Seeing that Stella had returned, it was natural that she would take Yara with her, probably headed to Mitch's.
Seeing her spirited demeanor, I had a hunch she was off to flaunt. Knowing how much Mitch cherished his kids, so he would definitely be unable to accept all three children being with her.
But, that was their marital issue; all I could do was mediate when conflicts arise, and help out a bit. I couldn't constantly interfere.
After Stella left, Norah and I focused on taking care of Serena and Brandon.
Around nine in the evening, I received a call from Ariana. I have no idea how she got my number.
"Ms. Finch, what's your issue with me? Are you trying to drive me to my grave?" Ariana's tone was quite agitated, "You know well enough how difficult it is for me to raise a child on my own. What am I supposed to do after losing my job?!"
"You could choose not to quit. I could just leak the video, right?" I was unflappable, even amused.
Was this the standard reaction when a bitch was driven into a corner? Always blaming others. Rather than reflect on herself, it was easier to blame others. Ariana embodied this to the fullest.
Seething, Ariana said, "I didn't want to quit. It's just a video. Which rich man nowadays doesn't have mistresses? I'm not afraid! But what gives you the right to have Mr. Whitmore fire me? I don't work for his company; what right does he have to fire me?"
This did take me by surprise.
When did Neil start playing the good Samaritan? Perhaps he wanted to help Mitch out, so he made the decision for him.
Given the degree of trust Mitch had in Neil, as long as his attitude was stern, Mitch would definitely comply. The collaboration between Neil and Mitch was primarily led by Whitmore Co., so it wouldn't be hard for him to fire an employee.
"Well, that's not my fault. You deserve it." I cheerfully said, hung up the phone and blocked her.
Neil's move was quite good; he probably didn't want to see his best friend's marriage crumble step by step, unable to pick up the pieces.
Getting rid of Ariana sooner could provide Mitch and Stella with the time and space to resolve their conflicts.
While they were resolving their conflicts, I had to deal with the door issue.
Mitch, that bastard, always causing me trouble!
It took me nearly two days to replace the door, and I also installed an alarm system. If anyone tried to trespass again, it would trigger an alarm, and they'd be invited for a 'cup of coffee' at the police station.
After the workers left, I tested the door several times to check the sensitivity of the lock.
As I opened the door for the nth time, the sight of Neil standing outside gave me a fright, my heart nearly jumped out of my throat.
He appeared out of nowhere in broad daylight, just as I was opening and closing the door.
Neil was wearing a simple white linen shirt, looking a tad slimmer than before, but his broad shoulders and defined collarbones were as alluring as ever; his restrained aura and sex appeal intertwined and radiated around him, like a god's favorite child.
His skin was extremely fair, despite intense heat and strong UV rays here which would tan most people. He somehow managed to avoid it, looking even paler than before.
"Lost your mind?" Neil was the first to speak.
"What are you doing here?" My heart was still pounding, mainly from the fright.
"I came to give you an explanation." Neil had a faint scent of smoke on him. He must've just had a cigarette.
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