Chapter 312
Jayson looked at Ariel.
Her color hadn’t fully returned, and even with light makeup on, a clear trace of exhaustion remained beneath the surface.
Frowning, he stood up.
Chad understood Ariel didn’t want certain people lingering around. Even though he was worried about her condition, he still managed a polite smile and turned to Jayson and the others.
“Thank you for coming, really. I’ll take care of Ari from here. I’ll treat you all to a meal sometime to show my gratitude.”
It was a clear sign they were being shown the door.
Zach would always show Chad a measure of respect. He glanced at Ariel. “Okay. If you need anything, just say the word, Mr. Hockney.”
He agreed that it wasn’t right for them to linger.
With all the medical checks, Ariel clearly wasn’t at ease either.
Jayson simply gave a quiet hum of acknowledgement. Without looking at Ariel again, he turned and walked out. There was no hesitation or lingering concern.
Watching his straightforward exit, Nancy let out a faint smile.
She had been overthinking it earlier. Jayson had helped Ariel out of basic decency. Nothing more.
She followed him out without another word.
As Zach left, he glanced back at Ariel. She had her eyes shut already. Still, he said, “Hope you feel better soon.”
Once the three of them were gone, Ariel finally felt like she could breathe.
But Chad’s face darkened. “How did it get this bad? What did the doctor say?”
Seeing the worry in his eyes, Ariel felt a lump rise in her throat.
“It’s fine. Just a bad bump. That’s all.” She hadn’t figured out how to tell him the truth yet.
Knowing Chad, if she confessed, he would have her pull out of Faye Technologies‘ project immediately and focus
on treatment.
And right now, she felt like she could still hang on. Unless absolutely necessary, she didn’t want her illness to throw everyone into chaos and worry, especially with Leonard about to undergo surgery. And Katie couldn’t take another blow right now.
Feeling slightly better, Ariel said, “Can you get me some water?”
Chad didn’t ask questions and went to find a convenience store.
Ariel had timed it just right. Sure enough, the doctor returned not long after with her results.
He frowned as he looked at her. “There’s some irregularity in your uterus. I’m seeing some swelling and localized bruising, but no bleeding at the moment. Have you had any prior symptoms or issues?”
She could tell he was starting to suspect something more. And once that happened, doctors would start
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Chapter 312
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recommending further exams and a full workup.
So she said calmly, “I have cancer.”
Her composure left the doctor momentarily stunned.
“It’s swollen because I hit the area hard. Please just treat the swelling for now,”
As for the cancer, that was a different matter.
The doctor returned to his usual expression, though his tone turned more serious. “You’ll need to stay overnight. We’ll get you started on anti–inflammatory and anti–infection IVs.”
Ariel nodded,
She pushed through her weakness and quickly completed the emergency admission process.
By the time Chad came back, she glanced at the clock. “Chad, you should go. My grandma’s coming soon. She’ll stay with me tonight.”
Chad knew it wasn’t appropriate for him to stay anyway. “I can ask Jan to come. Your grandma’s getting older. It might be too much for her.”
Ariel smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine. The doctor said it’s just abdominal pain. A bit of IV and I’ll be good as new. Don’t worry.”
Chad still looked like he wanted to protest, but Ariel didn’t give him the chance. She gently ushered him out.
Soon after, a nurse came in and set up her IV.
By early evening, Ariel’s phone buzzed. It was Betty. “Ari, are you at the hospital?”
“How’d you know?” Ariel blinked in surprise.
Betty sounded more anxious now. “Jayson came home for a bit. His driver told me you weren’t well. What happened? Is it serious?”
Ariel rubbed her temple, trying to reassure her. “It’s nothing. Just a sudden stomach pain. I’m fine now.”
But Betty didn’t sound convinced. “I’ll have Jayson come take care of you, okay? Don’t be scared.”
Ariel’s expression shifted. “Grandma, that’s really not necessary. I’m already feeling better.”
“Silly, if you don’t rely on your husband in times like this, when are you going to?”
It was impossible to argue with Betty.
Sure enough, not long after they hung up, she heard a knock at the door.
Turning around, Ariel saw Jayson walk in with a thermal food container in his hand.
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