Chapter 105

Ariana's mother wasn't fully aware of the extent of what her daughter had stolen from Alexander. She had handed over his business strategies and projects to their family’s enemy, who promised to help them if she did so. Alexander had placed his trust and love in her, but she betrayed him, giving away all his ideas to his rival. Despite her betrayal, Ariana was secretly pleased that, even 14 years later, Alexander had risen to become the most powerful figure in the business world. It seemed that no obstacle could hinder his success.

As the clock struck 6 pm, Ariana was certain that Alexander had already arrived at his mansion on the hill. After taking a bath, she dressed up in a way that was both alluring and sophisticated. She grabbed her handbag and made her way downstairs to find her mother.

Her mother, noticing Ariana’s unusual request, asked with concern, "What are you planning now, Ariana? Your bodyguard told me you wanted us to go out. Where are we headed?"

"Relax, Mother," Ariana responded, settling herself on one of the couches and crossing her legs.

With a sigh, Carolina sat beside her daughter, urging, "Mind explaining?"

Ariana grinned widely. "We're going to the mansion on the hill."

Carolina was taken aback. "Isn't that Alexander’s second home?"

"Exactly, Mother. That’s why we’re going. Alexander always arrives first every Friday evening. He should be there already, and I want us both to pay him a visit."

Carolina's expression hardened. "Ariana, are you out of your mind? All you ever seek is conflict!"

"No, Mother," Ariana assured her, "we’re not going to stir up trouble. We’re going to ask for Alexander's forgiveness. Fourteen years ago, I betrayed him by stealing his ideas and handing them to his enemy."

"Are you serious about asking for his forgiveness?" Carolina questioned, her voice laced with disbelief. "Aren’t you the one who just claimed to have amnesia? If you suddenly beg for his forgiveness, won't it look suspicious?"

Ariana remained calm. "Mother, listen carefully to my plan. Yes, to Alexander, I have amnesia. But he knows that, as my mother, you’d be aware of my past actions. So, it makes sense that, now that you’re in the city, you would inform me of the betrayal I don’t remember."

"But I still don’t know exactly what you took from him," Carolina admitted.

"He assumes you would, since it was something I did to protect our family’s company. Given that it was a family matter, it’s appropriate for both of us to apologize. I’ll continue to act like I don’t remember the details, but I’ll show that, after you informed me, I’m willing to seek his forgiveness to make peace," Ariana explained.

Carolina sighed, resigned. "Alright, let’s go."

Ariana smiled in satisfaction.

They left the house in one of Ariana's newly purchased cars. Samson drove them to the mansion on the hill, where they were stopped at the gate by security.

"Who are you, and what’s your business here?" one of the guards demanded. The man, who had military training, was under strict orders to keep the mansion private and secure for the family.

"Just inform Alexander Kane that Ariana Martins is here to see him with her mother, Carolina Martins," Ariana instructed.

The guard relayed the message inside to Alexander, who was in the middle of a conference call when he was alerted to their arrival.

Surprised that they had even made it into the estate, Alexander was immediately suspicious. Only residents were allowed entry, so how had they gotten through? He was determined to find out who had allowed them access.

Alexander stepped outside, approaching the gate where Ariana and her mother waited. As they exited the car and neared the gate, Alexander coldly asked, "Why are you here?" He was tempted to deal with Ariana himself, but Lily had urged him to ignore her completely.

Ariana, tears forming in her eyes, responded, "I’m sorry, Mr. Kane. When you pushed me at the banquet, I was confused and hurt by your actions. But two days ago, my mother arrived and told me everything I had done to you 14 years ago. I can hardly believe I was capable of such betrayal."

"Please forgive me," she pleaded. "Though I don’t deserve it, I knew I had to apologize. You loved and cared for me, and I betrayed you. I’ve returned to start anew, and all I want is to make peace with everyone I’ve wronged. I hope we can be friends if you’ll allow it." Ariana wiped away her tears.

Her mother chimed in, "Mr. Kane, please forgive my daughter. She only did what she did out of desperation to help our family. I only learned of it shortly before her accident. She spent 12 years in a coma, and all I wish for her now is a peaceful life. Please, find it in your heart to forgive her."

Alexander silently studied the two women. He was on the verge of ordering them to be thrown off the estate when he noticed Lily’s car approaching. Deciding to let her handle the situation, he chose not to intervene.

Ariana turned to see who was arriving and was startled to recognize Lily’s car. According to her informant, Lily usually arrived at 8 pm with her daughter, but today she was early. Ariana decided to remain calm, hoping Alexander would invite them inside so she could find an opportunity to speak with him privately and perhaps rekindle the feelings they once shared before she ruined everything.

"Mummy, who are those people?" Viola asked as she saw the two women.

Lily, trying to keep her composure, was surprised to see Ariana and her mother. She reassured her daughter, "They’re just some random people," and Viola nodded, accepting the explanation.

Holding her daughter’s hand, Lily walked toward the gate. Viola’s face lit up when she saw her father, exclaiming, "Daddy!"

Alexander’s stern expression softened as he saw his beloved daughter and wife. The guards opened the gate, allowing them inside the compound. Viola ran to hug her father, who kissed her forehead. Lily wrapped her arms around Alexander, and they kissed in front of everyone, including Ariana, whose heart sank at the sight.

The display of affection reminded Ariana of the times Alexander would kiss her in front of everyone at the university, flaunting their relationship. She had once been the envy of all the girls because of his love for her. Ariana had believed that, despite her betrayal, Alexander might still forgive her, but she had forgotten that he despised betrayal more than anything. It pained her to see him give that love to someone else. As Alexander and Lily continued their passionate kiss, Ariana fumed silently but maintained her composure.

Lily, sensing the tension, had kissed Alexander so publicly to assert her place. She clearly didn’t believe Ariana’s story about losing her memory. Viola’s innocent smile as her parents expressed their love only added to Ariana’s irritation. She despised both the little girl and her mother and was determined to ensure that Lily wouldn’t have another child with Alexander.

After the kiss, Lily wiped the lipstick stain from Alexander’s lips, a gesture that disgusted Ariana. Lily then turned to the women with a stern look. "How did you manage to get into this estate?" she demanded.

"Because I own a house here," Ariana responded confidently.

Alexander’s anger flared. "You what?"

"I own a house here," she repeated.

"How did you get a house on my estate?" Alexander was livid at the thought. How could this have happened without his knowledge? He vowed to find out who had leaked the information.

Lily shot Ariana a sharp look. The woman was testing her patience. "You dare buy a house on my estate and then come here to see my husband, claiming to have amnesia?"