Chapter 9 Ariana's Best Friend

• This university was her true dream school, and Reyan Medical School had an affiliated hospital right in Willon City.
• All first-year students in Willon City must intern at the affiliated hospital for three months before attending classes at Reyan Medical School.
• That timing worked perfectly. Three months was enough for her to take care of things in Willon City.
• "I knew you'd be here." A clear voice rang out behind Ariana.
• She turned around to see a girl in a limited-edition dress, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down her shoulders, exuding an elegant and noble aura as she approached with a smile.
• Her name was Olivia Stewart, the true top scholar and campus queen of Carlison High School, the pinnacle of Willon City's elite social circle, and also Ariana's best friend.
• Everyone at school was surprised that Olivia would lower herself to hang out with someone like Ariana.
• What they forgot was that, years ago, Ariana was once among the brightest and the best.
• Olivia walked up beside her, glancing at the application form in Ariana's hand, and asked, "Why did you change your application?"
• Ariana looked toward the red sun in the distance, her expression resolute.
• "I've decided not to run away anymore. I want revenge," Ariana said.
• "That's great! You finally came to your senses." Olivia smiled with relief, affectionately draping her arm over Ariana's shoulder, curiosity shining in her eyes.
• Olivia said, "You must have a plan, right? What are you going to do? Do you need my help?"
• Ariana flashed a mischievous smile and said, "Only you understand me, Olivia."
• Ariana then asked, "Miss Stewart, interested in taking on a side gig?"
• "What side gig?" Olivia asked.
• Ariana leaned closer to Olivia and whispered. As Olivia listened, she too broke into a similar sly smile.
• Olivia said, "No problem, I'll invest in this project."
• The two shared a knowing handshake when Olivia recalled something else.
• Olivia said, "By the way, did you resolve the marriage issue from yesterday?"
• Ariana said, "Sort of."
• Mentioning yesterday's events made Ariana furrow her brow. She recounted the entire situation to Olivia.
• "What? You actually marry a gigolo?" Olivia exclaimed in shock, prompting Ariana to quickly cover her mouth.
• "Shh! Although he's in that line of work, I think he should be a decent person," Ariana said.
• Faced with her best friend's doubtful gaze, Ariana's confidence wavered.
• "Ariana, marriage isn't a game, especially since you've only met him once. The situation is too unpredictable," Olivia said.
• With Olivia's serious expression fixed on her, Ariana stubbornly defended herself.
• Ariana said, "I have a contract signing with him today. Once there's a contract, he won't dare act recklessly. It's just he hasn't replied to me yet."
• "What? He hasn't even replied? He isn't running off with your money, is he?" Olivia gasped, suddenly alarmed.
• "Um... I don't think so," Ariana said.
• Olivia said, "You're really naïve. This guy is twenty-seven and still in that line of work. Would a reliable person do that?"
• Olivia rolled her eyes in exasperation, which only made Ariana feel more anxious.
• In the afternoon, Ariana sent Simon several messages, but each time her messages fell into the void with no response.
• She could only reassure herself that maybe Simon was older and wasn't familiar with WhatsApp.
• Finally, the school day ended, and Ariana rushed out of the gates.
• The café she had arranged to meet Simon at was right next to the school entrance, but Ariana didn't see him.
• What she didn't notice was that across the street, a low-key luxury Rolls-Royce was parked, with a stern figure barely visible inside.
• Time ticked away slowly, and soon Simon had missed their agreed-upon time.
• Her heart sank little by little.
• Could it be that I have truly been deceived? Should I never have trusted him?
• "Ariana." Not far away, a handsome young man was striding towards her.
• Ariana looked up to meet his gaze, her expression darkening further.
• It was Daniel.
• Daniel's sharp features and graceful presence gave him a striking, almost deceptively perfect appearance.
• Daniel stopped in front of Ariana, his eyes filled with displeasure as he began to scold her vehemently.
• "I heard everything from Elaine yesterday. You splashed coffee on her and wanted to push her into the lion's den? She has been so supportive of you. How could you be so heartless? Do you even have a conscience?" Daniel said.
• "No conscience? They're the ones who set me up to marry that creep, and Elaine has a conscience?" Ariana scoffed.
• Daniel said, "You're talking nonsense. Elaine is the kindest person. She came to me, begging for help to save the Ransom family for your sake. And what did you do? You're only thinking of yourself. How can you be so selfish? I'm so disappointed in you."
• Daniel grew even more furious, defending Elaine with every word he spoke.
• "Likewise, I'm very disappointed in you. Move aside!" Ariana gave a cold smile, her heart now thoroughly chilled.
• Once, Daniel had treated her like a brother, and she had cherished that familial friendship deeply.