Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 24: New side task

The rubbing of tire against asphalt filled the silence, a low, steady hum beneath the luxury car's smooth glide. Inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended, the world outside seemed distant, the noise of the city muffled by the impeccable engineering of the vehicle. Yet, within the quiet cocoon of the cabin, the atmosphere between Ariana and Luiss was anything but still.

Ariana sat poised, her fingers lightly resting on her lap, though her heart beat a little faster than she would have liked to admit. The faint scent of sandalwood and leather lingered in the air, intertwining with the soft perfume she had carefully chosen for the night.

Luiss, seated beside her, stole a glance in her direction. The ambient light inside the car cast a soft glow on her skin, highlighting the delicate shimmer of her dress and the quiet confidence in her posture. He had seen her before—many times, in fact—but never quite like this. Tonight, she wasn't just the diligent, focused woman he had grown accustomed to; she was someone untouchable, mesmerizing.

The silence between them stretched, unspoken thoughts heavy in the air.

Then, without looking at her, Luiss finally spoke, his voice smooth yet unreadable. "Nervous?"

Ariana turned slightly, catching his gaze, her lips curving just enough to hint at amusement. "Why would I be?"

Luiss chuckled, low and deep. "You tell me."

She exhaled softly, tilting her head towards the window. The blurred lights of the city streaked past, painting golden reflections across the glass.

"Maybe I am," she admitted, her voice quieter this time. "But not for the reasons you think."

Luiss arched a brow but said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

Ariana glanced at him, meeting his gaze with surprising boldness. "You don't seem like the type to take just anyone out for dinner, President Luiss."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "And you don't seem like the type to accept just anyone's invitation."

Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard by his smooth reply. But before she could respond, the car slowed to a stop.

They had arrived.

Outside, the soft glow of Great Fox Cuisines' entrance lights cast a warm illumination on the sleek vehicle, the grand restaurant exuding exclusivity and prestige. A valet stood at attention, ready to open the door.

Luiss turned to her, his voice low yet commanding. "Shall we?"

Ariana inhaled, steadying herself. Whatever this night held, one thing was certain—it would be unforgettable.

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"Shall we?" Luiss stood at a distance, offering his arm. Ariana took the message and hooked her arm with his. They walked inside the restaurant.

While moving inside, Luiss received a call.

He picked it up, "Yes...?" A frown congealed over his expression as he looked at Ariana with hesitation.

"Go, take it?" Ariana responded with a smile. "'l'll be fine"

"It'll just take a moment," Luiss reassured before heading to somewhere quiet. Ariana stood still, awaiting him.

The night had started like a dream, but now, standing alone in the grand, opulent entrance of Great Fox Cuisines, Ariana found herself caught in the tangled web of fate—or rather, in the cruel games of the system.

The luxurious marble floors gleamed under the chandelier's golden glow, and the gentle hum of refined chatter filled the air. Yet, within the space around her, an entirely different atmosphere was unfolding.

The moment Scarlet Whites locked eyes with her, Ariana knew she was in trouble.

'Scarlet Whites: Ariel's cousin. Relationship stats in the negative.'

The words flashed before her eyes in an instant, followed by an even worse revelation:

New Side Task: Win against Scarlet Whites.

Time Limit: Two hours.

Penalty: Undoing of Perfect Makeover.

Ariana barely stopped herself from cursing aloud.

'The system has no shame! Are you serious?!'

If her makeover was undone in public—right in front of Luiss—it would be impossible to explain. Her carefully planned night, the effortless elegance she had exuded, would all be shattered in an instant.

And worse, it would lead to elimination.

Scarlet's smug voice cut through her panic like a blade.

"What are you doing here?"

Ariana turned, her expression impassive, facing the woman she had no memory of—but apparently, the feeling was not mutual.