"Now look what you've done!" Eloise glared fiercely at Joseph and quickly went upstairs.

Brittany followed Arianna back to her room. Seeing Arianna's speechless expression, Brittany wanted to comfort her but didn't know what to say. She simply stood behind Arianna, hoping her presence would be of some comfort.

Instead, Arianna turned to Brittany, offering a strained, distressing smile—clearly forced. "I'm sorry you had to see that," she said.

"Don't say that!" Brittany stepped forward, hugging Arianna. Suddenly, she felt her friend's situation was far more tragic than her own. Brittany hadn't gotten what she wanted, but Arianna had to face her arguing parents. Arianna's father had a mistress and an illegitimate son. He was also patriarchal, intending to give his family business to his illegitimate son rather than dividing it with Arianna simply because she was a girl.

Joseph tried to continue arguing, but Eloise had already gone upstairs. She knocked politely, said hello, and then pushed open the door. The sight of Brittany slightly startled Eloise, who hadn't expected a visitor. However, she quickly nodded and smiled gently. "Oh, hey, Brittany."

"Hello, Ms. Neville!" Brittany replied obediently.

Eloise nodded, then walked straight to Arianna. After a two-second pause, she asked, "Dear, why didn't you go out with Brittany?" She hadn't planned to ask this upon entering but changed her mind upon seeing Brittany.

"It's too cold outside," Arianna said softly, looking down.

"Yes, it's getting colder," Eloise replied. "Your father and I are busy with the company, so we haven't had time to take you shopping. You should buy yourself some more clothes. Here." She took a credit card from her pocket and pressed it into Arianna's hand. "Since Brittany's here, you two can buy some new sweaters together. And let me know if you see anything new—I haven't had time to shop lately." Eloise smiled, as if the argument had never happened.

Brittany admired Eloise's composure and adaptability. She thought Eloise was perfectly suited to manage the Tanner family's affairs.

"I'll look for some clothes for Dad, too," Arianna added. "He never cares about his clothes."

Brittany was surprised. She'd expected Arianna to lose her temper or cry, but Arianna remained calm and even offered to buy clothes for her father. Eloise was momentarily stunned, then smiled and nodded. "That's fine. Get two scarves as well. If the card doesn't have enough, claim more from your father."

"Then I'll need a few more things," Arianna said, half-jokingly.

"All right, go ahead," Eloise said, patting Arianna's back.

After tidying up, Brittany followed Arianna downstairs. Joseph was sitting downstairs smoking a cigarette. Arianna ran to him, hugging his neck. "Dad, I'm going to buy you some clothes and two scarves. You owe me if the card runs out!"

Joseph smiled and turned around. "Okay, sure thing! I'll pay you back."