Chapter 441
The birthday party incident had blown up far beyond control. By now, nearly everyone in Eldoria’s upper crust had heard about it. And given Jayson’s unique status, the fact that his personal life was now tabloid–worthy was almost surreal
In this circle, it wasn’t rare for married men to keep mistresses. A so–called close female friend waiting in each city was practically an unspoken norm.
But what made Nancy different was that from the moment she entered the public eye, she had always stood beside Jayson as his official girlfriend.
She had the polished looks, the right family background, and a prestigious degree admired even by high society. The moment she returned home, she was seen as the wothan Jayson cherished the most.
Layer upon layer of filters had been placed over her image in people’s minds.
And now, it had all shattered overnight.
Nancy was exposed as the woman who had interfered in someone else’s marriage.
Her carefully curated image of class, intellect, and perfection had crumbled completely.
That was the real reason people couldn’t stop talking. After all, it wasn’t uncommon for powerful men to keep mistresses.
So once the storm had passed, and all three people at the center of the scandal appeared at the same event, comparisons were bound to be made.
Ariel knew exactly what everyone was thinking. That was just how people were.
But she had no intention of being caught up in any of this drama. She didn’t care how Jayson would respond. Without hesitation, she picked up the nameplate the staff member had just placed down for her. “No need to change anything. I’ll sit where I was originally assigned.”
With that, Ariel turned and walked toward her original seat.
She had no interest in being labeled as a woman fighting over a man. And she especially wasn’t going to sit around waiting to see which woman Jayson chose.
The choice had always been hers to make.
Ariel’s response left many in the room visibly stunned. Then came the quiet admiration.
No wonder she was the lady of the Larkins. That kind of mindset and composure wasn’t something most people possessed.
Even Nancy frowned slightly. She didn’t expect Ariel to pull something like this.
She assumed Ariel was putting on a show because she felt guilty and insecure. Ariel was just afraid she couldn’t outshine her.
Nancy glanced at Jayson again, only to find him watching Ariel’s retreating figure.
She pressed her lips into a line before saying, “Jayson, let’s sit down first.”
Jayson looked at her, his expression unreadable. “No need for special treatment. Just stick to the original arrangement. The seating doesn’t need to be changed.”
Nancy instantly understood what he meant.
The staff member asked in surprise, “Should we move Ms. Stanton to a different seat then?”
Jayson had already sat down.
- 15.
Before Jayson could respond, Nancy straightened her back and gave the staff member a calm glance. “I appreciate the concern, but rules are rules. I’ll take my assigned seat.”
The staff member looked uncertain.
But with both Jayson and Nancy having spoken, It was only natural to move her seat back to where it had originally been.
And just like that, the three of them ended up sitting in separate spots.
To the rest of the room, the scene was bizarre and impossible to read.
They couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Ariel, who had remained composed through it all.
Regardless of opinions, one fact was undeniable–Ariel was Jayson’s wife.
Plenty of people nearby made an effort to strike up a friendly conversation with Ariel. She wasn’t the least bit aloof; she answered every question professionally.
The more they spoke with her, the more impressed they became.
Lately, Ariel had been all over the news because of her skills.
The system she independently developed had made national headlines. She had topped the list in the postgraduate admissions exam, earning the spot as Carlos‘ final student.
And even the clash with Veyo Solutions had ultimately become a stepping stone to Ariel’s success and rising reputation.
So, although people were surprised to learn she was Jayson’s wife, that wasn’t the only reason they respected her. Most of all, they genuinely admired what she was capable of.
