Unlike Matt, who was stunned, Jayson’s face showed no reaction at all. His gaze was unreadable, resting thoughtfully on Ariel.

Ariel had already set the pen down.

No wonder Jayson brought out a brand–new divorce agreement. He wanted to keep full control of the negotiation from the start and bind her with his own rules.

But it didn’t matter now. She didn’t care enough to fight anymore.

As long as she could finalize the divorce quickly, she was willing to go along with anything.

She pushed the agreement back toward Jayson. “Can we proceed now?”

Jayson glanced at the signature and then looked up. “Yes.”

It wasn’t often couples negotiated like this at the courthouse.

After going through the process, the judge glanced up at them. “Do you have children?”

Ariel’s throat tightened before replying, “No.”

Jayson didn’t react.

But Matt curled his lip in disdain. Ariel might’ve wanted kids, but Jayson never gave her the chance.

“Alright. The documents you’ve submitted will be reviewed. Once approved, the 30–day cooling–off period will begin from the date the divorce application is received.

“During that time, if either party changes their mind, the application can be withdrawn. Please make sure you’ve both fully considered this decision.”

Ariel already knew this part. She understood that finalizing the divorce would take at least another month.

But that was fine. She could wait for another 30 days.

“Thank you. But there’s nothing more to consider,” she said calmly.

Jayson glanced sideways at her.

After they completed the process, Vincent checked the time. “Ms. Walker, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.”

Ariel nodded. “Thank you for your help.”

Vincent chatted briefly with Edward, then left.

Ariel stood at the courthouse steps, pulling her collar tight as she walked down.

A chill still lingered in the spring air, and a layer of invisible frost coated the steps. Her foot slipped.

Fortunately, a hand reached out from behind, steadying her.

Her hand landed in a man’s. The warmth around her fingers was oddly comforting.

For a moment, it looked like they were walking out of the courthouse hand in hand. To a stranger, it might have looked like they just got married.

Ariel turned to look.

Jayson had walked up behind her. When he was sure that she had steadied herself, he glanced down at their joined hands before slowly letting go. “I’ll have someone drive you. Don’t call a ride.”

Ariel withdrew her hand and replied politely but coldly, “That’s unnecessary. I’ll manage.”

Jayson gave her a look. “Ariel, no need to be so stubborn. It’s cold. Go home early.”

She pressed her lips together and said nothing else.

Jayson called for the car.

Ariel didn’t argue. She opened the door and got in herself.

When she saw Colton driving, she said without looking up, “To Faye Tech. Thanks.”

She was decisive, saying nothing more than necessary.

Outside, the three men watched the whole thing. She didn’t even glance back.

That wasn’t what Matt had expected at all. He came along because he thought today would be a spectacle—Ariel begging Jayson to stay, refusing to sign, and crying not to go through with the divorce.

What happened to Ariel?

Watching the Bentley drive off, Matt turned to Jayson. “This is weird. Don’t you think that was a little off?”

Jayson kept his expression cold. He lit a cigarette and stared in the direction the car had gone. “You’re overthinking it.”

Even Edward gave Matt a pat on the shoulder. “Guess you were wrong this time. Didn’t you say she’d never agree to the divorce? She signed faster than anyone I’ve seen.”

Matt couldn’t wrap his head around it. He was so sure Ariel wouldn’t agree to the divorce that he brought Edward along to block any last–minute resistance. Who would’ve expected it to go this smoothly?

Ariel didn’t say a single unnecessary word the entire time.

Matt thought for a moment, then asked curiously, “Are you two considered divorced during the cooling–off period?” 2