Chapter 98

Ariana arrived at a newly constructed luxury hotel, a striking twenty-story building that had recently been added to the Blake Hotel Company's portfolio. She had meticulously planned her stay well in advance, ensuring that the prestigious presidential suite on the top floor would be reserved for her. Her bodyguard, Samson, respectfully opened the car door for her, allowing her to step out and take in the sight of the towering structure before her.

"Thank you, Samson," she acknowledged, her tone carrying a note of authority, before she confidently strode towards the entrance of the grand establishment, with Samson following closely behind.

As soon as Ariana crossed the threshold of the hotel, she was welcomed by the sight of a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, its radiant light casting an inviting warmth throughout the lavishly decorated lobby. The floors, crafted from pristine marble, exuded an air of opulence, while the gentle melodies of a grand piano playing in the background added a sophisticated touch to the ambiance.

An elegantly dressed doorman greeted her with a courteous smile, promptly arranging for her luggage to be handled with the utmost care. Ariana made her way to the reception desk, where a group of highly trained staff members attended to her needs with the highest level of professionalism and respect.

After completing the check-in process, one of the staff members, wearing white gloves, presented her with a gleaming gold key card, a symbol of the exclusive privileges that awaited her. The concierge, eager to ensure her stay was nothing short of perfect, offered to assist with any reservations or special arrangements she might require.

With anticipation, Ariana entered the elevator and ascended to the highest floors, where her suite awaited. The corridor leading to her destination was adorned with exquisite artwork, each piece a testament to wealth and cultural sophistication, setting the stage for the luxury she was about to experience.

Upon entering the presidential suite, Ariana was immediately captivated by the breathtaking views of the city visible through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The suite's living area was furnished with luxurious pieces in rich hues, complemented by plush carpets and a chandelier that mirrored the grandeur of the one in the lobby below. A grand dining table was positioned adjacent to a state-of-the-art kitchen, perfectly suited for hosting private gatherings of the highest caliber.

The bedroom was a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, featuring a king-sized bed dressed in the finest linens. The en-suite bathroom was nothing short of spectacular, boasting a Jacuzzi tub, marble countertops, and an array of high-end toiletries. A private terrace extended from the suite, offering a secluded space where Ariana could relax while enjoying sweeping views of the city skyline.

As she settled into her lavish surroundings, Ariana couldn't help but acknowledge the exceptional quality of the Blake Hotel. She mused over the remarkable taste and business acumen of the hotel's visionary, Alexander's wife, who had overseen the entire project. A smile played on Ariana's lips as she thought about the upcoming reunion with Alexander, a moment she had long anticipated. The prospect of reclaiming what she believed was rightfully hers filled her with determination.

Ariana rose to freshen up and prepare for the evening's banquet, when her phone began to ring. A frown creased her forehead as she glanced at the screen, recognizing her mother's number. Although she deeply cared for her mother, she often found her overly concerned and somewhat intrusive, especially considering that she was a grown woman of thirty-three who didn't need to be told how to live her life.

Her mother had been vehemently opposed to her returning to Country A, urging her instead to move on from her past with Alexander. But for Ariana, moving on was impossible; Alexander was the center of her world, the one thing she desired above all else. She had made a grave mistake years ago, betraying him for the sake of her family, but now she was determined to seek his forgiveness and gradually work her way back into his life, regardless of whether he was married or not.

The phone continued to ring until Ariana finally answered with a curt, "What is it?"

"Ariana," her mother's voice came through the line, filled with concern.

"Mother," Ariana responded, her tone edged with impatience.

Mrs. Martins sighed deeply. "So, you’re not going to change your mind?"

"No."

"Very well then. If that’s the case, I’m coming to Country A to be with you. It’s been two years since you came out of that coma, but your body hasn’t fully recovered yet. I need to be there to take care of you."

A smile tugged at Ariana's lips. "Now you’re talking sense, Mother."

"Since you just arrived, you should rest," her mother suggested.

"Rest?" Ariana chuckled softly. "I’ll rest after I’ve attended the banquet. I can’t miss making my grand entrance for anything in the world."

"What banquet are you talking about?" her mother inquired, puzzled.

"The one for Alexander's child. I received an invitation," Ariana revealed, her voice laced with anticipation.

"What? How did you...?"

"Get an invitation?" Ariana finished the question her mother was about to ask.

"Yes."

"You won't believe who invited me, Mother."

"Who?"

"Lily Blake herself," Ariana said with a laugh, enjoying the shock she imagined on her mother's face.

Carolina was stunned. "How...?" Carolina knew all too well that Lily was Alexander’s wife, and the couple was a constant topic of conversation online. How on earth did her daughter get an invitation from someone who should be her rival?

"I’ll explain everything when you arrive in the country, but for now, I need to get ready. I can’t afford to be late." With that, Ariana ended the call and moved to prepare herself for the banquet.

Carolina stared at the now silent phone, a deep sense of unease settling in her heart. She had heard countless stories about Alexander's ruthlessness, and she was well aware that during Ariana's university days, her daughter had often spoken of how merciless Alexander could be towards his enemies.

Carolina could only hope that when Ariana saw the reality of the situation, she would realize the futility of her quest and give up.

****************
Meanwhile, at the banquet, Alexander's entrance immediately commanded attention. He was admired by many men his age who aspired to achieve his level of success, and numerous women envied Lily, wishing they could experience the love and devotion Alexander showered on her. Even the children present, attending what was ostensibly a celebration for Viola, couldn't help but feel as though it was their own party due to the grandeur of the event.

All eyes were on Alexander as he made his way to Lily, greeting her with a kiss in full view of the assembled guests.

"What took you so long?" Lily playfully chided him.

"Traffic," he replied simply.

"Alright," Lily said, placing her hand affectionately on his chest. "You look very handsome in this suit."

"And you look stunning in that dress," Alexander complimented her, causing Lily to blush.

He kissed her forehead tenderly. "Where’s Viola?"

"Over there, enjoying some cake," Lily pointed out.

"I’ll go see her now," Alexander said, kissing Lily's forehead once more before heading towards where Viola was seated, happily indulging in her dessert.

Alexander chuckled as he approached his daughter, crouching down to her level and wrapping his arms around her small frame. "Happy birthday, my little girl."

"Daddy!" Viola squealed in delight, her hands, covered in cake, landing squarely on her father's face.

"Ooh," Viola blinked in surprise at the mess she had inadvertently made. "Let me clean it!" she declared, using her tongue to lick the cake off his face.

Lily watched the heartwarming scene with a smile, feeling a deep sense of contentment as she observed the two most important people in her life.

Alexander laughed at his daughter's antics. "My girl is absolutely adorable."

"And beautiful," Lily added.

"Yes, and beautiful," Alexander agreed, pressing a kiss to Viola's forehead.

He then presented her with the gift he had brought, which quickly became the topic of conversation among the guests. The hotel where the banquet was held was now registered in Viola's name, along with a vacation house on the island she had dreamed of visiting during the holidays. Additionally, Alexander had gifted her a diamond necklace, personalized with her name and the names of her parents.

The party continued with Alexander and Lily sharing a dance with Viola on the dance floor until the atmosphere was disrupted by the arrival of an unexpected guest.

Ariana made her entrance in an opulent gown that exuded luxury. The dress, crafted from the finest silk in a deep, regal shade of sapphire, featured intricate gold embroidery that shimmered under the ambient light of the banquet hall. The attire made her feel as though she was the true star of the event.

As she stepped into the room, heads turned and gasps were heard as guests took in the sight of the stunning woman who had just arrived. None of them recognized her, leading to hushed whispers as they speculated about her identity, assuming she must be one of the country’s many mysterious billionaires.

The collective murmuring caught the attention of Alexander and Lily, prompting them to look towards the entrance. Alexander’s eyes widened in disbelief as he recognized Ariana, alive and standing before him.

Ethan and Richard were equally shocked, their expressions mirroring Alexander's astonishment.

"Dear God," Ethan muttered, the glass of wine slipping from his hand and shattering on the floor. "Is she a ghost? How can this be?"

"This is beyond belief," Richard whispered, pinching himself to ensure he wasn’t dreaming. "She was supposed to be dead."

Lily, unaware of the history between Ariana and Alexander, smiled warmly. She had met Ariana during a business trip, and they had later signed a contract for a new venture together. Little did Lily know, she had unwittingly made the gravest mistake of her life.