CHAPTER 119
Inside the VIP room on the second floor.
Xander stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, a cigarette held delicately between his fingers. His dark eyes were fixed downward, observing a specific spot in the lobby on the first floor.
Zach approached with a glass of wine and followed Xander's gaze, where Arianna stood at the cashier's counter. A smirk played on Zach's lips.
"Xander, what do you call this behavior? You're practically giving away money willingly."
In truth, Zach wouldn't have entertained an invitation from someone like Felix, let alone Xander.
It was Xander who called Zach out of nowhere that night. He invited Zach to accompany him to a party.
Zach initially thought the party was hosted by some important figure, but it turned out to be... just for that?
During that split second, Zach started to suspect whether the King Group was going bankrupt. Why else would a man of Xander’s reputation attend that party?
He realized their purpose as soon as he saw Arianna dancing on stage.
Once again, it was all because of Arianna...
Other than her, was there anyone else who could make Xander do something so self-contradictory that even he would look down on his own actions?
Although Zach did not like Arianna and even resented her, he had to admit that Xander regained some human qualities only for Arianna.
During the past two years, Xander was in such a terrible state that Zach did not dare to even think about it.
Since Xander was still interested in Arianna, Zach—in true brotherly spirit—had no choice but to help.
With that in mind, Zach then said, “Listen to me, Xander. If you want to win her heart, there’s no use for you to do all those good deeds in silence. It’s always the second male lead who does good deeds behind the scenes, and they never get the woman.”
Xander narrowed his eyes at Zach.
Zach, whose survival instincts were strong, quickly explained himself,
“Xander, I’m not implying you’re playing second fiddle here. What I mean is…you should let Arianna know about your help. How else do you expect her to appreciate you, change her perception of you, and maybe even develop feelings for you if she’s unaware?”
Xander sneered coldly.
Would Arianna appreciate his efforts if she knew? Would she see him in a new light? Could she ever love again?
Would such a heartless woman do any of that!
Or would she simply be indifferent, knowing he aided her without any acknowledgment?
Zach seemed to grasp Xander’s thoughts and carefully formulated his words before speaking,
“Xander, I think... your intentions were pretty clear. Arianna isn’t naive. She probably figured out that you were intentionally helping her.
"If you return to the villa now, you might hear her thank you. Pay attention to her signals. Isn’t that how your bond could start growing? You’re both adults, alone in the villa. There’s a chance a spark could ignite. And if that spark turns into a flame, who knows if this fake marriage could become real?”
Xander’s eyes narrowed, and he chose not to respond.
********
Arianna didn't immediately exit the taxi upon arriving at the villa.
Her thoughts swirled around whether the 500,000 was a mere coincidence or if Xander had intentionally recognized her and given her that money.
Unable to come to a quick conclusion, she eventually paid the fare and stepped out of the car.
Another vehicle, a sleek black sedan, pulled up at nearly the same time. Xander emerged from the driver's seat.
Arianna's heart skipped a beat the moment she caught sight of Xander.
Arianna had just returned from the dock when Xander coincidentally arrived as well. Had he disembarked from the cruise ship just moments after she did?
She couldn't shake the nagging thought: Did Xander recognize her from the start and purposely give her that money? Was that why he followed her back right after?
Or was it purely coincidental, with Xander returning from the party in a disgruntled mood after losing?
Normally decisive, Arianna found herself unusually hesitant. When it came to Xander, caution was paramount. Too many uncertainties surrounded him.
Arianna had once believed deeply in Xander's love during their time together two years ago. However, what she eventually experienced was profound embarrassment and an overwhelming sense of hurt.
Since then, doubts about her own feelings had lingered. She could never fully trust if Xander's every action was genuine or as she hoped it would be.
While Arianna was lost in her thoughts, Xander had already strolled up to her. He cast his gaze downward, observing her closely. She had removed all traces of makeup, revealing her natural face. It seemed far more appealing than the heavily adorned visage she had sported earlier.
He noticed the faint crease in her delicate brow and the turmoil reflected in her beautiful eyes. Zachary's words echoed unwittingly in his mind.
...
*"Your actions were quite obvious. Arianna isn't naive—she probably figured out you were deliberately helping her.
"If you return to the villa now, you'll surely hear her thank you.
"Pick up on the clues she's giving you..."
*
...
Though he harbored no expectations for her, it wasn't as if he wouldn't appreciate some gratitude if she recognized his efforts.
However, after waiting for about half a minute without hearing Arianna's voice, Xander’s dissatisfaction began to show in his eyes.
He pursed his lips, breaking the silence with a low voice. "Is there something on your mind?"
Xander's unexpected question snapped Arianna out of her thoughts. Normally, Xander ignored her, and she could count the times he initiated conversation on one hand.
It surprised her that he took the initiative to ask such a question.
Arianna maintained her composure, not betraying any emotion. She hesitated briefly before responding with a question of her own.
"Why do you ask, Mr. King?"
He had given her a clear cue, yet she chose to play coy?
