Chapter 168
Ariel looked up from her food.
She did not expect Betty to know so much about these relatively new, trendy things. Not only did she know about candlelight dinners, but Betty was also aware of suites designed specifically for couples on Valentine’s Day.
Before Ariel could think of a way to turn down the suggestion, Jayson opened his mouth and said flatly, “Those are for couples who have just started dating. I’m swamped with work. There’s no need for things like that, Grandma.”
Jayson rejected the plans Betty had made for them before Ariel could.
Ariel was not surprised at all. She lowered her gaze and ate her porridge silently. With Jayson stepping up and taking care of the issue first, Ariel would have one less problem to worry about.
Betty was struck speechless for a moment. “You’re only going on a date after you get off work! I’m not telling you to free up the whole day! What kind of excuse is that anyway?”
Jayson raised his brows. “It’s not an excuse. I really do have work on that day.”
Ariel lifted her head and turned her eyes to Jayson.
Just then, Jayson’s phone’s notification ringtone sounded. He picked it up to read the message. Perhaps it was because Ariel was sitting beside him, Jayson took a quick glance and put the phone back on the table with the screen facing down.
It was as if he were trying to prevent others from seeing what was on his phone. Ariel did not bother herself fussing over what he did.
She did not even have to think so hard about it to know that Jayson had not necessarily rejected Betty’s plan because of work. Instead, it was most likely because the person that he wanted to go on a date on Valentine’s Day
was Nancy.
Betty was clearly displeased. She could not stand how indifferent Jayson was about the matter. She was breathing heavily as she slammed her hand down on the table.
“What could possibly matter even more than your marriage? Postpone whatever you have on that day! I’ve already reserved the hotel and the restaurant. The two of you must go on a date!”
Ariel did not think Betty would be so ticked off. The words she had been preparing to explain about her and Jayson’s plans to divorce were stuck in her throat.
She pursed her lips and decided not to add fuel to the flames.
When he saw that Betty had lost her temper, Jayson smiled faintly and patted her back gently. “Fine, I’ll do as you say. Don’t be mad.”
Betty’s expression softened. “That’s more like it. You should stay with Ari while she’s having breakfast. I need to take my high blood pressure medications now.”
Ariel kept silent and continued eating her breakfast. She could tell that Jayson had only yielded just now since he did not want to further aggravate Betty.
Even if Betty had prepared a detailed plan for them on Valentine’s Day, Jayson would not show up anyway.
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Chapter 168
+25 BONUS
After she had finished breakfast, Ariel left to wash her hands. By the time she returned to the dining room, Jayson was gone.
Ariel’s face darkened. Jayson had not yet given her any replies or confirmation. Ariel would be more than happy to buy the ring from Jayson. She was not planning on taking it back from him without giving anything in return.
After she had informed Betty that she was leaving, Ariel got a cab to pick her up at Larkin Manor. On the way to her apartment, she sent two messages to Jayson.
“The ring means a lot to me. I’m willing to pay you any amount of money for it. Please reply to me once you’ve given it some thought. Jayson, I’m sincerely begging you.”
Unfortunately, Ariel did not receive any response. There was no telling whether Jayson had ignored her messages or he had not seen them.
Even though her anxiety was eating away at her, Ariel had no choice but to just wait for Jayson to reach out first. Anyway, there was nothing she could do about it.
While she was waiting for Jayson’s reply, Ariel did not slack off on work at Faye Tech.
She was completely occupied with work during the next couple of days. Their project would be put out to tender in a week’s time. Ariel could not afford to take any time off now.
At the same time, Ariel had been keeping in touch with people from the hospital regarding Leonard’s liver transplant operation.
Leonard had waited almost five months for the opportunity to undergo the operation. It was finally going to be his turn on the waiting list.
Ariel was equally thrilled and nervous. She had been keeping up with hospital updates at all times.
On Friday, at around 7:00 pm, Ariel finished work and packed her things. She was getting ready to head home.
Just as she exited her office building, Ariel received a call from Jayson.
Ariel’s heart missed a beat. She wondered if Jayson had finally called to discuss matters regarding the ring.
She swiped her finger on the screen and took the call.
The voice coming down the line was deep and monotonous. “I’ve sent someone to pick you up. They’re waiting outside Faye Tech’s building.”
