Chapter 719

"No way!" Arianna exclaimed, pressing her face against Eloise's while holding her arm. "I'm real! If you don't believe me, pinch my face!"

Eloise laughed and pinched Arianna's cheek. "Oh, it really is you. I thought you were a fake," she joked.

Mother and daughter erupted into laughter, all doubts seemingly forgotten. After a moment, Eloise's laughter faded. "I didn't mean anything by that," she said seriously. "I just feel like you've grown up so much. You're no longer an obedient child. You're starting to have your own ideas and can even advise me. You've grown up!"

Eloise studied her daughter's face and sighed. Her daughter was an adult, and she, herself, was getting older. Her beauty was fading, and much was beyond her control, however reluctant she was to accept it.

"I'm 26! Of course, I've grown up!" Arianna retorted with a pout.

"That's right. You're already 26!" Eloise sighed again, then seemed to remember something important. "I've neglected my role as a mother. It's about time I arranged a marriage for you."

Arianna immediately let go of Eloise's arm. "I told you I have a boyfriend. I don't need an arranged marriage," she grumbled.

"Nonsense!" Eloise scoffed, disbelieving. "Why are you lying to me? Do you think I wouldn't know if you had a boyfriend? What kind of boyfriend never takes you on dates or calls you? You're making him up, aren't you?"

"That's not the case" Arianna sighed, her thoughts drifting to Alexander. Even at a young age, she knew what she wanted and didn't want. While other little girls played with dolls and dreamed of being princesses, Arianna knew that, due to her patriarchal father, she could never truly be one. Nothing of the Tanner family would ever belong to her. Besides, being a princess didn't matter; princes ruled the world, not princesses. She knew she had to fight for what she wanted.

As other girls pursued romantic ideals, Arianna prioritized finding a wealthy, compatible man over a handsome, romantic boyfriend. She wasn't interested in falling in love or envying romantic relationships; she focused on finding the perfect candidate. She ultimately decided that Alexander was that candidate. His family background, wealth, and power made him the most suitable match. He was also incredibly handsome, exceeding her expectations. With him, she wouldn't end up with nothing; the Tanner family would be within her reach.

This led her to plot against Brittany and Alexander. Initially, she planned to sleep with him, letting the paparazzi capture photos, then using the situation and the families' standing to force Alexander's submission. However, he proved far more cunning and ruthless than she anticipated, nearly catching her in the act.

Although dissatisfied, Arianna knew controlling such a man was difficult. Weighing the pros and cons, she decided to abandon the plan for now. Finding a man from a family comparable to the Tanners wouldn't be difficult. She wouldn't waste time on a man she couldn't control and risk harming herself.