Chapter 7: Is She Going to Reveal Her True Colors?

Kingston did not return home until seven o'clock in the evening after processing the backlog of affairs at the group headquarters. The lights in the living room were bright, and the rhythmic drone of the evening news drifted from the television.

When Kingston stepped inside and removed his coat, he found Ariella eating a bowl of plain noodles.

"I took these noodles from the refrigerator. I saw they were about to expire, so I ate them," Ariella whispered, standing up quickly.

She had been desperately hungry. Upon opening the refrigerator, she saw an abundance of fresh ingredients, but she did not dare eat too much or choose anything too expensive. She had settled for a single bowl of noodles seasoned with only a few drops of soy sauce. Even so, she ate with a quiet, intense relish.

"You do not need to report every little thing to me," Kingston replied.

"Alright."

She had intended to tell him about the job she had found, but seeing his cold demeanor, Ariella sensibly shut her mouth.

On the television, the female news anchor's voice rose in excitement. "The President of the Davis Group has returned to the country! This homecoming likely signals an impending celebration, as the Davis Group prepares for a powerful union with Keystone Pharmaceuticals! Let's go live to the scene to capture the sweet moments of this golden couple!"

At the mention of the Davis Group's president, Ariella's gaze locked onto the screen.

On the liquid crystal display, Patrick appeared in a sharp gray suit. His profile looked even more radiant under the relentless barrage of camera flashes. Standing beside him was Esther, dressed in a pink gown. She leaned into Patrick's side with calculated sweetness, looking every bit the delicate, protected younger sister.

They were a perfect match—a pair of villains.

Ariella's heart constricted suddenly. Three years had passed in the blink of an eye, but some wounds did not fade with the passage of time. She could still feel the stinging phantom pain of the slap she had received three years ago. It was a pain that had reached the very depths of her soul.

"What? Do you like him?"

Kingston was a sensitive and suspicious man. With a single glance, he perceived that his new wife shared a history with the man on the screen.

Ariella withdrew her gaze and spoke in a voice as cold as ice. "Staring at someone doesn't always mean you like them. It could mean disgust, or hatred, or such loathing that it makes you want to vomit."

However, Ariella was grateful for the news report. Seeing those familiar faces after so long reminded her of a crucial matter from the past. Five years ago, when her grandfather was gravely ill, he had executed a will before he passed away. Under that will, twenty percent of the shares of Keystone Pharmaceuticals belonged to her.

In the past, she had never taken the matter to heart. But things were different now. She would not let those people have a single cent of what rightfully belonged to her.

Early the next morning, Ariella prepared to leave. Her shift did not start until ten o'clock, giving her plenty of time to handle personal business.

"I'm going out. I need to visit Ellerker Manor," she announced.

She was still using her old phone from three years ago. The previous night, she had discovered a few hundred dollars left in her digital wallet. She had managed to get some change and planned to take the bus to the family estate.

Ariella stood by the bus stop, eating a piece of bread, when the sound of a car horn erupted behind her. She turned to look. It was a very ordinary Volkswagen.

"Didn't you say you were going to Ellerker Manor? I'll drop you off," Kingston said, rolling down the window.

He did not understand what this woman intended to do at Ellerker Manor. What if she planned to disclose secrets regarding the Carswell family or himself? He decided he needed to see for himself.

Ariella nodded. She wasn't about to refuse a faster mode of transportation, and she climbed into the car with practiced efficiency.

Twenty minutes later, the car arrived at the gates of Ellerker Manor.

"You can go now or wait here for me. I need to go in and speak with them alone," Ariella requested.

Kingston's heart skipped a beat with suspicion. Had the woman finally revealed her true colors? Had she noticed something was wrong with his identity and was now on guard against him?