Chapter 14

Chapter 14– The Duel on Stage

The atmosphere in the talk show studio was tense. The bright stage lights illuminated the set, while the audience sat with expressions full of anticipation. Ariana sat upright in her chair, trying to remain composed despite feeling Daniel’s sharp gaze from across her.

The host, a blonde woman with a professionally polished smile, opened the show with a warm yet firm voice.

"Welcome to Inside Truth, the exclusive program covering this week's biggest scandal. Today, we have two special guests—Daniel Foster, a successful lawyer facing serious allegations, and his ex-wife, Ariana Grey, who is said to be behind the scandal."

The audience murmured. The cameras alternated between Ariana and Daniel, capturing every reaction.

"Ariana," the host turned to her, "you claim that Daniel abandoned you after years of supporting him. But isn’t this just a case of a woman who can’t move on?"

Ariana met her gaze with an unreadable expression. She had expected this question, and she was ready.

"If by ‘can’t move on,’ you mean seeking justice, then yes, I will never stop. I want the world to know who Daniel truly is—the man I funded through law school, the man I trusted, only for him to betray me for another woman and try to destroy my life."

Daniel chuckled lightly. "It’s fascinating how you always play the victim, Ariana."

Ariana’s eyes narrowed. "It’s fascinating how you always try to save your image with lies."

The host quickly intervened. "Daniel, several reports indicate suspicious transactions linked to your law firm. What do you have to say about that?"

Daniel leaned back in his chair, exuding confidence. "This is nothing more than a character assassination attempt. Ariana has connections in the media, and she’s using them to get revenge."

Ariana let out a small laugh. "Oh, really? You forget that I was just an ordinary woman working day and night to support you. What kind of connections do you think I had?"

Daniel stared at her, then smirked. "Are you still playing clean, Ariana? Or should I expose the real truth?"

Ariana felt a sinking feeling in her stomach.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice steady but cold.

Daniel turned to the host and the cameras, speaking with conviction. "Ariana isn’t as innocent as she wants you to believe. The truth is, she was already involved with a wealthy man even before our marriage ended."

The audience gasped, whispers rippling through the studio. Ariana frowned, but before she could respond, Daniel continued.

"I have proof that she’s been financially backed by a mysterious investor. That’s the real reason she was able to bounce back so quickly after our divorce. It wasn’t struggle—it was strategy."

Ariana clenched her fists. She knew Daniel would try to discredit her, but she hadn’t expected him to go this far.

The host turned to her, intrigued. "Ariana, is this true?"

Ariana took a deep breath, then looked directly at the camera. "Daniel excels at one thing—twisting the truth. If I had a secret investor, why did I struggle for years after he left me? Why did I have to fight my way back from nothing?"

Daniel smirked. "Don’t pretend, Ariana. I know exactly who helped you. Maybe we should ask him directly?"

Suddenly, the massive screen behind them lit up, displaying a photo of a sharply dressed man—Vincent.

Ariana’s expression remained unreadable, though inside, her mind was racing. "What are you trying to do, Daniel?"

Daniel crossed his arms. "Vincent Blackwell. The CEO who suddenly invested a large sum into your new company. Coincidence? Or is there something deeper?"

The audience’s murmuring intensified. Ariana held Daniel’s gaze.

"Vincent is a business partner, and there’s nothing to hide," she stated firmly.

Daniel leaned in slightly. "Are you sure? Or are you just afraid to admit that you were involved with him long before our marriage ended?"

Ariana tightened her fists. "Don’t change the subject, Daniel. We’re here to talk about your crimes, not someone else’s business relationships."

The host quickly interjected. "Alright, alright, let’s stay calm. Ariana, are you denying that Vincent played a major role in your success?"

Ariana looked straight ahead. "No. Vincent did help me, but not in the way Daniel is insinuating. I worked hard to build my business from the ground up, and Vincent believed in my potential. Unlike someone who thrives on tearing others down."

Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. "Sure, Ariana. Let’s see if the public believes you or me."

The host smiled, wrapping up the segment with a dramatic tone. "It looks like this story is far from over. But the real question is—who is truly hiding the truth?"

Applause and hushed conversations filled the studio as the session ended.

---

Aftermath

As soon as Ariana stepped out of the studio, her phone vibrated again. This time, it was Vincent.

"Ariana, are you okay?"

Ariana exhaled sharply. "Daniel dragged your name into this. Did you see the broadcast?"

"I knew he would try to take you down. But Ariana, this is bigger than we thought. I just got word that Daniel isn’t acting alone. There’s someone behind him—someone far more dangerous."

Ariana halted mid-step. "Who?"

Vincent was silent for a moment before answering. "Someone we can’t touch easily. We need to be even more careful now."

Ariana felt the tension creep into her spine. This battle with Daniel was only getting more dangerous.