, that I could only help you temporarily, not forever."
Kirk continued, "Besides, when he was leaving, I got the feeling he looked at you like he knew you. Maybe you two have crossed paths before."
Ariana's face changed, and she immediately thought of Orval losing a hundred grand gambling.
If that guy really knew her, it was likely her parents had sent him.
Ariana said, "I get it, Mr. Marshall. Thanks for today. It's late now, you should go. I'll treat you to a meal another day."
Kirk replied, "No need. It was just a small favor. I noticed you haven't eaten tonight, so I ordered a couple of dishes. Eat first, and I'll take you home."
Ariana's hands curled up involuntarily, embarrassment flashing in her eyes.
After giving all her savings to Blanca, who then tricked her out of most of the remaining thousand dollars, she only had two hundred bucks left. If she ate here, she'd be starving for the next half month.
Kirk said, "I've already paid. Don't worry."
Ariana paused, her face flushing crimson, and quickly said, "Mr. Marshall, that's not necessary. I'll transfer the money to you shortly."
Kirk looked at her, a bit helpless. "Ariana, there's no need to be so formal. Everyone has tough times, and I'm helping you willingly without expecting anything in return. So, please don't feel burdened."
Ariana said, "No, Mr. Marshall, you saved me today, and I'm already very grateful. I can't let you spend more money. The food is on me, please, you must accept it."
With that, she took out her wallet and handed Kirk forty dollars from her remaining two hundred.
Seeing the determination in her eyes, Kirk sighed and accepted the money.
Kirk said, "Alright, I'll take the money, but please don't mention treating me to a meal again."
Ariana shook her head. "That's a separate matter."
Kirk seemed a bit helpless and couldn't help but smile. "You're really stubborn."
Ariana bit her lip and looked down without saying anything.
Though she was grateful Kirk had saved her, she didn't want to get too involved with him. She needed to find a way to repay this favor.
Then they fell silent. Ariana picked up her phone, hesitated for a moment, and then texted Sharon, asking if she could lend her some money, promising to pay her back after she got paid next month.
At Seb's villa, Sharon's phone lit up in the living room, but she didn't notice it.
In the kitchen, Sharon was cooking spaghetti while Seb fetched the basil sauce.
Amidst the sound of running water, they occasionally chatted about work, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.
Once the spaghetti was almost done, Sharon drained it and placed it on a plate.
She poured the basil sauce over the spaghetti, mixing it well. Then thehe basil spaghetti was ready.
Sharon said, "I'll wash the pot. You take the spaghetti out."
Seb replied, "No, I'll wash the pot. You take the spaghetti out."
As he spoke, he took the pot from her hands and turned on the faucet to start washing it.
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