Chapter 19
Ariana sifted through the shredded documents, checking each piece under the light. She looked gentle, a sharp contrast to aquela, that spiteful woman. Aquela, who seemed to make it her life's purpose to hinder me, would never lift a finger to help. Every glance she threw at me was filled with contempt, as if she hated me more than anyone in the world.
One more month, and I’d finally be free from her grasp. No matter how vicious her schemes were, all that was left was to hold on a little longer.
“You’re awake. Why didn’t you sleep better?” Ariana smiled warmly and asked in a gentle tone. “Why are you still here? It’s late, and your parents are probably worried.” I didn’t want to trouble her, so I moved her aside and hastily urged her to leave.
However, she merely winked at me. In a soft, gentle tone, she replied, “It’s okay, I told them I was coming to see you, and they’re fine with it.”
I was surprised to find that her parents still remembered me. “By the way,” she said, handing me her phone and observing my reaction, “I’ve rented an office and registered a new company. Take a look.”
I looked at the registered company name—Josh Taime. This felt like an open declaration of her feelings. I cleared my throat, feeling awkward. Unsure what to say, I nodded with a smile. “Congratulations. Looks like the company registration went smoothly.”
“You’re congratulating me?” Arama blinked and smiled. “Actually, you should be saying, ‘Congrats to both of us.’”
She continued, “Joshua, this company is ours. You’re my partner and a shareholder. I’m giving you 20% of the tech shares.”
“That’s a lot!” Her offer took me aback. As I quickly waved my hands to decline, I continued, “No. That’s too much. I haven’t done anything to deserve it.”
“What do you mean by that?” She looked at me with that familiar warm smile, her eyes crinkling. “Your willingness to help with my company is already a contribution. As the founder, don’t you think you deserve 49% of the shares?”
Her voice softened. “And don’t even think about declining my offer. Otherwise, I won’t let you help me with my company.”
Seeing her determination, I didn’t know what else to say. I could only nod in agreement. “Well, thank you for everything,” I smiled, wanting to express my gratitude, but the words came out awkwardly. Arlana waved it off.
“No need to thank me. We’re partners now, and I’m just doing what I should. If you really want to show your appreciation, why not come help me at the company sooner?”
I was just about to say something when my phone vibrated. When I glanced at the caller ID, my heart skipped a beat. It was Firquella.
Crap! I must’ve accidentally silenced my phone. She’d called me at least thirty times, and I hadn’t heard a thing. The last time I missed one of her calls, she sent people to trash my bedroom. With this missed call, I had no idea what she would do to me. I glanced at the incoming call and switched off my phone.
Ariana noticed my expression and smiled. “Is Racquelle calling you?”