CHAPTER 47
Rochelle turned to look at Arianna, interrupting her train of thought.
"Are you sure you're going to let it slide just like that?"
Arianna nodded, her gaze firm.
"They're not the real masterminds behind this."
Rochelle's concern deepened, and she raised an eyebrow.
"Alright, it's your call. But what's Sheena's grudge against you? Why go to such lengths to destroy you?"
Arianna sighed, shaking her head.
"I don't know Sheena personally, but I've done some investigating. She's closely tied to Piper. On the surface, they're seen as best friends..."
Rochelle's eyebrows shot up in complete disbelief.
"Best friends? Seriously! She completely abandoned ship as soon as things got difficult! That's definitely a friendship filled with toxicity."
Arianna chuckled softly, completely agreeing with Rochelle's accurate observation.
"You hit the nail on the head! I couldn't have expressed it any better myself. But I suspect Sheena is just a pawn. The real person behind this is Piper."
Rochelle's expression darkened with realization. "Piper, your probably right..... So, what's your next move?"
Arianna's eyes sharpened with determination.
"Now that we've exposed Sheena, our focus shifts to Piper. She's the mastermind, and she won't get away with this."
Rochelle nodded, a supportive smile spreading across her face.
"I'm with you, Arianna. Let's make sure Piper understands she messed with the wrong person."
Rochelle pondered for a moment before inquiring,
"But I don't understand, isn't Piper your bas*ard husband's new girlfriend? Aren't they shamelessly flaunting their affection in public? What could possibly drive her to harm you?"
Arianna couldn't help but agree with the phrase "bas*ard husband". It described him perfectly, and she fully agreed with Rochelle's insight.
However, Arianna, despite her intelligence, couldn't fathom why Piper would harbor ill intentions towards her.
"I have no idea..." sighed Arianna.
Rochelle mused, "Could it be that the bas*ard doesn't even care for her and still has feelings for you? Maybe that's why she's jealous and wants to bring you down?"
"That's impossible!" Arianna scoffed, shaking her head emphatically.
"He doesn't even look at me, let alone have feelings for me. There must be another reason behind all this."
Considering how resentful Xander seemed toward her, the idea that he still liked her was absurd.
Seeing Arianna's conviction, Rochelle decided to let the topic drop. She then shifted gears, asking,
"Piper is the real mastermind behind it all, managing to look innocent while placing all the blame on Sheena. What are you going to do about it? I hope you don't plan on letting her off the hook so easily."
Letting her off the hook!
Arianna's grinned slightly.
"You know I wouldn't retaliate without reason. But considering the emotional turmoil she's dragged me into..."
She hesitated for a moment, her tone lowering to an icy murmur. "Rest assured, vengeance is definitely in the plans."
Piper had truly crossed a boundary this time. If Arianna hadn't been ready, she would be dealing with a public backlash at this very moment.
Hence, even if Sheena became her scapegoat, Piper should not think that she could rest easy! Arianna would definitely teach her a lesson!
Rochelle teasingly lifted Arianna's chin with her delicate finger.
"Wow, Arianna, I'm really proud of you. And don't worry, I'll support you when it comes to getting your revenge."
Arianna giggled sweetly, her big beautiful eyes sparkling as she looked at Rochelle.
"Thank you, Rochelle," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.
With a tender gesture, she wrapped her arms around Rochelle's, nuzzling her head against Rochelle's shoulder in a playful and affectionate manner.
Rochelle smiled gently, her voice carrying a hint of leisure.
"So, Arianna, what do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Arianna's tone was firm, her determination evident as she replied,
"Nothing. I want to handle it myself."
Then, with a touch of assurance, she added,
"It's only Piper, so I can do it alone."
"Are you certain?" Rochelle inquired.
Arianna offered her a faint smile and nodded. "I'm sure," she affirmed, her gaze drifting elsewhere, lost in contemplation.
Rochelle was aware of Arianna's thoughts, fully understanding that Piper was now Xander's girlfriend.
She realized the possible repercussions; Xander would surely step in if anyone posed a threat to Piper.
Therefore, Rochelle refrained from pressing further, not wanting to burden Arianna with her concerns.
Rochelle expressed her support by giving Arianna's hand a gentle squeeze, conveying her solidarity without the need for words.
"If you ever find yourself in need, don't hesitate to reach out," Rochelle assured, sincerity coloring her tone.
Arianna's response came in the form of a playful gesture, a nod of acknowledgment accompanied by a smile that illuminated her features.
"Yes Ma'am," she chimed, her affectionate regard for Rochelle evident as she bestowed upon her the title of her steadfast support.
Their shared laughter echoed, serving as a tangible reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared.
Following their exchange, Rochelle drove Arianna back to the city, dropping her off at the crossroad as requested.
As Arianna stepped out of the car, she turned to wave goodbye to Rochelle.
"Take care, Rochelle," she called out, a warm smile on her lips.
"Let's make plans to grab a meal together soon, okay?"
As Arianna strolled away, Rochelle's once radiant eyes dimmed with a touch of sorrow.
Reminiscing on the bygone days, Rochelle thought of Arianna's past innocence.
Despite Simon and Margaret's neglect, never displaying any affection towards her, Arianna's grandfather had cherished and spoiled her, filling her life with love.
Then, Arianna found solace in the arms of Xander, who doted on her endlessly, perpetuating the cycle of affection and pampering.
Hence, it was hard for Rochelle to imagine what Arianna experienced during those two years abroad, leading her to become so vigilant and decisive.
It wasn't a completely negative change, but it made Rochelle wonder: if given the choice, who would willingly leave behind their childhood and step into the responsibilities of adulthood?
Rochelle also had to grow up quickly, transforming into someone she hardly knew, let alone respected.
Reflecting on Arianna's experiences and her own, Rochelle couldn't help but sympathize with both of them.
