apter 486
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Chapter 486
The moment the words left Janice’s mouth, Ariel caught sight of someone approaching from the side.
Nancy was still standing next to Jayson. She didn’t look rattled by Janice’s words. If anything, she shot Jayson a look of faint exasperation.
Matt followed behind them and blinked in surprise ‘Wait, what? Mr. Swanson’s pursuing you? And he wants to marry you?”
He glanced at Jayson. “Nancy sure has all eyes on her.”
Jayson’s rival had appeared and was aiming to put a ring on Nancy.
If it were any other guy, he would probably be panicking by now and rushing to marry her before it was too late.
Nancy stayed silent, and that silence said it all.
Frederick stiffened the second he saw Jayson, but he didn’t offer an explanation.
Ariel instinctively pulled Janice behind her. Her gaze toward Jayson was cold and guarded.
Janice hadn’t exactly been subtle with her insults toward Nancy just now, and Ariel wasn’t sure if Jayson had overheard.
Besides, Jayson had secretly bought back Sarah’s painting to hide it just to protect Sarah and Nancy. Ariel couldn’t even pretend to look at him kindly after that.
Jayson cast a brief glance at Ariel, not missing the subtle hint of guardedness in her movements.
“It’s starting. Let’s go,” he said calmly as he turned toward Nancy.
He didn’t seem fazed by Frederick’s presence and clearly had no interest in exchanging words with
him.
Nancy looked at him.
She figured Jayson knew her feelings for him hadn‘ changed. That was why he didn’t react to Frederick’s interest in her.
In a way, letting Frederick’s feelings slip in front of ayson might have actually been a good thing.
Like Matt had said, men were possessive by nature. Jayson was likely well aware by now that plenty of people were interested in her, and that just might nudge him toward taking things further with
her.
Nancy felt that inviting Frederick over today had been a worthwhile move.
The two walked past Frederick, who watched Nancy’s fading figure before finally turning to Ariel. This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t shown up.”
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Chapter 486
With that, he turned and walked away.
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Janice rolled her eyes so hard they nearly stuck. “I’m going home tonight. No way my parents will let him run wild like this.”
Ariel hadn’t forgotten their plan. She quickly calmed Janice before saying, “Let’s go grab the stuff. The exhibition’s about to start.”
Janice nodded. “Wait here for me. I’ll grab it.”
Then, she left in a hurry.
Only after she left did Ariel glance back toward Jayson’s side with a frown.
There was still one thing that nagged at her. How did that painting Jayson had bought for Nancy end up at Westvale Gallery? What had happened in between?
The exhibition followed a fairly standard structure.
By now, most of the guests had arrived, and Sarah was personally guiding them through the works on display. Her storytelling was lively and engaging
A few reporters had come to photograph the artworks for online promotion.
Next up would be the talk session. Sarah would be interviewed about her journey and artistic evolution.
As Ariel looked at those paintings, which carried traces of Elena’s style, a wave of bitterness rose in her chest.
Intellectual property was always tricky to handle. Without solid proof, and with Elena already gone, it was no easy task to bring Sarah down.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t have dragged on this long. Any aggressive move could easily backfire, giving Sarah the perfect opportunity to play the victim and elevate herself further.
But if Ariel didn’t show up today, she would be admitting defeat.
So today, she didn’t care if she burned the reputation she had only just started rebuilding.
She looked over at Sarah, who had already been sealed for the interview. Basking in the spotlight, Sarah looked radiant and confident.
In the audience sat Jayson, there to show support, and Nancy, glowing with pride as if sharing in the glory.
Ariel’s expression grew colder by the second.
Just then, Janice returned, dragging a suitcase beside her.
“They’re all in here,” she whispered to Ariel.
Right at that moment, someone from the audience asked, “Your early work had such a distinct style. But your recent pieces feel quite different. Any particular reason for the shift?”
Chapter 486
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Sarah smiled serenely. “Every stage of life brings new insight. I’d say I’ve matured. If people take the time to really feel my work, they’ll notice a deeper complexity compared to my earlier pieces.”
Ariel could tell that that was a dig at Elena.
She pulled out one of the draft sketches and was just about to speak when a sharp, elegant voice rang out behind her. “Am I late?”
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