Chapter 3 The Rules

Ariella pursed her lips and reached for the suit lying beside Brennen. She wanted to assist him in putting it on, but as she picked it up, a piece of paper slipped out of his pocket.

Seconds later, she managed to retrieve an invoice from a luxury brand. It turned out that he had purchased a ring.

A mix of emotions sparkled in Ariella's eyes. With a smile, she cocked her head and gazed at Brennen. "Mr. Hudson, did you buy me a gift?"

Brennen raised an eyebrow, seemingly asking a question.

With the invoice in hand, she approached him. Barefoot, she deliberately stepped on the back of his feet and asked, "Did you buy this ring for me?"

He glanced at the invoice and replied, "I didn't."

Ariella's eyes widened in vigilance. She asked in a more cautious tone, "You didn't buy it for me? Then who did you buy it for?"

"For a friend." He moved past her, retrieving his tie and straightening his attire before the full-length mirror.

Ariella turned to him, asking again, "A friend? Is this friend a man or a woman? You know, gifting a ring carries great significance. Be sure that it's for the right person."

Brennen lowered his head, planting a kiss on her cheek. "What jewelry would you like? Head to the store and use my card."

However, Ariella wasn't content with his generosity. She still wanted to uncover the recipient of the ring. Tugging at his sleeve, she spoke sweetly. "Brennen, who is the lucky recipient of that ring? Tell me, isn't there any other gift you can give? Why does it have to be a ring?"

When he heard that, Brennen turned to look at her with a serious face. His eyes carried a warning as he spoke. "Ariella, you've gone too far."

Ariella found herself at a loss for words. Shocked and unable to reply, she just pressed her lips together, feeling wronged and sorrowful.

Brennen's gaze flickered with impatience. He grabbed his coat and spoke in a light tone. "You've got until noon to check out. You can catch some more sleep. I've got business at the company and need to head out."

She stood there, taken aback, before finally asking, "When will I see you again, Brennen? Brennen!"

Thereafter, he opened the door and stepped out.

Waiting outside was his secretary, Khloe Payne. "Mr. Hudson."

Brennen glanced towards the door with an unreadable look. However, Khloe, who had been by his side for years, could read his thoughts like an open book. She noticed Ariella becoming increasingly bold, blatantly ignoring his rules. He had no patience for women who clung to him.

Khloe had once believed Ariella was different, clever enough to draw Brennen out. Yet, Ariella proved to be just like his past flames, clueless about why Brennen would turn cold for weeks. She had overstepped, asking too many questions last time, irritating him. Now, she repeated her mistake.

In Khloe's eyes, Ariella was foolish, likely unaware of her misstep. Perhaps she had lost her cool in the room, blaming Brennen for his hasty departure.

With a shake of her head, Khloe followed Brennen out.

Meanwhile, Ariella, whom Khloe looked down upon, felt a wave of relief wash over her as the door closed behind Brennen. The hurt on her face disappeared, replaced by a smirk. Glancing at the invoice in her hand, she scoffed and tossed it into the bin.

A week passed without a word from Brennen.

On the eighth day, the Property Management Bureau called her, requesting her presence for a transfer process.

Brennen was about to hand over a villa valued at nearly 100 million.