Ariel wasn’t too worried about that. Even if things went sideways, it wasn’t on her. It wasn’t her idea to publicize anything.
Betty continued, “I’ll have someone go invite Katie later.”
That made Ariel frown. She had completely forgotten about that. “No need, Grandma. She’s been exhausted dealing with my uncle’s situation. Best not to trouble them right now. But she’d definitely thank you.”
Betty didn’t know about the divorce. If she really invited Katie over, the whole thing could blow up.
It was best to steer her away now.
“Well, fair enough. She has had a hard time lately. Then I’ll have Jayson pick you up. I’ll let him know.” Betty was in a good mood today. She soon shifted her focus back to planning.
She ended the call almost immediately, like she was afraid Ariel might refuse.
The escape routes had all been sealed tight.
Ariel stared at her phone for a moment, then glanced at the time.
Jayson was coming to pick her up? Showing up together would absolutely turn heads. Didn’t Betty or Jayson consider that?
Betty was set on having her come over. In her eyes, Ariel was still her granddaughter–in–law. There was no explaining that away.
Ariel sat there in thought for a while before finally starting to pack up her bag.
When Jayson’s car pulled up outside, he was in the back seat, eyes on his tablet. Without raising his head, he said, “Call Ariel.”
After Colton parked the car, he nodded.
With Betty insisting, Jayson was left with no choice but to come over.
Colton dialed Ariel’s number.
It rang for a while before she finally picked up. Her voice was cool and detached. “I’m already on my way. No need to pick me up.”
Jayson paused, then glanced at Colton in the driver’s seat.
Frowning, Colton asked, “But… weren’t you informed that Mr. Larkin would be coming?”
She knew he was coming and still left early without a word?
“Are you working for him, or am I? Just because I was informed, I’m supposed to sit around and wait?” Ariel replied.
Her tone was mild, but the words stung.
Colton was stunned. He instinctively checked the rearview mirror to look at Jayson.
Was she… snapping at them now?
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Chapter 368
+25 BONUS
Before either of them could respond, the line went dead.
Jayson didn’t seem upset, though. He glanced at Colton’s phone for a second, then lowered his gaze again. “Let’s go.”
By the time Ariel arrived at the hotel, she finally realized just how extravagant the whole party really was.
Betty had practically booked the entire hotel.
Hotel staff were stationed outside, guiding the arriving vehicles into place one by one.
Even without a clear event title, the turnout was huge. This moment showcased the full extent of the Larkin family’s pull.
She only found out after arriving that the Larkin family hadn’t sent out any invitations for today. Everyone had shown up of their own accord. As long as they were business partners, they were warmly received.
With this kind of turnout, the networking opportunities and potential deals were endless. Who would say no to that?
While moving through the crowd, Ariel caught bits of conversation.
“The Larkins must be celebrating something big. Look at this setup. Whoever it’s for clearly holds a special place with them.”
Ariel walked past them without reacting. She didn’t think much about it, and she definitely didn’t flatter herself.
As she made her way upstairs, she ran right into Evelyn and Renee.
Evelyn’s eyes briefly widened when she saw her. After all, she had never thought much of Ariel before. But now…
“Why didn’t you ever mention you had this kind of talent?”
Evelyn couldn’t shake a strange feeling. In her eyes, Ariel had always been rather mediocre. Her only standout trait was that undeniably stunning face.
Ariel instantly understood the subtext.
Evelyn was both surprised and a little resentful.
Renee, on the other hand, frowned deeply. She still felt like the whole thing was unfair to Nancy, and her anger flared.
“Don’t get cocky. It’s just one exam. Don’t think that gives you the right to pick on Nancy!”
Ariel’s gaze finally turned cold.
As she was about to retort, a deep voice behind her cut in first. “Renee, if you still haven’t learned how to behave, then go home and reflect on it.”
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