Chapter 315
Ariel hadn’t put on any makeup today. After yesterday’s sudden hospitalization, her pale, worn–out face showed every trace of what she had been through.
“I’m fine now,” she replied politely.
Liam poured water for Ariel and Janice before asking, “Did you get checked out?”
Janice answered for Ariel, “She went to the ER last night. They said it was acute stomach pain.”
But Liam looked thoughtful.
With his years of medical experience, he could tell there was something unusual about how thin and delicate Ariel looked.
He didn’t say anything yet; he just called in Isaac so they could walk Ariel through Leonard’s treatment plan together.
Ariel trusted them. After all, Liam was a top oncology expert whom even other specialists recommended.
Once they had gone over everything, Ariel didn’t linger.
Liam walked them out. His expression revealed nothing, but he said with measured restraint, “Ms. Walker, you don’t look very well. I’d recommend a full checkup.”
Though Ariel’s help last time was driven by her own motives, the outcome remained the same. He still felt inclined to give her a few extra reminders.
Ariel was a little surprised but simply nodded. “Thank you. I’ll get a checkup.”
As he watched Ariel and Janice walk away, Liam looked deep in thought.
Isaac noticed the way Liam stared after them.
“What’s on your mind? Are you close with Ms. Walker?”
Liam finally snapped out of it. He brushed his fingers over His brow as he pushed the thought aside. “I hope I’m just overthinking it.”
Ariel took Chad’s advice and actually stayed home to rest for a few days.
This had been the first time her condition had flared up so badly that she had needed to go to the ER. And she really didn’t want it to turn into something worse.
So resting wasn’t the worst idea.
But that didn’t mean she just lazed around. Every day, she carved out three hours to work on the military project’s concept design and requirements analysis.
The project required full team coordination. She couldn’t let her personal issues hold things up or throw off the timeline.
She also joined key virtual meetings with Chad and the others, making sure every step stayed on track.
At one point, Betty called and asked if she was feeling better. Then she asked if Jayson was taking good care of her.
Ariel immediately caught on.
1/2
Chapter 315
Jayson must have told Betty he was staying with her and taking care of her every day.
+25 BONUS
But ever since they left the hospital, he hadn’t contacted her at all. Well, not that Jayson had her number.
She wasn’t about to call out his lie, so she just replied, “Yeah, he is.”
Betty finally relaxed and gave a few more reminders before hanging up.
Ariel had gotten used to handling these little “check–ins” with ease. It didn’t take much effort anyway.
If the treatment worked, she would just have to make it through the one–year clause in the agreement.
And if it didn’t…
Well, then none of this would matter.
Later, Ariel received a message from Perry. “I heard you’ve been sick. Are you feeling better now?”
Perry was in the same circles as Jayson and Nancy, so it wasn’t surprising he had heard about her hospitalization.
Still, Ariel frowned. She hadn’t expected him to reach out. They never really talked. Was he checking in for a reason?
Although Ariel had her doubts, she didn’t ask. She simply replied, “Thanks for your concern.”
Later that afternoon, she got a call from Carlos.
Since her trip to the ER had happened so suddenly—and in front of quite a few people–it was only a matter of time before word spread.
“What happened? I asked Chad, but he didn’t say much,” Carlos asked, his tone unusually serious.
Ariel tried to brush it off. “It’s nothing serious. I just bumped into the table.”
Carlos gave a low scoff. “Then how come I heard Jayson carried you out of the restaurant? Chad didn’t tell me that part, and it still made its way back to me.”
This was just unbelievable to Carlos.
Ariel was quiet for a moment, then finally said, “Actually, Jayson and I are legally divorced.”
Carlos went silent. The pause carried a mix of surprise and sentiment.
2/2
