Chapter Twenty-One: Public Reveal
As Diane entered the company's cafeteria, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air.
"Sweets..!" Diane muttered loudly to herself.
She selected a sandwich and a cup of tea before finding a seat near the large windows overlooking the city.
As she settled in, conversations were interrupted by the sudden increase in volume from the television mounted on the wall.
"Breaking News," the anchor announced, capturing everyone's attention.
"Leon Hoffman's daughter, Diane, has returned and is now officially declared as his rightful heir. In a surprising turn of events, she also secretly married Gabriel Frost."
Gasps and murmurs spread through the cafeteria.
Diane felt the numerous eyes turning towards her, but she maintained her composure, taking a sip of her tea.
Across the room, Rachel's eyebrows furrowed as she watched the broadcast.
Her fingers tightened around her coffee cup, knuckles whitening.
Unable to contain her frustration, she slammed the cup onto the table, the sharp sound vibrated through the table.
Without a word, she stood and exited the cafeteria, her heels clicked loudly and aggressively against the tiled floor.
Diane allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.
Rachel's irritation was a clear indication that the announcement had unsettled her.
She took another sip of her tea, enjoying the moment.
Reaching for her phone, Diane composed a message to her father:
-Father, it's better if Arthur comes to me today. We need to act before Rachel does something bad.-
After sending the message, she glanced around the cafeteria, noting the curiosi and colleagues' faces.
She straightened her posture, showing her confidence and authority.
In this life: she was going to claim what was hers.
She then checked the calendar on her phone, "hhhmm, my dear Evelyn, you should show up soon to the scenario."
In a luxurious penthouse across town, Adrian and Evelyn were both sitting on a plush sofa.
Their eyes were glued to the television screen displaying the same news broadcast.
"Well, isn't this an interesting development," Adrian remarked, swirling a glass of whiskey.
"Do you think this will affect our plans?" Evelyn asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
"It might complicate things," Adrian admitted, taking a sip.
"But every complication presents an opportunity. We'll need to reassess and adjust accordingly."
Meanwhile, in a low lit office, Richard was behind his desk, fixed on the television.
As the news sank in, a surge of rage overtook him.
With an aggressive yell, he swept everything off his desk, papers and objects crashed to the floor.
His chest heaved with anger, fists clenched tightly at his sides.
"Damn her!" he spat, pacing the room. "She thinks she can just waltz back in and take everything?"
He started plotting his next move.
This unexpected news threatened his position, and he wasn't about to let Diane undermine his ambitions.
Gabriel sat in his office, with a satisfied smile on his lips as he watched the news.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin.
"Everything is falling into place," he murmured to himself. "Now, let's see how they all react."
He glanced at the door, anticipating Diane's arrival.
Their marriage, both personal and professional, was now public knowledge.
The real game was about to begin, and Gabriel was ready to play his part.
>___<
Later that evening, Diane sat alone in her living room, Riot was nearby.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
Riot moved to answer, revealing Leon Hoffman standing on the threshold, holding the hand of a young boy.
"Diane," Leon greeted. "I hope it's not too late."
"Father," Diane replied, rising to her feet.
Then, she shifted to the boy, who looked up at her with wide eyes. "And this must be Arthur."
Leon nodded, gently guiding Arthur forward.
"Yes, this is your brother. Given the current circumstances, I believe it's safest for him to stay here with you."
Diane crouched down to Arthur's level, offering a warm smile.
"Hello, Arthur. I'm Diane. You probably don't remember me, but I'm your sister."
Arthur glanced at his father before returning his gaze to Diane, he nodded shyly.
Leon placed a reassuring hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"Arthur, you'll be staying with your sister for a while. It's important you listen to her and do as she says, alright?"
Arthur nodded again.
Diane stood, "he will be safe here, don't worry."
Leon sighed.
"With the current situation at the company and Rachel's unpredictable behavior, I believe this is the best place for him. I trust you to keep him safe."
Riot stepped forward. "I'll ensure their protection."
Leon offered a grateful nod. "Thank you, Riot."
Turning back to Diane, Leon's facial muscles softened.
"Take care of him, Diane. He's all I have left."
Diane placed a hand on her father's arm. "I will, Father. You can count on me."
After a brief, heartfelt farewell, Leon departed, leaving Arthur standing quietly in the foyer.
Diane knelt beside him once more.
"Are you hungry, Arthur? Would you like something to eat?"
Arthur shrugged, downcasting his eyes.
"How about some grilled cheese sandwiches?" Diane suggested, hoping to lighten the mood.
Arthur's face lit up slightly.
"So it's a yes?" Diane smiled. "Great choice. Let's head to the kitchen."
After eating, Diane noticed small scars on Arthur's wrist, knowing it was probably Rachel who was digging her nails into his skin.
'This witch...'
Once they were done, Arthur fell asleep on the couch. Diane asked Riot to take him to the room that Diane prepared for him.
She changed him into his pyjamas, and let him sleep, before turning off the lights, she muttered.
"You're my brother, and you're the most innocent person in this life. I don't wanna hurt you, but I'm terribly sorry for taking your mom away from you in the future."
She finally turned off the lights, and closed the door.
Arthur opened his eyes, and while holding his sobs, small white pearls fell down his cheek.
"M-mom..."