Chapter 73
Ariel turned her eyes to him. While Jayson was still holding Betty’s hand, Ariel spotted a faint lipstick stain on the collar of his white shirt. She swiftly averted her gaze.
Ariel could not help wondering if he and Nancy had kissed or gotten a lot more intimate after their shopping trip before Jayson got here.
That explained why he seemed to be in a good mood. Jayson was most probably enjoying a delightful time not too long ago.
“You two should stand close to each other. Ari, you should link arms with Jayson.” Betty’s voice snapped Ariel out of her reverie.
Ariel did not ask Jayson about the lipstick stain, since she would be the only one to suffer scorn and humiliation if she did. Therefore, she acted as if she hadn’t seen it.
When she lifted her head, Ariel noticed Betty was pointing her phone’s camera at them. She was visibly pleased to see how Jayson and Ariel looked like a lovely couple. “I’ll take a few photos and send them to Marie.”
Ariel never expected they would be having their first photo together this way.
“You can take as many photos as you want.” She was rather surprised to see that Jayson did not say no.
Then again, Jayson could not possibly be interested in taking photos with Ariel just because she wanted to. He had to comply now since it was a request from Betty.
As for Betty’s request to link arms with Jayson…
Ariel stayed still.
Jayson cast her a sideways glance. Still, he kept silent. Jayson merely checked his watch twice. He was clearly hinting that he wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.
Betty was annoyed to see how those two interacted with each other. She stepped forward and placed Ariel’s hand on Jayson’s arm. “That’s more like it! Now, smile.”
Sensing the firm muscles under her palm, Ariel looked calmly toward the camera. Neither she nor Jayson showed any emotion on their faces, and neither of them was smiling.
Betty prompted them several times to smile, yet it was no use. In the end, she just went ahead and snapped the photos.
Betty grew more and more delighted as she snapped away. She only stopped when Jayson lowered his forearm and Ariel moved her hand away.
Betty chatted with her younger sister, Marie Stewart, on the phone. She said chirpily, “I’ve sent the photos to Marie. I’ve sent them to you as well, Jayson. You should forward them to Ari.”
Jayson nodded and was about to head upstairs.
Just then, Betty remembered something and reminded the couple. “Marie’s grandson’s wife gave birth to a second child not too long ago. They’re having a party this weekend to celebrate the addition of a new member to their family. They’ve invited you two to the party.”
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Chapter 73
+25 BONUS
Ariel said nothing and just directed her gaze to Jayson.
Marie shared the same sentiment as Betty regarding Jayson and Ariel’s marriage. She had always been quite kind and friendly to Ariel as well. Even if they were divorced, Ariel felt it was only right for her to properly congratulate Marie on the good news.
As for whether they would attend the party or not, it was up to Jayson to make the decision.
Jayson glanced over his shoulder and responded in a relaxed tone, “Alright. Don’t forget to pass the invitation card to us.”
Ariel had no objections to what he said. When she saw that Jayson was heading upstairs, Ariel quickly followed behind him.
Betty grinned broadly as she watched those two. The couple had only been married for three years so far. It would be wonderful if they could grow a bit closer to each other.
Ariel halted in her tracks just as Jayson entered his study.
“Mr. Larkin, can I have some of your time?”
Jayson looked over his shoulder. He could sense how Ariel was trying to set a clear boundary between them.
He smirked. Jayson probably found it amusing. An enigmatic smile played on his lips. “Do you need something from me?”
“About my mom’s art gallery, I need a clear answer from you.” Ariel stood by the door and went straight to the point.
Jayson could do whatever he wanted. However, Ariel would not allow him or Nancy to trouble Katie with their matters. That was where she drew the line.
Jayson loosened his tie. He could tell how concerned Ariel was regarding the matter. He narrowed his eyes and gazed at her pensively.
Ariel thought Jayson was going to make more difficult demands of her. She silently clenched her fists. “We’ve been married for so long, and I’ve never asked for any huge favors from you. Just this once… Just…”
“I never said anything about turning you down.” Jayson kept his gaze on her. He put one hand in his pocket and answered slowly.
Ariel was momentarily stunned. “Really?”
“Nancy and her mom can pick somewhere with a more strategic location for the exhibition.” Jayson looked at his watch and replied unhurriedly.
Ariel was quite surprised that Jayson had yielded.
From what she could tell, Sarah was obviously trying to make things hard for the Walkers, and it was unlikely for Nancy to change her mind. Normally, Jayson would try his best to fulfill Nancy’s wishes as he usually did.
