Chapter 456
Those who heard what Kristen said looked in the direction she was staring at.
Jayson had indeed arrived at the art museum. However, Nancy was beside him.
Nancy’s relationship with Jayson didn’t appear to be affected. She was still seen attending these events with him. It was obvious she was still receiving special treatment from Jayson.
Some of the guests, who were also part of the elite circle, could not help but feel sorry for Ariel. At the same time, they were wondering which of those two Jayson had placed at a higher priority in his heart.
Anyhow, it was clear what Kristen was hinting at by addressing Jayson as Ariel’s husband in front of all these people.
Most of her guests were very sharp and perceptive. They could tell that was Kristen’s way of showing her disdain for Nancy.
Jayson noticed Ariel when he came in. He stared at her for a brief moment. There was no need for him to avoid being seen with Ariel anymore.
He turned slightly and headed in Ariel’s direction.
Nancy frowned. Still, she followed behind Jayson. Behind them, Matt was bewildered as he watched t
events.
Ariel did not expect Jayson to come over. A small frown creased her forehead.
Meanwhile, Jayson had walked up to them. He looked at Kristen. “Ms. Ulmer, long time no see.”
Iding
Nancy knew about Kristen’s background and social status as well. She elegantly gave a nod. “Pleased to meet you, Ms. Ulmer. I’m Nancy Stanton.”
Kristen’s gaze fell on Jayson. “Long time no see. Thank you for taking the time to visit our exhibition, Mr. Larkin. Please bear with us if you happen to find anything lacking with our hospitality.”
Then, she turned her eyes to Nancy and gave a slight nod. After that, Kristen directed her gaze to Ariel. “You guys should go ahead and look around. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
Kristen could tell the kind of motive a woman like Nancy would normally have. She couldn’t be bothered to be courteous to Nancy.
Nancy could sense the difference in the way Kristen had treated her, especially after having witnessed the latter and Ariel chatting happily earlier.
A slight frown appeared, but Nancy quickly composed herself.
After Kristen left, Ariel was going to walk away as well. Yet, Jayson turned his gaze toward Ariel and asked calmly, “Who invited you here today?”
His question was rather abrupt.
Ariel gave him a sidelong glance. “Is that something you should concern yourself with, Mr. Larkin?”
Did Jayson perhaps think that her presence made things awkward for Nancy?
Jayson could sense Ariel’s indifference. She couldn’t even be bothered to give him a proper response.
Janice had just returned after looking around the art museum. Upon seeing what was happening, she went up to
Ariel and grabbed her arm.
Then, Janice smirked and cast a glance at Nancy. “She’s probably become so thick–skinned because she’s injected too much chemical into her face.”
Nancy was brazen enough to attend these public events with Jayson even after the recent incident. None of them had any interest in watching her act all dignified and elegant.
Nancy’s gaze hardened since she could tell Janice was mocking her.
Matt heard what Janice said just as he approached the group. He chuckled. You’re all ladies. There’s no need to be so mean.”
our jokes are so funny, Ms. Swanson.
Janice snickered. “We’re all women here. Why do some women try to steal other women’s husbands, though?”
Matt was rendered speechless.
He subconsciously glanced at Jayson, yet the latter just seemed absolutely cold and detached.
Ariel wasn’t planning on having these talks during someone else’s event. She dragged Janice along and he led elsewhere.
Jayson stared at her receding figure. Then, he slowly averted his gaze.
Matt quickly said, “Don’t pay any mind to what they just said, Nancy. In a few days, you and Jayson will go on a vacation and enjoy some alone time. I’m sure you’ll feel much better after taking a break.”
The corners of Nancy’s mouth lifted in a smile.
Matt had a point. Jayson had agreed to go on a trip with her.
Ariel heard what they were saying, but she continued walking. Jayson was free to go on a trip with just himself and Nancy if that was what he wanted.
Samson had come over from the Yeager Group’s building and arrived at the art museum. He happened to see Ariel walking away from Jayson’s group.
He came to a halt. Samson’s eyes were unreadable as he gazed at Jayson and Nancy, who stood next to each other. Nancy was looking at a painting and speaking to Jayson with a smile on her face.
Only a few days ago, Samson had caught wind of the latest gossip that was being fervently discussed throughout Eldoria.
The incident involving Jayson and Ariel had created quite a buzz.
With Jayson still bringing Nancy to these public events, Samson could imagine how awkward and uncomfortable Ariel must feel.
Samson had a slightly tense look on his face as he continued to stare at the pair, A hint of scorn was reflected in his eyes.
Matt spotted Samson and greeted him. “Mr. Pryce.”
Nancy thought of Frederick the moment she saw Samson. She reckoned perhaps both men shared similar thoughts.
Samson paused briefly. Then, he turned his gaze toward them. “I’m a bit occupied at the moment. Let’s talk later.”
He didn’t try to strike up a conversation with them.
2/3
Matt didn’t think much of it. Since Samson worked for the Yeager Group, he likely came to assist with the Ulmer family’s event.
Ariel became increasingly absorbed as she admired one painting after another. Janice liked taking photos. While Ariel was enjoying the immersive experience, Janice was snapping pictures of her from the side.
Janice was quite surprised when Samson showed up nearby
With a purposeful stride, he walked toward Ariel.
“You’re absolutely focused on admiring the paintings. Do they pique your interest?” With his hands on his back, Samson tilted his head and looked at Ariel.
Ariel snapped out of her reverie. “I suppose so.”
After all, she grew up in an environment where she was exposed to art and the relevant knowledge.
Samson looked at her. He didn’t ask Ariel about matters related to Jayson right away. Instead, he asked, “There are works of different styles exhibited on the floor above. Do you want to look at them?”
Ariel was planning to head upstairs anyway. She nodded. “Sure.”
Janice was tactful enough to decide not to tag along. However, she secretly took a photo of Ariel and S behind and sent it to Chad.
from
Ariel went to the floor above and realized abstract paintings were exhibited on that floor. They were very from the previous works she saw.
different
Aurelia was still the creator of these artworks. Ariel grew more and more curious about this person.
Samson could see how focused Ariel was. He didn’t disturb her while she was looking at the paintings.
After guiding her around several exhibition areas, Samson began pensively, “Can we talk for a moment?”
Ariel turned her gaze toward Samson. “Sure. Go ahead.”
Samson stood there and looked Ariel in the eye. His tone softened. “Did you refuse to accept my feelings because of the situation you’re in? The fact that you’re married to Mr. Larkin?”
Ariel gave his questions some thought. Then, she answered straightforwardly, “Whether Jayson’s in the picture or not, I’m in no mood to date anyone at the moment.”
Ariel was destroying all hopes for Samson by giving that response. Yet, Samson’s gaze remained fixed on Ariel. He didn’t seem bothered by how adamant Ariel sounded.
Samson said with a grim look on his face, “It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re married or divorced. I like you. So, I hope you’ll meet the right person whether you’re looking for a boyfriend or you’re planning to tie the knot. However, Mr. Larkin is clearly not the right person for you.
Ariel was rather surprised by Samson’s attitude.
Just as she was about to say something, Ariel spotted Jayson out of the corners of her eyes. She had no idea how long he had been standing there in the distance.
Jayson was on the phone, but his emotionless eyes were fixed on her.