Chapter 887
Arianna never expected defeat at the hands of such a person. She believed she had everything under control, her only obstacle seemingly her uncle. She hadn't foreseen a betrayal from within her own ranks.
Eloise sat across the table, appearing ten years older, strands of gray hair visible at her temples. Her eyes were red and swollen. "Ari..." she began, her misery palpable.
"Are you happy seeing me like this?" Arianna sneered, her lips curling. "Now you can depend on your precious son for a comfortable life, huh? You're just like Dad. All you care about are your sons. Why bother having me?" She chuckled bitterly. "I was so foolish to think you were sincere."
"Ari, please, I knew nothing of Nate's plan. He kept me completely in the dark. Please believe me!" Eloise pleaded, distressed by Arianna's disappointment. While she was indifferent to whether Arianna or Nathaniel controlled Tanner Corporation, she had hoped to prevent sibling conflict. She'd feared Arianna would target Nathaniel after seizing the company, but the opposite had transpired.
"Enough!" Arianna's voice rose. "I don't want to hear your lies. Save them for your precious son. The pretense is over; I'm no longer useful to you." Her impatience flared. "Save your tears and theatrics for your darling son, Mother, my best actress!"
"Ari, how could you say that? I've never..." Eloise began, but Arianna rose to leave. "Ari, I'll find a way to save you! I'll ask Noah for help. The Richards family must be able to help!" Eloise concluded that only Noah Richards could assist her now. After all, he should save his fiancée, especially considering their recent engagement.
Hearing the name, Arianna paused, her lips curling as she slowly turned. "Ms. Eloise Neville, don't be naive! Don't you know what the Richards family and Noah are like? Stop wasting your time!"
"No, no! I'm sure he'll save you. He'll yield to public opinion, even if he doesn't want to!"
"Forget him! He was here before you arrived and told me he'd stay out of it. Our relationship was purely transactional. He'd only cut me loose to avoid trouble, let alone help me."
"H-How could he?" Eloise was shocked, though a premonition had lingered. Years in the world of the wealthy had taught her cynicism. Yet, in this crisis, she'd clung to the hope of genuine connection and loyalty.
Ari is right. I've been too naive. Who risks their self-interest for a woman they haven't even married? In this world, it's all self-interest; genuine relationships are a myth.
"Anyway, Nate shouldn't be so smug. Does he think he's so clever? He only won because of my oversight. Uncle Derrick—"