As soon as Nancy said that, people looked toward Jayson, who remained calm and composed, with shock and delight. All of them would have the honor of watching him perform on stage if Jayson were to agree to Nancy’s
request.
Even Ariel had a look of bewilderment on her face as she directed her gaze to Jayson. She stared at his side profile. Inwardly, she felt like she hardly knew this person.
They had been married for several years, yet Ariel had no idea that Jayson could play the piano, even the piano four hands. Jayson had never shown his true self to her.
Janice’s expression hardened. She straightened her back and said hesitantly, “Jayson won’t agree to it, right? If he does, it’ll be the same as him helping Nancy to crush and humiliate you…‘
Ariel pressed her lips together and gazed at the pair calmly.
Nancy turned around and looked at the man before her with a gentle gaze. She held her hand out toward Jayson.
“To be able to help build more schools for the children who need them and to have the honor of having those schools built in my name… I wish to share the honor of doing this with you. Would you be willing to join me, Jayson?”
Her words were almost like a confession. It was so touching and heartwarming.
The other ladies had looks of envy on their faces. Some of the younger women clasped each other’s hands in excitement and swooned after hearing what Nancy said.
On the other hand, Ariel felt as though she was just a bystander. She watched as everyone shared their support and best wishes for her husband and his mistress.
The hand that Janice had used to hold her glass was trembling slightly. Her face flushed red with anger. “Isn’t Nancy Stanton being outright shameless right now?”
Even though she knew Ariel, Jayson’s legal spouse, was here, Nancy had brazenly acted lovey–dovey with Jayson in front of all these people nonetheless. Moreover, she could do this because Jayson had allowed it.
“If Jayson agrees to it… I… I…” The mere thought of it was enough to make Janice feel like she was about to suffocate.
“It’s alright.”
Ariel sounded calm. However, just as she said that, Ariel noticed Jayson was putting down his cup. He glanced at Nancy’s outstretched hand.
Instead of holding her hand, Jayson stood up and bent his arm slightly. He bowed in a gentlemanly manner and replied in a steady voice, “Sure.”
Nancy did not mind the fact that he had not held her hand. She curled her fingers into a fist. Then, Nancy placed her hand on Jayson’s arm.
Her smile broadened since Jayson had agreed to play the piano four–handed with her.
Upon seeing what had happened, Ariel slowly lowered her gaze and stared at the half glass of kiwi juice placed on the table.
1/2
Chapter 161
+25 BONUS
The juice was supposed to taste sweet, yet Ariel could not taste any sweetness from it. Instead, she thought it tasted bitter.
Lucas grinned broadly and clapped his hands. “You two playing a four–hand piano piece would be a more exciting performance. I’m sure the guests are more interested in seeing Mr. Larkin perform a piece for us. I guess this is our lucky day.”
Meanwhile, Wendy cast a glance at Ariel, who remained in her seat quietly, with a slightly troubled expression.
“Oh well… With Mr. Larkin joining Ms. Stanton on stage, their performance becomes even more special and meaningful. I hope you won’t mind this, Ari.”
If it were just about deciding between Ariel and Nancy, the others would have to watch what they say since it might sound like they were siding with a certain party too much. However, Jayson had now agreed to join Nancy in playing a four–hand piano piece.
Naturally, Ariel was in no position to compete with Nancy anymore since the latter had an extra edge. After all, Ariel did not have a partner to perform a four–hand piano piece with.
She had an icy look in her eyes. Ariel replied flatly, “It’s alright. There’s no helping it since Ms. Stanton has gotten Mr. Larkin to assist her.”
Instead of being insistent, Ariel gave up on fighting for the opportunity. She had no plans to give some other form of performance either. It was because the results for this segment had already been determined.
With Jayson’s status and influence, their performance would surely come in first place, making Nancy the star of the evening.
Ariel thought she was imagining things when she sensed that someone was looking at her.
She lifted her gaze and noticed that Jayson was staring at her expressionlessly. His eyes were unreadable.
