Chapter 181
Ariel glanced at Chad’s phone screen.
It was an Instagram post from Matt. He posted nine photos showing a party at some upscale club with wine, champagne, and everyone clearly having a great time.
The last photo caught her attention. In a corner, Jayson sat lazily in a chair while Nancy leaned in close, speaking to him with a gentle smile. They shared a look and a smile.
The moment looked picture–perfect. Anyone looking at it could tell that there was definitely something going on between them.
The boldest part, though, was Matt’s caption. “Good days call for champagne! Mr. Larkin is picking up the tab for everyone tonight!”
Ariel’s eyes showed no reaction.
But Janice slammed the table. “What the hell is this? They’re celebrating now?”
This felt like a blatant celebration of the divorce.
On the very night the divorce paperwork was filed, Jayson was already throwing a party?
“Jayson and Nancy sure look cozy,” Chad muttered with a frown, then he scoffed. “Are they holding a promotion ceremony for her now?”
Janice fumed. “They were married for years! No one expects him to be crying over it, but couldn’t he at least keep it low–key? How could he throw a party the same night? Doesn’t he care how Ari feels at all? That’s just heartless!
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Honestly, who wouldn’t be mad about something like this? Jayson was only picking on Ariel because she was too nice.
At that thought, Janice turned to look at Ariel, only to find her unmoved. She had only glanced at the screen once before looking away, like she was an outsider.
“That’s their business.” She put her fork down. “It has nothing to do with me anymore.”
Janice let out a breath, though her voice was still indignant. “But they still crossed the line…”
Chad tapped the table, raising a brow.
“Well, now that you’ve filed for divorce, there’s no reason to protect their reputations anymore, right? Why let Nancy keep basking in the spotlight as the official girlfriend? Why not just expose her for what she is? Jayson can’t touch you now anyway.”
Ariel paused, then shook her head. “Jayson has already prepared for what you can think of. He made me sign an agreement barring me from revealing anything about our marriage or divorce to the public. Jayson plans ten steps ahead. He shut down every possible threat to Nancy before it could happen.”
That agreement was Jayson’s preemptive move.
No matter what he or Nancy did, Ariel had no choice but to look away.
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Chapter 181
+25 BONUS
Then again, she didn’t care anymore.
Even if Jayson hadn’t made her sign that agreement, she wasn’t about to waste time on petty revenge.
Her time and energy were tied to her very life. Anything she chose to do would be a top priority in her life plan.
Everyone else was just passing through.
Janice and Chad were both stunned. They hadn’t expected that.
Janice finally blurted, “That sneaky bastard!”
He was practically guarding Nancy like she was a national treasure.
Chad gave Ariel’s shoulder a pat. “Good riddance. Cut off the scumbag and lock up your heart. A thriving career is the real source of happiness. With money in hand, you can find any kind of man you like.”
Ariel smiled faintly. “Couldn’t agree more.”
Chad checked the time. “Our project’s going live Saturday. My old man wants to have dinner with you. Can you come after work Wednesday?”
Ariel knew Carlos had been following their project closely. She nodded. “Sure.”
After dinner, Ariel stopped by Katie’s house with the emerald ring.
Katie hadn’t expected to see the ring again in her lifetime. She asked how Ariel had found it.
Ariel simply gave a faint smile and said, “Just a lucky coincidence.”
She didn’t mention the string of events the ring had set off.
