Chapter 72
Leonard responded, “Alright. Be careful on your way home.”
Ariel did not explain to Leonard how she and Jayson were leaving separately. Jayson was most likely on his way to meet Nancy. He would never sacrifice his time with Nancy to give Ariel a lift home.
For the next two days, Ariel heard nothing from Nancy’s side. Jayson had not contacted her either.
Ariel was not sure if they had given up on the plan regarding the art gallery. Even though she was busy with many things, Ariel could not help feeling restless.
On Friday, she received another call from Jayson. He said monotonously, “Renee is suffering from an allergic reaction. She wouldn’t let the maids apply the ointment for her. She said that it didn’t hurt when you did it for her previously. Can you drop by home and check on her?”
Ariel pursed her lips. “Sure.”
She could have said no since she couldn’t be bothered with what happened to Renee. However, this could be considered a demand or a condition from Jayson. He would have no more reason to force Ariel to sell the art gallery if she complied with his request now.
“The art…”
“Jayson, does this dress look alright?” Ariel could hear Nancy’s voice in the background.
It was a little past nine in the morning. It sounded like Jayson was accompanying Nancy on her shopping trip even though it was supposed to be time for him to be busy with work.
Ariel heard the disconnected tone the next instant. Jayson had hung up. Ariel had gotten used to being ignored by him this way. She applied for a day off and headed over to the Larkin Manor.
Renee had a delicate constitution, and she was allergic to quite a few things. Whenever she did not pay close attention, she would easily get a lot of itchy and painful rashes on her body.
Moreover, she was rather fussy. Renee would throw a fit whether it was a doctor or a maid helping to apply the ointment for her.
Ariel, who was gentle and meticulous, was the only exception. She had helped apply the ointment to Renee several times over the past three years, and Renee was satisfied with it.
Ariel had mixed feelings about coming to Larkin Manor again. She had confidently declared she would never come here again last time. Yet, she had no choice but to visit the manor today.
Jayson probably thought that she was rather pathetic.
A maid fetched Ariel a pair of indoor slippers when she saw her at the door.
Betty came over as well and clasped Ariel’s hands. “She’s making a fuss upstairs. You’re the only one who can put a stop to her tantrums.”
Ariel merely smiled and said nothing. Then, she went upstairs to check on Renee.
1/2
Chapter 72
+25 BONUS
As soon as she spotted Ariel, Renee remarked reproachfully, “Are you a snail? What took you so long? My back is so itchy!”
Ariel walked over to her with an impassive look on her face. “Lift your shirt.”
Renee pursed her lips. She did not like how cold and unresponsive Ariel was. “What’s with that tone of yours?”
Ariel took a closer look and noticed two areas, each around the size of a fingernail, on Renee’s back where she had rashes. They were so tiny that others might not even notice them.
Both Jayson and Renee had made a habit of bossing Ariel around. They felt that Ariel should put all her attention on them and their needs regardless of whether she had any more urgent things to do..
“You had walnuts?” Ariel asked.
4
Renee was annoyed by how accurate Ariel’s guess was. She could not deny that Ariel was a decent woman. Someone as thoughtful and meticulous as Ariel was hard to come by.
”
T
Ariel also did her best to care for Renee during the past three years. She knew pretty much everything that Renee was allergic to and would pay extra attention to these things.
U
Still, Renee found her lacking. There was another person who was much more deserving of becoming Jayson’s spouse. Renee was no fool.
Nevertheless, she enjoyed being cared for by Ariel. It would have been perfect if only Ariel had known her place and given up competing with Nancy to be Jayson’s wife.
Once Renee’s ointment was applied, Ariel didn’t linger.
When she came downstairs, Jayson had just arrived home. He appeared rather relaxed. Ariel reckoned he was probably back for lunch.
Betty was beaming from ear to ear when she saw the two of them in the same room. “You came back just in time. Marie was asking about you two earlier. You should chat with her for a bit later.”
H
Jayson checked his watch and refused her request. “Grandma, I need to attend a virtual meeting in a while.”
Ariel was not surprised to hear that response. Jayson had never bothered trying to act like he and Ariel were a loving couple in front of others. Anyone could tell how cold and distant he was to Ariel.
Ariel said calmly, “It’s alright, Grandma. We should let Jayson finish his work first.”
Betty instinctively blamed Jayson for being uncooperative. She shot him a glare.
“What are you so busy with? Have you spoken a word to Ari ever since you stepped in through the door? Did you not notice how she was busy caring for Renee? Why are you acting as if she’s not here?”
Jayson remained completely unruffled. He curled his lips. “I’m sorry, Grandma.”
He did not feel apologetic about his actions in the slightest despite having said that.
Betty went up to Jayson and slapped him on the chest. “Come here and stand next to Ari! There’s something important I need you to do.”
Jayson let Betty drag him along until he was standing next to Ariel.
