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Chapter 23
Renee made her usual visit to Jayson and Ariel’s marital home after school during the next day afternoon.
She was starving. As soon as she entered the house, she called out, “Ariel?”
Georgia came out and took Renee’s backpack. “Mrs. Larkin isn’t around, Ms. Larkin.”
Surprised, Renee frowned and asked, “Isn’t she supposed to get lunch ready by this time?”
She was also aware that Ariel had been delivering lunch to Jayson.
As the house was close to Bluum Corp, she would prepare the food before work and rush home to get it done during her lunch break. She’d then
ask Colton to help deliver it to Jayson.
Even though he never wanted to see her, Ariel wouldn’t give up.
Renee came over today just to eat the food Ariel made. Ariel might not be good at other things, but she had always been a quick leaner. Her cooking was always to Renee’s liking.
However, her mood soured when she found out that nothing was prepared today. She couldn’t help but think that Ariel was becoming increasingly irresponsible.
Georgia was equally confused. The usually gentle and dutiful Ariel no longer returned home now. In the past, she would even cancel business trips just to be with Jayson.
Renee was actually in a bad mood all day. She’d found out that Nancy caught a cold and was running a fever. She’d planned to take the day off to visit her, but showing up empty–handed wouldn’t be nice.
She figured a sick person should eat something nourishing, but she didn’t know how to cook. It wouldn’t seem sincere if she bought something pre–made either, so she thought of Ariel.
Ariel was good at cooking, so she could get her to cook something.
Renee plopped onto the couch and gave her a call.
Ariel had just finished a meeting with Chad then. The possibilities in the drone field were endless, and she had come up with some new ideas.
She planned to optimise the system and didn’t want to waste time eating at the cafeteria. She then got Chad to help get her some food when she saw Renee’s call.
Ariel glanced over and rejected the call. However, Renee continued calling her.
As it affected her work, she blocked her number immediately. Only then did she find peace and continue working.
Renee bit her lips angrily when she heard the constant busy signal.
She couldn’t understand why Ariel was ignoring her. Ariel had never once not picked up her call before this, and she would always talk to her gently just to please her.
Renee could only call Jayson. He answered the call and asked, “What’s wrong?”
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“Why can’t I reach Ariel, Jay? She’s not picking up my calls. I’m at your house, and she’s not preparing lunch here! ” she replied.
Jayson replied thoughtfully, “I don’t know. I didn’t contact her.”
Renee said, “You should call her to come back and prepare lunch then!”
“Are restaurants just for show, Renee?” His voice sounded sharp and pressuring.
Renee cowered slightly before pouting and replied, “Nancy is sick. I want to visit her, but I can’t just show up empty–handed. How can I get Ariel to come back, Jay?”
Jayson fell silent for some time before replying indifferently, “Didn’t Grandma like her cooking too?”
He ended the call after that.
Renee was momentarily confused before she understood what he meant. Ariel would definitely come back if Betty’s name was mentioned.
Ariel finished handling the system issues and made an appointment to see her doctor at 3:00 pm.
She rejected Chad’s offer to send her when she informed him that she was heading out. She wasn’t planning to let them know about her condition just yet.
Ariel’s notification rang. She glanced over, only to find Renee sending her a WhatsApp text. She mentioned that Betty wasn’t feeling well lately and was craving her cooking, then added several complaints about her calls not getting through.
Ariel frowned upon hearing that Betty was feeling unwell. She instinctively thought of heading over to check on her, but upon realizing that they were about to divorce, she thought it might be inappropriate for her to head over to the Larkin Manor.
She checked the time and decided to return to their marital home.
Georgia was delighted to see Ariel. “You’re finally back, Mrs. Larkin! I’ve already made up your room. Do you want to get some rest?”
“No need, I’ll leave soon.” Ariel changed into her slippers and said, “I’ll make oatmeal and some side dishes. Could you please deliver them to the Larkin Manor for Grandma later?”
Betty had always been good to her; her grandfather, Timothy Walker, and Betty’s husband, Jeffrey Larkin, were war comrades.
Upon hearing that she was sick and missing Ariel’s cooking, Ariel didn’t mind cooking for Betty. (1)
Georgia nodded in a daze.
Ariel quickly cooked up some oatmeal and two easy–to–digest side dishes. She then packed the food in the carefully chosen lunch boxes. “Thank you, Georgia.”
“Why are you leaving again, Mrs. Larkin?” Georgia asked, perplexed.
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Ariel paused for a moment as she changed her shoes and looked down at the pale yellow slippers. She did not
explain but smiled faintly. “Please throw these slippers away, Georgia.‘
