Chapter 18
Gasps of shock rippled through the entire gathering.
The collaborative projects between Sinclair and North Shore Industries were each worth billions in potential profits–and Dominic Reed was willing to surrender all of it?||
Ariana felt her heart lurch.
She knew Christopher was fundamentally a businessman; no one would refuse such a lucrative proposition.[]
Yet to her surprise, Christopher laughed coldly: “Not necessary.“]
As if on cue, the Sinclair family members rose in unison, while Elena walked directly to Ariana’s side, taking her hand: “Ariana is a Sinclair now, not a commodity for negotiation.“[]
Ariana’s eyes grew hot with emotion, warmth spreading through her chest.
HERIT
Dominic stared at them in disbelief before turning back to Ariana with a plea that bordered on desperation: “Ari… please, come with me. I’ll make it up to the rest of my life.”
Ariana closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them, only cold
remained: “NO.“[
She turned to the officiant: “Please continue the ceremony.”
“No one moves!” he commanded sharply.[]
The pain in Dominic’s eyes instantly transformed into something closer
to
madne
you
for
His assistant hurried forward, whispering urgently: “Sir, everything is in place outside.” W
Ariana’s heart skipped a beat as she stared at Dominic: “What are you planning?“[]
Dominic’s eyes burned with a dangerous red glint, his voice low and menacing: “I’ve planted explosives throughout the building. If you refuse to leave with me, everyone here… dies together.“]
The room fell into shocked silence.]
Ariana felt ice spreading through her veins: “Have you lost your mind?!“[]
“Yes I have,” he stared directly at her, enunciating each word. “If you marry someone else, I’ll lose my mind completely.“[]
“Dominic Reed!” Her voice trembled. “What do you want?!“]
“Come with me,” he continued to stare at her. “Give me one chance.“[]
1 refuse!”
Then we all die together.”
Ariana felt pushed to the breaking point, her nails digging deeply into her palms.[]
Just then, Christopher grasped her hand, his voice calm but firm: “Then we die together.“]
The Sinclair family spoke in unison: “We stand together.“]
The guests, however, panicked, many falling to their knees in supplication
“Miss Reeves, plege agree to his demands! This is your personal affair–don’t involve innocent bystanders![]
Yes, we’re just here for a wedding reception. How can we deserve such a fater-
Ariana kat her lip hard, finally taking a deep breath: Fine.“{}
She looked at Dománit, her voice bry: 111 give you one week. From now on, you must stop these insane actions {}
Dominic’s eyes instantly hit with wild joy “No problem
Christopher tightened his grip on her hand: Ant
Chapter 18
Ariana looked at him, saying softly: “Do you trust me? Just one week, alright?“[]
After a prolonged silence, Christopher chose to respect her decision and released her hand.
Elena pressed a small purse into Ariana’s hands, whispering: “Ariana, there’s something important inside. Look at it when you have time.“[]
Ariana nodded and followed Dominic out.]
…0
Dominic eagerly attempted to usher her toward his private jet, but Ariana coldly stated: “If you dare take me out of South Bay, I’ll kill myself right here, and you can blow everyone up.“[]
Dominic immediately yielded: “Alright, alright, we’ll stay. If you prefer South Bay, we’ll remain here.
He made a call, arranging for South Bay’s most expensive mansion to be prepared immediately.[]
When Ariana walked into the estate, she froze in place-[]
The interior had been decorated to perfectly replicate her childhood home before her mother’s death.[]
Dominic embraced her from behind, asking softly. “Do you like it?”
Ariana laughed bitterly: “I seem to recall you used similar tactics to please Mia, right?“||]
