Betrothed to a Billionaire

Chapter 3: A fateful Encounter 

Jasmine scents effortlessly blended with morning air throughout the Cameloe estates' garden. Seated on the carved stone bench Ariana held her porcelain teacup while her delicate fingers touched it. The koi pond shimmered beneath the gentle passage of light from red lanterns hanging in the wind while clouds of storm built inside her.

Between them Antony Raymond stretched out in his formal suit which suggested effortless attraction. Ariana noticed genuine warmth in his dark eyes though she knew better.

The man intended to cause her destruction.

Antony observed her unusual silence while he poured himself a cup of tea. "Something on your mind, darling?"

Darling.

The word settled in her stomach much like the way poison would settle.

Ariana tried to produce a gentle smile before tilting her face to look like she was thinking. She spoke with controlled ease when she mentioned thinking about the future. The amount of things needing attention causes you to wonder.

She watched his reaction closely.

His eyes stared at her face while he tried to read what lay hidden behind her peaceful facade. "Indeed. An investment opportunity stands at the forefront of his mind while your father considers this proposed business deal according to him. People have speculated that the company might extend its operations to foreign markets.

There it was.

The subtle probing. The attempt was subtle because he wanted to learn something. She had previously ignored his deceptive motives because love had made her miss all the warning indicators.

But this time, she was ready.

Ariana let out a soft laugh. Your father's behavior is well-known to you Antony. My father keeps talking about business things yet he rarely reveals crucial details. She pretended to be unaware while breathing deeply. Company secrets mean nothing to him since he doesn't share them with me.

A treasured moment of dissatisfaction briefly touched Antony's countenance as he covered it with a loving smile.

He spoke casually when he added "That's a shame." Your intellectual talent deserves active involvement. Our lives will become one after marriage when everything we do impacts each other.

While Ariana held onto her teacup with increased pressure she maintained a friendly facial expression.

"Yes," she murmured. "Completely intertwined."

His expectation proved false.

Later in the day Ariana ended up at a high-end townsite venue. Traditional Chinese heritage elements united with contemporary style at this place through the movement of dark wood screens with golden engravings and soft instrumental background music and serves delivered with silent grace by waiters.

She planned to talk with one of her father's oldest business partners named Mr. Liang at the meeting.

She needed allies. And fast.

She spent the time by checking financial reports which she retrieved with stealth from the company's internal system on her tablet. Although nothing seemed wrong at first glance she understood Antony and Rachel needed to start their plan immediately.

 She have to Stop them before their harmful activities caused significant harm.

"A pretty woman never should spend her time deep in thought when she eats alone."

Her attention turned to the deep voice sitting next to her.

When Ariana raised her eyes she encountered penetrating eyes which stood out intensely.

The man stood in front of her with natural authority projecting from his entire being. His presence commanded attention because he maintained both height and perfect sartorial aptitude in a dark suit alongside a calm demeanor that required notice.

His face was unfamiliar. A part of him seemed important to her.

He interrupted politely with a smile that curved his lips slightly. Your serious screen observation caught my attention. Business matters?"

Ariana studied him carefully.

His presence carried an interesting danger that made him hard to resist.

"And if it is?" she asked, her tone measured.

He smiled. I respect women who make their business matters their priority.

She arched a brow. I must thank you for the chance to speak with whom exactly?

He extended a hand. "Jesse Ren."

 A flicker of familiarity rippled across her thoughts when he mentioned his name.

 In her past life,his reputation as a powerful nobleman who controlled a large business empire while maintaining a reputation for both his deceptive intellect and inscrutable personality. Throughout the years he watched from behind the scenes while avoiding any direct engagement with her family business.

But why was he here now?

The way he stared at her made her sense that he studied her with equal intensity to which she studied him.

A small pause slipped between her palm and his as she accepted his offer. "Ariana Cameloe."

His graceful hand held her fingers firmly in place.

His voice held a hint of pleasure as he stared slightly longer than necessary.

Ariana tolerated his intense observation yet she kept her eyes fixed ahead before him.

The game had begun.

And this time, she would win.

---

A Small Revelation

When she arrived home the first fragment of information which solved the mystery had already appeared.

The private observation into Antony and Rachel's activities showed her a recent transfer through a Rachel family-linked shell company. An unknown substantial amount of money flowed from one account to another before disappearing into multiple untraceable financial transactions.

Ariana had not mistaken this conviction.

Their strategy officially started at this point.

She used her fingers to read the bank records while keeping her heart strong and focused.

Antony and Rachel had convinced themselves they caught her in their trap.

But they where the one walking straight into her hand.

She folded the paper neatly before reaching out for her phone.

 She has to find an ally and fast.