Chapter 17 Mother of Two
Ariadne kept her distance from Xander and Crystal throughout the party. Even when they sat down for dinner, she continued to converse with the other guests. As expected, Xander sat with Crystal, while Ariadne sat beside Zidane. After dinner, everyone left. Ariadne left with Zidane which didn't escape Xander's eyes.
"Mr. Watson and Aria seemed very close. They may have denied it in public, but I doubt they are together." Crystal stated, glancing at Xander.
They were on their way to Miller Residence.
"She always has good taste. She was after you in the past, and now it's Zidane Watson. After you, he is the wealthiest and most eligible bachelor around." Crystal added as there was no response from Xander.
"It's their personal matter." Xander replied, refusing to discuss the subject.
"Of course, I am just curious. Aria has changed a lot. I am very happy for her." Crystal smirked, noticing Xander's foul mood at the mention of Ariadne.
After dropping Crystal off at the Miller Residence, Xander turned to Jose.
"Find out more about Zidane and Ariadne's relationship." he instructed.
"Ok, Boss."
Though the night had come to an end, it had left many unsettled minds behind.
.........
A few days had passed since the party. Zidane had returned to Purple City, and work on the project had begun, keeping everyone busy.
"Madam, the President of Blake Corporation, Mr. Blake, wishes to speak with you about a new project. His assistant called to arrange a schedule." Linda, Ariadne's personal assistant, informed.
"I am extremely busy right now, Linda. Tell them it will take some time before I have time. If they want, they can discuss the project with Mr. Hart." Ariadne replied.
She suspected that Xander was using it as an excuse to talk to her. Until then, Ariadne had successfully avoided Xander. She didn't want to face him alone, at least for the time being.
...
"Boss, I have gathered the information. There's no romantic relationship between Miss Ariadne and Zidane Watson. They are only close friends." Jose informed Xander.
"They are not in a relationship right now, but that doesn't mean they never will be. Zidane did seem interested in her." Xander stated.
"Yes, Boss. But the chances are slim as Miss Ariadne has moved here and Zidane Watson will remain in Purple City."
"Hmm," Xander appeared deep in thought.
"Umm....One more thing, Boss. Miss Ariadne has once again declined to meet you." Jose cleared his throat before adding.
"What's her excuse this time?"
"Same. She is too busy to work on another project, right now. I think she is deliberately avoiding you. It has been a week, and she is still giving us the same reason." Jose expressed his doubts.
"Of course, she has been avoiding me since she returned." Xander had long realized that Ariadne was avoiding talking to him.
Since her return, Xander had wanted to talk to her in person. He didn't have any opportunities during the presentation or at the party. There were plenty of people present, including Crystal.
So he instructed Jose to arrange a meeting under the pretext of a new project. It was not entirely a pretext, though. However, Ariadne seemed to have realized his underlying motive. But, Xander couldn't take a no in this matter anymore.
"If she can't come here, we will go there." Xander smirked.
"What? Are you serious?" Jose's eyes widened with shock.
"Yes."
Xander was known as an arrogant businessman. He rarely went to visit anyone. Everyone needed to visit his office to meet with him. However, despite having an appointment, Xander refused to meet with many people. So it was unbelievable for him to visit someone's office.
...
Ariadne was reviewing some documents in her office when she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in." she said without lifting her gaze from the documents.
The door clicked opened.
"Mommy. Mommy."
The room echoed with a childish voice.
Ariadne immediately lifted her gaze to see Adrian and Autumn with big smiles on their faces.
"Oh my god." Ariadne hurriedly adjusted herself as Autumn dashed towards her for a hug.
Mary trailed behind them, carrying the children's schoolbags.
"I miss you, Mommy." Autumn declared as Ariadne placed the little girl on her lap.
"Mommy missed you too, dear. But why are you two here at this hour? Did you skip school?" Ariadne inquired, then looked at Mary for answer.
"No. Classes ended early today because there will be a teachers' meeting about the upcoming event. They wanted to have lunch with you and see your office. So I bring them here." Mary informed.
"Oh, I see." Ariadne stood, carrying Autumn, and approached Adrian, who was silently observing the office.
"Do you like the office, Adrian?" Ariadne put Autumn down and ruffled Adrian's hair, who smiled at her.
He wasn't as expressive as Autumn and Alex.
"It's beautiful, Mommy. Can I take a look at your desk?" Adrian asked.
"Of course you can." she smiled.
Ariadne and Mary sat on the couch in the corner, while Autumn joined Adrian in exploring their mother's office. After the kids had finished exploring every corner of her office, Ariadne took them to lunch at the restaurant.
...
The black Rolls-Royce pulled out in front of the Watson Group building.
"We are here, Boss." Jose informed Xander, who was working on his laptop in the back seat.
"Hmm..." he closed the laptop and peeked out the window. "So, this is Watson Group's office."
"Yes, Boss."
Xander put on his coat, which was lying next to him on the seat, before getting out of the car.
"Did you inform them of our arrival?" he asked, wearing his sunglasses.
"No, Boss, as you instructed. And I have confirmed that she is in the office today."
"Good."
They entered the building. The office was not overcrowded. It was nearly empty, with only a few employees. Everyone stared at them as they passed by. They were shocked when they recognized them. However, no one dared to say anything. They approached the girl at the counter.
"Excuse me, we are here to meet Miss Ariadne Miller." Jose said.
"Do you have an appointment?" The girl asked without lifting her gaze from the computer screen.
"No, Miss."
"Then sorry...." The girl came to a halt as she looked at the guests. "Mr. Blake!" She was too shocked to react.
Everyone in Zavion City was aware of Xander's status.
"Do we need an appointment to meet with Miss Ariadne?" Jose asked suggestively.
"Umm.. No... Sorry sir.. you don't have to." The girl struggled to find words. "I will notify Miss Miller right away about your arrival. Wait a minute." She called Mr. Hart immediately.
"Sir, Mr. Blake from Blake Corporation is here to meet with Miss Miller... yes.. what... okay..I will tell him." After hanging up the phone, the girl looked at Jose. "Umm...Sorry, Sir... I am afraid you will have to wait for a while. Miss Miller has gone for her lunch. She has some guests."
"Guests?" Xander frowned.
"Umm.. it's some family members. She left a long time ago. She might be on her way back." The girl blurted out everything.
"Family members!" Xander and Jose exchanged glances.
"Would you like to wait, Sir?"
"Yes, we will wait." Xander's response took Jose by surprise.
"Ok, Sir. Let me show you the way."
The girl went to escort them to the waiting room on the second floor. After taking the lift to the second floor, they headed towards the waiting room. However, as they turned left, they encountered Ariadne, who was approaching from the opposite side. When they saw Ariadne, they came to a halt.
What drew Xander's attention were the two kids. Ariadne carried Autumn while Adrian was walking beside her. Mary trailed behind them, holding a package. Xander frowned at the scene.
"Mommy, the food was delicious, and your office is so beautiful. Can we come again?" Autumn spoke loudly, catching everyone's attention.
Xander and Jose exchanged confused looks as they stared at the cute girl.
"Yes, baby. You...." Ariadne's words got stuck in her throat, as soon as she spotted Xander and the other two.
She came to a halt and her face turned pale. Xander examined all three faces repeatedly. Adrian and Autumn looked exactly like Ariadne. Everyone can tell they were related. Adrian and Autumn, too, were staring at Xander. There was a brief moment of silence.
"Mommy?" Ariadne regained her composer when Autumn called her, taping her hand.
"Huh?" Ariadne looked at her.
"Who are they, Mommy?" Autumn asked in a low voice, intimidated by Xander's intense gaze.
Ariadne gulped, having no idea what to do. She was completely taken aback to see Xander in her office. Worst of all, he saw her with the kids.
"Umm, kids. I have some guests. I can no longer accompany you. You ate your lunch. Now, go home with Granny. Okay?" She acted quickly, persuading the kids to return home.
Mary, as in clue, took the kids and hurriedly left.
"Goodbye, Mommy." The kids said as they left.
Xander kept his gaze fixed on the children all the time.
"Hello, Mr. Blake. How come you are here?" She said, clearing her throat, after the kids had gone out of sight.
"Ummm, Madam. Mr. Blake wishes to meet you, so I bring him and his assistant here." The receptionist informed.
"Oh, ok. You can leave now." Ariadne dismissed the girl. "Let's go to my office, Mr. Blake. We can talk there."
Ariadne walked ahead of them, towards her office. She didn't even turn to see if Xander was following her or not. She was very nervous about the situation. She entered her office and moved aside, holding the door for them. Xander and Jose entered the room.
"Please take your seats." Ariadne said after closing the door.
Xander took a seat opposite Ariadne's chair, while Jose stood near the door, giving them some privacy.
"Now, tell me, what do I owe you for this visit?" Ariadne said as she sat in her chair.
"Who are those kids?" Xander went straight to the point, making Ariadne uneasy.
"They addressed you as Mommy. Are those really your kids?" Xander furrowed his brows suspiciously.
"Yes." Ariadne answered hesitantly.
"Are they your biological children?" Xander's frown deepened.
"Yes. I think you are here to talk about business."
"You are not married. Or are you?" Xander continued his interrogation.
"Mr. Blake..."
"Are you married, or not?" Xander cut her off.
"No, I am not married. Everyone would have known if I was." Ariadne got frustrated.
"Then who is the father of your kids?"
Ariadne remained silent for a moment, examining Xander's expression. His eyes were filled with anger and disgust. She made up her mind and collected herself.
"It's none of your business, Mr. Blake." She stated firmly.
"Is it Zidane Watson?"
"What? No."
"Then who?"
"I don't need to tell you." Ariadne gritted her teeth.
"Oh really?" Xander smirked as he rested his back against the chair. "So they are your bastard children. You slept with some random guy and gave birth to two kids."
"Xander," Ariadne yelled as she stood up from her chair, furious.