Ariel stood not far from the floor–to–ceiling window. The entire Class A office building across the street was clearly in view.
“Is there something you need?” she asked.
Her mind raced, weighing the possible areas where Veyo Solutions might clash with Faye Technologies in the future.
Jayson was likely still in the office. The faint sound of keyboard typing came through the phone. He spoke calmly, “The maid at Larkin Manor called. Grandma caught a bad cold that turned into mild pneumonia. She just got back from the hospital. Do you have time to visit her?”
Ariel instinctively frowned, concerned about Betty’s health. Late spring chills often caused people to fall ill.
Before she could respond, Jayson added flatly, “Grandma told me yesterday she prepared a birthday gift for you but hasn’t given it yet. You can pick it up when you visit.”
That reminded Ariel. Betty had called about a gift when Ariel was in Sorenta.
“She keeps mentioning your name. But if you can’t make it, that’s fine,” Jayson said, his voice cool and indifferent.
“I’ll go see her,” Ariel agreed.
She knew well how Betty had cared for her over the years. Whether by agreement or simply out of basic affection, she felt she ought to go and visit.
Her eyes flicked back toward the office building across the street, then she asked calmly, “The cooling–off period is ending soon. Should I notify Colton, or should we schedule a meeting?”
“Jayson?” Nancy’s voice came through the line. “Who are you talking to? Take a break. I got dinner for you.”
Then the line went dead.
Though Ariel hadn’t gotten an answer, she was familiar with this action from Jayson. She calmly put away her phone and returned to the table.
Jayson hadn’t given a clear response this time. She would have to find a chance to ask again.
Divorce wasn’t a trivial matter. She didn’t want any missteps or surprises.
After dinner, Ariel and Chad headed downstairs with Alan.
Alan had picked up on some unusual wording and finally asked, “Mr. Hockney, I heard you mention joint assets. Is Ms. Walker involved in a divorce case?”
He was surprised that she was married so young.
Chad glanced at Ariel before replying to Alan, “Don’t even mention it. She picked the wrong guy. He cheated on her, didn’t last long in bed, and was going bald, Ms. Walker is finally free from all that misery.”
Ariel was rendered speechless.
Meanwhile, Alan was shocked.
So Ariel’s husband was someone from their circle? And she hadn’t officially divorced yet?
1/2
After a quick word with Chad, Ariel went to Larkin Manor.
It was still early.
When she arrived, the maid’s face lit up. She took Ariel’s bag and said, “Mrs. Larkin, Mrs. Larkin Senior is resting upstairs. She’s been coughing all day and just finished a nebulizer treatment.”
Ariel nodded. “I’ll take the bag with me. I’ll be leaving soon!”
The maid looked slightly surprised.
Ariel went upstairs to Betty’s room.
Betty smiled lovingly the moment she saw her. “Ari, why did you suddenly come here?”
Ariel approached and checked Betty’s condition. “I heard you’ve been sick. Are you feeling better?”
Betty squeezed her hand gently. “It’s nothing serious. Getting old means the immune system weakens. I keep getting colds and fevers. Don’t worry. I’ve already been to the hospital.”
“Have you eaten?” Ariel noticed Betty’s pale face and asked “How about I make you some soup?”
Betty looked worried. “Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll be fine after some rest.”
Ariel soothed her gently. Knowing Betty hadn’t eaten, she went downstairs and made a simple bowl of soup.
