Chapter 575

"Arianna, where were you that night?" Brittany asked calmly.

"Oh, that night," Arianna replied, scratching her head. "I drank a little too much and was tired, so I went to rest. Besides, I wanted to make sure you had a good time. I didn't expect to fall asleep. I'm sorry about that! What happened that night?"

Brittany didn't answer immediately. Instead, she studied Arianna's face, searching for any slip-up. However, even under Brittany's scrutiny, Arianna remained calm and unflappable, blinking innocently and looking genuinely puzzled.

"I wanted to ask why the paparazzi arrived at half past nine when they were scheduled for ten," Brittany said lightly after a moment of silence. "Now, it seems I didn't even need to ask."

"Huh? What?" Arianna exclaimed, her eyes widening. "They came at half past nine? Why were they so early?"

"Exactly," Brittany said, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Maybe it's providence, or maybe it's a punishment for my ignorance."

Arianna reached for Brittany's hands, worry etched on her face. "Brittany, what's wrong with you?"

Brittany looked at the clasped hands, slowly withdrawing hers. She shook her head. "Nothing, Arianna. Today, I learned how clever you are. You're smarter than the Arianna Tanner I used to know. You really are."

"What do you mean, smarter than the Arianna Tanner you used to know? Brittany, I don't understand anything you're saying," Arianna said, her eyes wide and a little watery, her gaze instantly innocent and confused. She blinked at Brittany, seemingly dazed.

Brittany sighed, unconvinced. "Well, it doesn't matter if you understand. I already have the answer I wanted. Seeing as I'll be leaving, I'm of no value to you anymore. You're on your own now! Although he let me go this time, I decided to brush it off. However, it's hard to say whether he'll go easy on you."

Brittany stood and started to leave. "Brittany," Arianna reached for her wrist, looking at her intently. "What are you talking about? What's this about letting go? What's wrong with you? Are you okay? I'm worried about you!"

"Enough, Arianna!" Brittany snapped, shoving Arianna away in annoyance. "We've reached this point. Is there still a need to pretend? Don't overestimate yourself. I'm telling you, he knows about everything we did. He saw through it. We're no match for him. I'm not his opponent, and neither are you!"

"Brittany, why are you saying such a thing? Aren't we friends?" Arianna, now also standing, maintained a sincere expression.

"Friends?" Brittany sneered. "From now on, we're not friends anymore." She strode out.

Eloise, apparently having overheard the argument from the kitchen, emerged to see Brittany leaving. "Brittany, why are you leaving? Why not stay a while longer? Brittany?" Brittany nodded slightly and left without looking back.

"Hey!" Eloise turned hesitantly to Arianna, unable to stop Brittany. "What happened between the two of you?"