CHAPTER 66
Xander's demeanor remained as cold and unyielding as steel, his eyes piercing as they bore into Ronald for daring to interrupt the meeting. Ronald felt a chill snake down his spine under Xander's intense gaze.
"What is so urgent that it couldn't wait?" Xander's voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding.
Stammering slightly, Ronald managed to explain,
"It's about Miss Johnson, sir... But I apologize for the interruption...I'llcome back later.."
As Ronald's words faltered, a sinking feeling settled in his stomach. Xander's impassive expression gave away nothing, leaving Ronald to wonder if his concerns for Arianna were falling on deaf ears.
With a heavy heart, Ronald turned to leave, resigned to the impending fallout of his actions. But just as he reached for the door handle, Xander's authoritative voice filled the room once more.
"That will be all for today. You are dismissed."
The unexpected end to the meeting left everyone in the room bewildered, their unfinished discussions left hanging in the air.
Xander strode purposefully out of the conference room, his steps leading him to a secluded corner where he turned to face Ronald with a stern expression.
"What about Miss Johnson?" he demanded.
Caught off guard by Xander's intense gaze, Ronald faltered for a moment before speaking up.
"Sir, Miss Johnson..," he began tentatively.
"She called, urgently asking for you. She's in jail."
Xander's stride faltered momentarily, his piercing gaze locking onto Ronald with intensity.
"Jail? What do you mean she's in jail?" he seethed through clenched teeth.
Ronald, swallowing nervously, quickly summarized the situation, detailing how Arianna had been falsely accused of theft and detained at the police station. Xander listened in silence, his expression giving nothing away as Ronald finished recounting the events.
Without a word, Xander quickened his pace, the urgency evident in his stride. Ronald matched his steps, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. Perhaps Xander's sudden change in demeanor meant he cared more about Arianna than Ronald had initially thought.
Xander swiftly made his way to his car, his urgency evident as his staff watched in surprise, wondering about the sudden rush.
Within moments, he and Ronald were speeding down the road towards the police station, the urgency of the situation palpable in the air.
Xander stormed into the police station, his expression fierce as he grabbed a passing police officer by the collar.
"Where is Arianna?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the building.
The officer, recognizing Xander King, paled in fear and pointed towards the interrogation room.
"I-it's that way," he stammered, pointing in the direction of the room.
Meanwhile, in the detention room, Arianna braced herself as the sharp hairpin threatened to stab her cheek.
But just as the pin was about to make contact, the door to the room was forcefully kicked open from the outside, causing a loud bang that stunned everyone inside.
A man with an imposing and fierce aura strode into the room, his presence commanding attention.
Before Arianna could see who it was, she heard a wail by her ear, followed by the sound of bones cracking. She looked up to see a beautiful hand holding the boss's hand, effortlessly stopping her from harming Arianna.
Arianna's heart raced as she saw Xander storm into the room. Could it be real? Was he really here to save her?
Her eyes couldn't help but flutter with disbelief. Was it just a desperate hallucination in her dire moment, or was this truly happening?
The room echoed with a sharp cry of pain, followed by the thud of the boss hitting the ground. With their leader down, the two women holding Arianna released their grip in fear and rushed to her aid.
As they retreated, Arianna's legs gave way beneath her, and she slid down the wall. Just when she thought she would hit the ground, strong arms encircled her, pulling her close.
Arianna looked up, her heart pounding, to see Xander's familiar face looming over her, his gaze unwavering. In that moment, she felt a rush of relief wash over her.
Arianna's ear pressed against the man's chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a comforting reassurance amidst the chaos. She glanced up, meeting his familiar gaze, confirming that it was indeed Xander standing before her.
Relief flooded Arianna as she realized she wasn't hallucinating; Xander was really here to rescue her.
Xander's eyes softened as he scanned Arianna's face for any signs of injury. His protective embrace tightened around her, and he turned to confront the trembling women.
"How dare you lay a hand on my girl," he growled, his voice dripping with authority.
The three women trembled under Xander's intimidating presence, unable to discern his identity but acutely aware of the danger emanating from him.
Silence hung heavily in the air as they recoiled from his fierce gaze, their voices faltering in the face of his commanding demeanor.
