Chapter 117
+25 BONUS
Before she could say anything, Ariel heard Nancy’s voice coming down the line. “May I know who’s speaking?”
The words seemed to stick in her throat. Ariel felt her mouth go dry. It was even hard for her to swallow.
“Did Jayson not save my number on his phone?” She wondered.
Ariel looked down at her feet and asked, “Where’s Jayson?”
“He’s beside me. I’m afraid he won’t have the time to entertain you today,” Nancy replied unhurriedly.
The calm, steady tone in her voice made it sound as though Ariel was the mistress who had to keep her identity a secret and could be dismissed at any time.
Ariel furrowed her brows.
Just then, she picked up on Colton’s voice speaking in the background. “Ms. Stanton, a staff member from the bakery called and asked if they should deliver the cake to the venue first?”
Ariel hung up right away. She stood in the same spot for quite some time. Her face was drained of color. With a frown on her forehead, she gently rubbed her abdomen. The discomfort in that area seemed to have worsened.
It was pretty clear at that point that Ariel did not have to ask Jayson what was going on.
Colton was helping Nancy with the cake reservation. It implied that Jayson had instructed him to help out with these errands.
Jayson had completely disregarded Ariel’s thoughts and opinions on the matter. He had no respect for her whatsoever.
A sense of powerlessness was dragging her down. It made Ariel feel like she was about to suffocate.
She took some time to cool off and regain her composure. Then, Ariel headed for the front yard as if nothing had happened earlier.
Just as she walked away, Lucas, who was standing under a tree, stubbed out his cigarette. He snickered as he stared in the direction where she was headed.
At Bluum Corp Tower, Nancy had just placed the phone back on the desk when Jayson came into his office after dropping by the meeting room. He strode over and glanced at his watch. “Why haven’t you departed yet?”
Nancy smiled faintly. “I wanted to wait for you so we could head over together. Do you still have more work to do?”
Jayson had bought Sarah’s birthday present early on. Nancy could tell that he actually cared enough to pay attention to her personal matters. Jayson had even reserved the resort villa owned by Matt for an entire day to celebrate Sarah’s birthday. All of that was to make her happy.
They were planning on having dinner and sharing the cake with everyone that night.
Jayson lifted his gaze. “You should head over to the venue first. There are still a few things I need to take care of.”
Nancy studied his expression for a moment. Then, she slowly nodded while maintaining a gentle, understanding expression on her face. “Alright. I’ll wait for you there, then.”
1/2
Chapter 117
+25 BONUS
“Okay.” Jayson’s gaze fell on the documents on his desk.
Nancy took an exquisitely decorated box out of her bag. She moved closer to Jayson, opened the box, and placed it on the desk right beside him.
“My mom picked out this tie for you. Since we’re celebrating a joyous day, do you mind wearing it to the venue later?”
Jayson took a glance at the tie. It was a black tie with dark red line patterns. The red stood out well against the dark background.
He replied flatly, “I’ll have my driver send you there.”
The corners of Nancy’s mouth turned up. “Okay.”
After Nancy left, Colton entered Jayson’s office. “Mr. Larkin, we’ve postponed the rest of your schedule for the day. What time are you planning to depart for the party venue?”
He studied Jayson’s expression briefly but did not notice anything out of the ordinary. Hence, Colton decided to not bring up the matter about the death anniversary ceremony that Ariel had told him about.
It was pretty obvious that Jayson would prioritize matters relating to Nancy. Colton reckoned it would be fine even if Jayson did not attend the ceremony held by the Walkers.
Ariel was never one to make a big fuss about these things. Colton figured she would be understanding of the situation this time as well.
“Did you receive any calls from Ariel today?” Jayson asked abruptly.
Colton paused momentarily. Then, he said hesitantly, “No.”
Jayson’s eyes were unreadable. “Is that so?”
Colton could feel his body breaking out in cold sweat at that moment. Somehow, he started feeling anxious and uneasy. “Mr. Larkin…”
Jayson frowned slightly. Then, he lowered his head and looked at the document in his hand. “Is there something else you need to report to me about?”
Colton debated for a while before he carefully suggested, “Mr. Crosby called and asked what time the fireworks show should commence. He also asked me to remind you to wear an outfit with brighter colors. Ms. Stanton will be wearing a red dress tonight. That tie happens to match the color of her dress.”
Jayson looked at the tie on his desk.
After a moment’s consideration, he said, “I need you to take care of something first.”
Back at the Walker residence, Ariel ran into Lucas just as she was about to enter the living room.
Lucas chuckled as he scrutinized the straight face Ariel had put on. “Do all married women compromise so easily? Stop getting your hopes up. Jayson won’t be here today.”
