Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 552

Not only did I want to slap Claudia, but I wanted to do it in front of everyone.

"Claudia, back when you were in school and I visited you, you had someone slap me across the face. That first slap was payback. This one now? It's the interest."

The moment I finished speaking, I delivered another slap to her right cheek. Claudia, who had just stood up, stumbled and fell before me. I was pleased.

In this world, there was always someone eager to play the hero for the so-called "weaker party". Seeing Claudia stunned from the slap, a voice quickly piped up in her defense.

"Ms. Jones, aren't you breaking the law? Do you know the sentence for intentional assault?"

I tossed the microphone onto Claudia, watching her cower in fear. Satisfied, I shrugged and replied lightly, "Sorry, I don't."

"Ms. Jones, you're making excuses!"

"Ms. Jones, you've even shared legal knowledge on domestic social media platforms before. Were your degrees and certificates purchased? Were your past case victories just pure luck?"

I smiled warmly at them. "I suppose many of you don't know me. Allow me to introduce myself—Ariana Jones, Chairwoman of the Jones Corporation."

In the past, I only revealed my identity within a small circle. When handling external affairs, it was always Douglas who stepped in. So, it was only natural that they didn't know who I really was.

Their disbelief was written all over their faces. "That's impossible! We've never heard of that!"

"Then why do you think Claudia is causing a scene at my office building?" I offered them a kind reminder. "The truth is, I'm just a businesswoman."

Her low chuckle grew into hysterical laughter. "Nicholas loves me! He loves me the most! And who are you, Ariana? Competing with me for Nicholas? How ridiculous!"

I stood up, looking down at her with a hint of pity. Her world was so small, revolving entirely around Nicholas.

She was 26, a time when women were often at their most independent and vibrant. Yet, she was still stuck in the years when she and Nicholas leaned on each other for comfort.

For them, was this connection a blessing or a curse?

"Claudia, you're wrong. Nicholas didn't strip for you," I said with absolute certainty.