Chapter 176
“Exactly.
Who wears a mask for no reason?” Jennifer replied seriously, hiding her inner laughter as she thought about how easily Ariana had been taken in.
Ariana frowned, feeling guilty for having tried to uncover Holden’s true identity in the past.
@
Jennifer continued, painting a picture of Holden as a misunderstood and mistreated man.
“He only keeps a low profile and distances himself from others because of his traumatic past.
The nanny who saved him from the fire later kidnapped him! Can you believe that? No one has ever been genuinely kind to him; they only want to use him for his wealth and power.
” @
Ariana listened with empathy in her heart.
“It’s so sad,” she whispered.
“Exactly,” Jennifer continued, her tone sounding more and more genuine.
“Holden has been betrayed and used by those close to him, which is why he has become so guarded and cynical.
But he actually doesn’t have any true friends, which is why he was testing you.
He never meant to cause you any harm.
”
Ariana listened silently, her mind absorbed by these new revelations.
“So, do you still harbor resentment toward him?” Jennifer queried with a hint of concern.
“Let bygones be bygones,” she said, still a bit hesitant.
“But anyway, I don’t think we’ll cross paths again.
”
Jennifer could tell that Ariana was still annoyed, so she quickly ditched her smile and tried to ease Ariana’s feelings.
“I understand that you’re still upset.
Holden can be rough around the edges, but that’s just his way of navigating social interactions.
That necklace in the box was purchased by royalty from another kingdom, but Holden was determined to retrieve it for you, knowing how important it was to your late mother.
He really wants to make amends and be friends with you.
”
With Jennifer’s words, Ariana cast her gaze down at the box in her lap and her features finally relaxed.
With a satisfied smirk, Jennifer noticed Ariana’s change of expression.
She was grateful for her talent of being able to craft convincing stories, particularly one about a lonely man with a difficult life.
She didn’t think it would be difficult to evoke Ariana’s empathy.
Ariana hesitated for a moment before holding up the box and asking Jennifer, “Why does this involve you? Does Holden really need you to do something as small as giving me a gift?”
Jennifer took a moment to come up with a reply before feigning tears and responding, “It’s not just a small matter.
It’s very important to me.
Holden’s mood has a significant impact on the entire BRD Group.
”
Ariana was bewildered by Jennifer’s demeanor.
She acted like a woman who enjoyed solving problems for the neighbors.
“Do you know Adrian, my recently betrothed fiance?” Jennifer asked, her aloof expression appearing strangely sad as she feigned sobs.
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Ariana confirmed, “Yes, he’s the Vice President of BRD Group.
”
Hearing this, Jennifer covered her face and cried, “Now he’s just a miner.
How pitiful!”
Ariana, at a loss for words, patted Jennifer’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.
“What happened? Why is he just a miner now?” she asked.
Jennifer sniffled and replied, “Holden was so angry after you tased him the other day, and he took it out on Adrian for not stopping you.
As a result, Adrian was sent to work as a miner
Ariana clicked her tongue and commented, “Just because of that? But Adrian had nothing to do with it!”
Jennifer took a deep breath, wiped her tears and gazed at Ariana with a sorrowful expression.
Deep down, Jennifer was cursing Adrian.
If it weren’t because of that idiot who dared to make fun of Holden, she wouldn’t have come here to make amends for him.
Adrian deserved to go mining.