Chapter 28
Perry didn’t say anything, but he agreed with Matt’s words.
Matt turned to Jayson and said confidently, “I think Ariel is just competing with Nancy. Nancy is interested in drones, so Ariel pretends to be. Nancy takes an interest in Chad, so Ariel joins Faye Tech. Her whole goal is to get your attention.”
He prided himself on understanding women’s little mind games.
A woman who couldn’t get love would only act out more.
Jayson didn’t respond.
Just then, his phone rang. It was Betty. He got up and walked outside.
“Grandma, why are you still awake this late?”
Betty snorted. “And what about you? Shouldn’t you be with Ari?”
Jayson pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m busy with work.”
“Don’t give me that! You think I don’t hear the rumors? I know who you’ve been spending time with! How can you do this to Ari?” Betty was livid.
Jayson’s gaze darkened. “Who told you that?”
“So, you admit it?” Betty let out a few exaggerated gasps. “Jayson Larkin! Ari is such a wonderful lady. If you let her down, the heavens will make you pay!”
Jayson was unfazed. “Is it that serious?”
His dismissive tone only made Betty angrier. “If you don’t want to drive me to an early grave, come home with Ari tomorrow! That’s an order, not a request!”
She hung up in frustration.
Jayson stood there for a moment, one hand in his pocket. Then, he opened his WhatsApp chat with Ariel.
After a pause, he exited and dialed her number instead.
It was already 11:00 pm. Ariel had just drifted off when the call woke her.
Her sleep schedule had always been steady. She rarely stayed up late. Jayson knew that.
But Ariel had always been easygoing. No matter when he needed something, she never got angry or refused him.
Even if she was upset, she would swallow it down and continue being agreeable. He never had to put much effort into dealing with her.
Ariel answered with a frown. “What is it?”
Jayson’s voice was steady, devoid of emotion. “Come with me to Larkin Manor tomorrow. Do you have time?”
Ariel woke up a little more.
1/2
Larkin Manor? Was he finally planning to tell Betty about the divorce?
She barely hesitated. “I do.”
“Want me to pick you up?”
“No, I’ll drive myself.”
Jayson ended the call immediately.
He seemed to have predicted her answer and didn’t want to waste another second talking to her, as if he was afraid she would cling to him.
Ariel didn’t dwell on it.
As long as everything was made clear to Betty, it would save her a lot of trouble.
The next evening, Ariel wrapped up her work and drove to Larkin Manor.
When she arrived, Jayson wasn’t back yet.
The moment Betty saw her, she stood up and took Ariel’s hands. “Why have you lost so much weight? Are you feeling unwell?”
Ariel gently squeezed Betty’s hands and smiled warmly. “Just been busy with work. It’s nothing serious.”
Betty was still worried. “I’ll arrange for an alternative medicine doctor to take a look at you. You need to nourish yourself!”
Ariel smiled. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll take care of myself.”
“It’s all that brat’s fault! He’s so careless. He doesn’t know how to take care of you at all! And look, he’s still not back. Is he really that busy?” Betty scolded, frustrated.
Ariel only smiled without responding.
It wasn’t about being attentive or not. When someone truly cared, they didn’t need to be taught how to show it. Jayson had always known exactly how to treat Nancy well. He was probably with her now.
Just then, Evelyn came downstairs. She glanced at Ariel. “Oh, you’re here.”
Ariel hesitated before greeting her. “Evelyn.”
Since they had to wait for Jayson to arrive before discussing the divorce, basic courtesy was necessary.
Evelyn had never liked Ariel and didn’t even bother pretending. She asked coldly, “I heard you’re no longer working at Bluum Corp.”
Ariel didn’t hide it. “Yeah, I just completed the paperwork for my resignation.”
Evelyn frowned. “So, you’ve finally learned to do nothing and have Jayson support you?
