Infiltrated.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

“You don't mean it!” Ashley exclaimed over the phone. “I can imagine the look of shock on her face.”

The instant I got to the office and settled in, I got on a call with Ashley to fill her in on the event of the morning. She was surprised and happy, and it reflected in her cheerful laughter.

“For a moment, I feared she was going to lunge at me in anger. She was so shocked. I guess being turned down when she was used to having her way was not such a good experience for her.”

“I know, right? Jared deserves a pat on the back. He should do that often. Let her know she can't always have her way,” Ashley squealed.

“I wish he could continue this way,” I said, my voice suddenly losing some of its brightness. “It hurts to see him fluctuate all the time. This time he's defending me, the other, he's doing all her biddings.”

“Come on, don't be like that. Didn't you say he was remorseful last night and apologized?”

“He did, but–”

“No buts, Arielle Smith. I'm sorry to have suggeste