CHAPTER 112
In the study.
The phone rang, and Xander promptly answered, “Yes.”
Ronald’s respectful voice came from the other end, “Mr. King, I found out what happened. Ms. Johnson went to the hospital to visit Charlie, but her parents had already taken him home two days ago. So, Ms. Johnson went to the Johnson ’ residence…”
As Ronald explained, Xander’s eyes grew colder with each passing second, finally grasping the situation. By the time Ronald finished, a dark, malicious aura seemed to emanate from Xander’s furrowed brows.
Those greedy Johnsons.
Xander had misunderstood Arianna once again… He thought she had gone out to meet some unsavory character, but that wasn't the case at all…
He had even hurled harsh words at her earlier.
Xander's hand clenched into a tight fist, the veins on the back of his hand beginning to bulge.
Ronald's hesitant voice came from the other end, "Mr. King, I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask."
"Go ahead," Xander replied tersely.
"Um... It's really unfortunate that Ms. Johnson has parents like that. There are probably many things she does against her will. If... if she asks to borrow money from you, will you help her?"
Xander remained silent.
Realizing he had overstepped, Ronald hesitated before quietly ending the call.
Xander set the phone down and leaned back in his chair, Ronald's question lingering in his mind.
Ten seconds later, he heard footsteps approaching and then stopping just outside the door.
Xander looked up, his gaze fixed on the door as if he could see through it to Arianna standing on the other side.
Was she here to ask for money?
His slender fingers, resting on the desk, began tapping unconsciously.
He had always despised Arianna's apparent greed and pursuit of profit, but if she truly made that request this time...
Xander closed his eyes gently.
Perhaps even if it wasn’t just this once… Even if she asked countless times; even if she wasn’t doing it out of desperation; even if her intention was to deceive him, as long as she willingly asked, he probably wouldn’t be able to refuse her.
Arianna had indeed walked up to the door of the study. Several times, she raised her hand to knock, only to pull back at the last moment each time.
She and Xander were a fake couple. Given the many times he had misunderstood her, he must surely despise her and would likely distrust anything she said. Who knows if he might think she was trying to deceive him for money again?
She couldn’t help but recall the words Xander had once said to her, "Money isn’t easy to come by. Your brother’s medical bills will be paid when you learn how to properly serve someone!"
If Arianna made that request to Xander today, she would undoubtedly have to provide him physical satisfaction in exchange for money. After all, what else did he enjoy more than using money to humiliate her?
Arianna took an unconscious step back.
People could throw their self-esteem to the wind for insignificant others, but they clung stubbornly to that fragile self-esteem when it came to those they once loved and cared for deeply. It seemed absurd when she thought about it.
After hesitating repeatedly, she finally turned around and walked away.
After returning to the master bedroom, Arianna picked up her phone and sent a flurry of messages to everyone she knew, asking if they had any jobs offering quick money and high pay.
She still had three days to find other opportunities!
Despite her exhaustion, Arianna tossed and turned in bed that night, unable to sleep.
Fortunately, she could breathe a sigh of relief as Xander seemed preoccupied in the study and didn't return to the room.
Her eyelids grew heavier, and she finally drifted off just as the sun began to rise.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she was awakened by a notification on her phone.
Arianna was roused from her sleep at once and opened her eyes abruptly. She had fallen asleep holding her cell phone, so she immediately picked it up and looked at the screen.
A friend had replied to her.
[There’s a private party, a 2-day, 1-night sea cruise. We urgently need a pole dancer. The pay is high, and it’s a daily payout. The guests are all rich, so the tips will be pretty good too! One of my girls was supposed to go, but she sprained her ankle at the last minute. Would you like to try?]
Arianna had met this friend while working abroad. They were on quite good terms, so the information provided was likely genuine and reliable.
Arianna also had a rough idea of how extravagant those wealthy youths were within their social circle. Such parties were frequent, organized to expand networks and strengthen connections.
To elevate the ambiance, they often hired expensive entertainers who could sing and dance, adding to the excitement. If she could impress the guests and ensure their satisfaction, the rewards would be exceptionally generous.
This was a rare opportunity, and Arianna quickly dialed her friend to confirm the details.
"Thank you, I'll treat you to dinner next time," she promised gratefully before ending the call. Arianna's heart finally settled, relieved after a night of anxiousness.
The party was scheduled to start at eight o’clock that evening. Arianna knew she needed to rest and regain some energy before heading out.
She didn’t sleep for long, but she forced herself to get a couple of hours of rest. When she woke up, she quickly brushed her teeth, washed her face, and grabbed whatever clothes she could find. After packing her bag, she hurried out the door.
