Ariana leaned back in her chair, smiling, "oh? So tell me, what progress have you made?"
Claire, with a proud smirk, replied, "I've got the contact info for the prince of the capital circle and I've set up a meeting."
Ariana's smile froze for a moment.
Could it be that this prince also falls for Claire's tricks? playing the damsel in distress, acting all innocent and sweet—wasn't that how Simon Sheen got hooked?
Seems like guys really fall for that.
Ariana couldn't help but lose a bit of respect for the prince.
"Well, congratulations."
Claire's smugness grew, "it's just a pity for you, getting yourself all bruised up and still coming up empty-handed."
She laughed, covering her mouth, her eyes glancing at the wound on Ariana's leg.
"Don't speak too soon, the game isn't over yet."
Claire huffed, whispering, "Ariana, so what if you're great at horseback riding? It's the Summer Family that trained you, remember, you're in my spot!"
Ariana smiled calmly. "Claire, it seems like this has become a thorn in your side, let me tell you, while the Summer family did nurture me, who I am today is the result of my own hard work."
She let out a cold laugh, "if you had been born into the Summer family, you might not have achieved what I have."
Claire glared at Ariana with anger, "I'll make sure you realize that without the Summer family, your efforts are worthless!"
With that, Claire stormed off in frustration.
Ariana, however, found herself lost in thoughts.
SUN Group Mountain City Office
People in Mountain City would hardly know that the renowned SUN Group from the capital has a small office here.
Over a year ago, Lucas was nearly beaten to death in this area and everyone thought he would never return.
Yet, he quietly established an office here and discreetly developed some ventures.
To keep things under wraps, the office was set up in a villa within his own real estate development, without even a sign.
He occasionally visits to handle some business, maybe hold a video conference or two.
"Mr. Firestone, do you have any plans regarding the SUN's luxury apartment bid?" Thomas asked Lucas after he finished his video conference.
"Proceed as usual," Lucas replied.
Noticing Thomas seemed hesitant, Lucas prompted, "If there's something on your mind, just say it."
"Miss Summer from the racetrack added me on social media and has been trying to meet up," Thomas admitted, looking quite troubled. Meeting her seemed both right and wrong, so he sought Lucas' advice.
Lucas chuckled softly, "That woman."
"Meet her, just handle it as you see fit."
"Alright, Mr. Firestone."
Lucas then left and returned to Ariana's apartment at the Seabreeze Courtyard.
He and Ariana were practically living together now.
As soon as he entered, Lucas caught a whiff of alcohol, he saw Ariana standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a glass and staring blankly outside.
She wore a white silk nightgown with spaghetti straps, her hair cascading over her shoulders, the open window let in a gentle breeze, causing her long hair to sway.
She was truly stunning.
Initially, he approached her just to fulfill a promise he had made long ago.
But the more Lucas spent time with her, the more he found himself captivated by her.
He walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her, "what are you thinking about, so lost in thoughts?"
It wasn't until he got closer that Lucas noticed the faint sadness reflected in her eyes.
This sadness appeared on her face from time to time, it wasn't the first time he had seen it, Lucas leaned down and kissed her fragrant shoulder.
Ariana didn't react; she continued to gaze out at the world beyond, "do you think what's more important for a person, their background or their effort?"
"Both matter," Lucas said softly, holding her waist gently, "even with a great background, without effort, you're just a good-for-nothing, but if you come from a less privileged background, you have to work much harder than others. And sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you might never reach the heights of those with better starts."
The Firestone family had its share of squanderers and Lucas knew this better than anyone.
Ariana chuckled softly.
"What's up? you're a bit sentimental today."
"I always thought my dad didn't like me because I was a girl, so, I tried my hardest to please him, to be the best, to prove I was just as good as any boy."
Claire's words today really struck a chord with Ariana.
If it weren't for the Summer family, she might not have been able to afford those expensive classes and tutoring sessions, she might not have become who she is today.
"Three years ago, I found out I was just an abandoned baby from the hospital, they took me in because their daughter was mistakenly thought to have died and my dad couldn't bear to see his wife heartbroken.
Three years ago, their biological daughter was brought back, at first, I was a bit lost, but then my mom firmly said that both of us were her daughters and my heart slowly settled.
Knowing their daughter had suffered a lot over the years, I, like them, tried hard to make it up to her.
I introduced her to my circle, taught her various manners and social skills, even shared my designs, my experiences and lessons learned, I can honestly say, I held nothing back."
Ariana sighed softly, "but she kept playing tricks, driving a wedge between me and our parents, making them more and more disappointed in me."
"I tolerated it because she's family," Ariana said with a bitter smile, "until last year on Valentine's Day, when I caught her in bed with my fiancé."
Ariana's smile was pained. "My parents, my fiancé and even my best friend were all taken by her."
Lucas hugged Ariana tightly, even though she was smiling, he could sense the coldness deep within her.
He knew a bit about Ariana's issues with her family, but he hadn't realized it was this severe.His heart ached for her.
She wasn't at fault.
"She thinks I took her place, so she wants to take everything from me, she said without the Summer family, all my efforts are worthless."
Tears glistened in Ariana's eyes, "I promised to repay them a billion because I'm worth it, but in the end, I wonder, if I weren't part of the Summer family, would I still be who I am now?"
Lucas suddenly turned Ariana to face him, cupping her face with his hands.
"Don't dwell on what's already happened, it's pointless because you can't change the past, remember, there's no 'what if' in this world."
Ariana was momentarily lost in thoughts.
Lucas' words suddenly made everything clear to her and she burst into laughter.
She reached out and poked Lucas' chest muscle, "you're at the Dynasty Club and you're giving life lessons?"
Lucas gently kissed Ariana's ear, "there's also a personal philosophy training, want to give it a try?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "personal."