Ariel was a little stunned. She didn't respond.

"I'm sure Ms. Jones has told you everything about Stephen?" Xavier smiled. "The great Stephen Anderson with an ugly woman. How do you think that looks? Only you are a perfect match for him. We don't know what love potion Stephen has taken, but he's smitten by her."

Xavier turned and continued, saying with a smile, "Ms. Clarke, you understand Stephen the best. Do you think that that woman has some leverage over him?"

Ariel was stunned. She'd neve