Chapter 34 Admission. "Judy, it's not what it looks like. We didn't. " Ariana hurriedly explained, her cheeks flushed. "I know. I know. Just be careful. " Judy interrupted her with a knowing look. "It's a good thing Mr. Anderson is willing to be close to you now. It's progress. Keep it up. The sound of a wheelchair approaching came from behind her as she spoke. Theodore appeared by the elevator, his handsome face expressionless. He was wearing a matching shirt and sweater, a pile of documents resting on his thighs. He was clearly busy with work. Judy stopped talking as soon as she saw him. She greeted Theodore respectfully, before hurrying downstairs. Ariana hadn't yet recovered from her embarrassment and couldn't face Theodore at the moment. She just said hello quickly and ran back to her room. When Alina finally awoke, it was almost ten o'clock. Ariana helped the little girl put on the hat and scarf Judy had prepared upon her request. Then she took Alina to meet Molly Flynn, Sarah's mother. Molly had been waiting for quite some time. She thanked Ariana and then she and Alina got into a taxi. Ariana watched as it drove away, feeling a little sentimental. Just then, her phone beeped

It was a message from Sonia. She read it before hailing a taxi. With red curly hair, Sonia sat at a corner table of a coffee shop in the south of the city. Her face, which was sweet and delicate, was focused on her laptop screen. She was furiously typing, fighting against internet trolls. The chimes on the cafe door sounded. She raised her head to see who it was, and her eyes lit up. She clapped her hands together. "I'm over here, Ariana!". Ariana turned her head, dimples appearing in her cheeks. "Sonia, you look on edge. "I'm so excited to see you!" Sonia exclaimed before running toward Ariana. The two sat down and Sonia said, "You're so bad! We haven't seen each other for so long. Did you not miss me at all?". "Why do you say that? Of course I missed you," Ariana said affectionately as she leaned over and pinched Sonia's cheek playfully. Sonia snorted at this, and took out the flash drive from her bag. "This is what you came for. Lynch is going to attend the fashion banquet in three days' time. No media is allowed; it's very private. You can't get in without an invitation. Taking the flash drive, Ariana asked, "How am going to get an invitation?". "It's an exclusive banquet. It's not easy to get one. " Sonia scratched her head, lost in thought. And then something crossed her mind. She knocked on the table excitedly. "You know what? I have the guest list

It took some work getting it. You can take a look and see if you know anyone on there. There must be plus ones at an event like this. If there's anyone you know, they could take you with them. Ariana nodded, her hopes rising again. "Let me see the list. Sonia opened the document on her laptop and turned the screen to face. Ariana. "This isn't the full version, but it was the best I could get. "It'll be enough. " Ariana scanned quickly through the list and noticed some familiar names. Adrian, the vice president of the BRD Group and Ivan, the Italian designer she had met the day before. After considering the options, she pulled out Ivan's business card from her purse and dialed his number. The phone connected and she said her name. On the other side of the phone, Ivan sounded very enthusiastic. "I'm glad to hear from you so soon after our meeting. How can I help you, Ms. Edwards?". Ariana smiled. After some small talk, she revealed the reason for calling. Ivan sounded surprised. "Do you know what the purpose of the banquet is?”. Ariana hesitated before asking, now feeling uncertain, "Isn't it a banquet for people from the fashion field?". Ivan chuckled at this. "I can get you in, under one condition. " 3