Chapter 3 Distant Family

• The three members of the Ransom family momentarily stiffened, their expressions turning slightly strained as they took in Ariana's heavy makeup.
• Fortunately, they had already shown Benedict Ariana's bare-faced photo earlier.
• Martha quickly reacted, feigning affection as she reached for Ariana's hand.
• Martha said, "Ariana, why are you back so late? We have a distinguished guest in the house. Come, sit next to Benedict so he can get a good look at you."
• Benedict, with his bloated frame and beady eyes, leered at Ariana's chest.
• Upon hearing Martha's words, he obediently made room on the single sofa, grinning oily at her.
• "Ariana has grown up so much! Come over here so I can have a good feel... I mean, take a good look at you," Benedict said.
• Ariana sneered inwardly, skillfully avoiding Martha's dirty hand.
• Ariana said, "No, I'm tired. I'm going to rest first."
• With that, she started to head upstairs, but Martha quickly signaled Elaine.
• Elaine rushed to grab a cup of coffee, blocking Ariana's path.
• Elaine said, "Ariana, you must be thirsty after coming back. How about a cup of coffee before you rest?"
• Ariana halted, glancing at the "coffee" in Elaine's hand, and without hesitation, accepted it.
• The other four sighed in relief, while Elaine internally chuckled. Ariana is indeed the same fool as always.
• This coffee was laced with something. Once Ariana took a sip, she would become Benedict's.
• Just thinking about the horrific methods Benedict employed on women, which he would soon use on Ariana, made Elaine nearly laugh out loud.
• Ariana raised her gaze, her expression cold as she scanned Elaine's face.
• In the next moment, she unexpectedly shoved the cup back into Elaine's hands and said, "I think you should drink it yourself."
• The scalding coffee splashed on Elaine, causing her to scream in pain.
• The cup shattered into pieces, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense.
• Jared's face turned ashen as he bellowed at Ariana in rage, "Ariana! What are you doing? Where are your manners as a lady?"
• Ariana met Jared's cold expression, and her heart felt devoid of any emotion.
• For ten years, no matter how hard she tried, Jared had never shown her a trace of kindness.
• Ariana was utterly numb from disappointment.
• Looking at the room full of people plotting against her, Ariana said indifferently, "I'm married now. I'm not a young girl anymore."
• "What did you just say?" The four schemers in the room were momentarily dumbfounded.
• The lecherous Benedict immediately questioned Jared, "Jared, what's going on?"
• Jared's face turned pale, and he quickly began to flatteringly explain to Benedict, "Benedict, don't listen to her nonsense."
• "Ariana has just turned twenty. How could she possibly be married to someone? Please be patient," Jared added.
• Ariana had already anticipated this. Even if she said that, Jared and the others wouldn't easily give up.
• She reached into her bag and pulled out the marriage license, a mocking smile playing on her lips.
• Ariana said, "What? Don't you all recognize a marriage license?"
• The group was completely stunned, with Elaine's eyes widening in shock.
• They had thought Ariana was just throwing a tantrum, but she actually produced a marriage license.
• Hasn't she always been infatuated with Daniel? How could she be married to another man?
• The sleazy Benedict beside him flew into a rage, practically jumping with fury. He pointed a finger at Jared's face and launched into a tirade. "Jared, you liar! You had the nerve to tell me she was pure and untouched when she's clearly a married woman!"
• His face turned ashen with fear as he quickly bent over and shook his head humbly, saying, "No, Benedict! How could I ever deceive you? Let me explain..."
• Ariana cast a scornful glance at Jared, nonchalantly retracting the marriage license.
• "I'm already married. Elaine is the one who is pure and untouched. She's always been the belle of the campus."
• As soon as she finished speaking, Benedict's gaze immediately turned lecherous as he eyed Elaine, revealing a sinister grin.
• "Right, Mr. Ransom, how could I forget your eldest daughter? Miss Ransom is pure and untouched. She's a perfect match for me," Benedict said.
• "No!" Elaine shouted. Her face went pale in an instant, and she backed away in fear.
• Jared and Martha panicked. They had never imagined things would escalate to this point.
• Jared said, "Ariana, how can you push Elaine into the lion's den?"
• Jared angrily pointed at Ariana as if she weren't his daughter but a sworn enemy.
• Ariana let out a light scoff in her heart. So, I am expendable, but Elaine is off-limits.
• "What's wrong? Do you think marrying Elaine to Benedict is pushing her into the lion's den?" Ariana blinked innocently and countered, prompting Benedict to explode with rage. He slapped Jared hard across the face.
• "Are you kidding me? It should be her honor to marry me! If Elaine doesn't marry me today, your company is done for," Benedict said.
• Jared's face immediately swelled, and he struggled to speak clearly. "Benedict, I..."
• "Mom, I don't want to marry him!" Elaine said.
• Elaine was so scared her legs went weak. She quickly hid behind Martha, trembling uncontrollably.