Janice’s expression darkened at those words. She was about to say something when Ariel stopped her and shook her head.

At the same time, she caught the flicker of Nancy’s gaze landing on her. There was no doubt the latter had heard what Lori said.

Nancy arched a brow with a faint smile tugging at her lips. Then, she turned to Jayson and Matt and said, “I’ll head in first.”

Compared to Nancy’s effortless grace, Ariel suddenly felt awkward and conspicuously out of place.

Arial could guess what Nancy was thinking, but that didn’t matter since she no longer wanted Jayson. Self- consuming wouldn’t solve anything.

Morgan wasn’t pleased either. What would Jayson think of Ariel showing up and stirring such a storm? How was he supposed to continue the conversation?

As if heartbroken by Ariel’s behavior, he shook his head and turned to Jayson. “Let’s meet another day, Mr. Larkin. You should come by Sanderson Manor for dinner sometime.”

Jayson didn’t respond as his expression remained dark and unreadable. That prompted Morgan to grow even more resentful of Ariel’s sharpness. Her outburst had clearly upset Jayson!

Throwing her one last glance, he turned to leave.

Meanwhile, Lori seemed to enjoy Ariel’s predicament. She agreed that Nancy was beautiful and competent. From the moment the latter appeared, Jayson’s attention had been entirely on her. How could Ariel possibly compare?

Lori scoffed lightly and turned to leave, only to hear Ariel ask, “Did I say this was over?”

Lori frowned impatiently. “Haven’t you had enough?”

Ariel forced down the tide of emotions rolling inside her and replied in a cold voice, “Or would you prefer I call the cops?”

Lori’s face paled.

“Ari.”

19

A warm hand gripped Ariel’s wrist. Lucas had arrived at some point and was smiling faintly as he looked at her. ” That’s enough.”

His sudden intervention snapped Ariel’s already tensed nerves, and she tried to wrench free of his grip. “Let go!” Lucas calmly stared at her. “Lori is my sister too. Can’t you leave her a little dignity?”

Ariel almost laughed. He was the man who’d once said she was his only loved one and sister, and now, he was saying this despite knowing she’d done nothing wrong. He just didn’t care anymore.

The staff in the store sneaked glances at their way and were drawn by their spectacle.

Amused by the unfolding drama, Matt clicked his tongue as he walked past and muttered, “Ms. Sanderson knows when to take a hint after being rejected. Such a shame someone else doesn’t.”

Lucas shot him a cold glance. Then, he turned to Jayson, who remained aloof this entire time.

Still gripping Ariel’s wrist, he smiled and said, “My apologies, Mr. Larkin. Ari’s just got a bit of a temper. Please don’t take it to heart.”

But Jayson didn’t seem to care. He cast a brief, thoughtful look at them to see that Ariel was subdued by Lucas. They’d grown up together, and she was used to listening to him.

Jayson gave a faint nod and turned away to enter the private room, indifferent to how things between Ariel and Lucas would play out.

Throughout the whole time, he never said a word in Ariel’s defense. No one would have guessed that he was her husband.

“Come with me,” Lucas urged, glancing at the curious onlookers. He frowned and tugged Ariel toward the exit. Lori kept her eyes on Lucas the entire time. She bit her lips and rushed over, only to have Janice stop her in her tracks.

To reach the door, Lucas and Ariel had to pass Jayson’s private room. As they walked by, Ariel happened to hear Nancy’s gentle voice coming from inside.

“My mom’s coming back soon. She booked a restaurant and wants to meet you, Jayson. Will you have time?”

Jayson replied without hesitation, “You pick the time. I’ll be there.

Ariel’s steps faltered. She lowered her gaze and let Lucas lead her out.

She’d once asked Jayson to meet Katie and Leonard, but he’d rejected her outright and never bothered to end their marriage in peace.

Now that Sarah wished to see him, he took it seriously.

Suppose it were a formal meeting with Nancy’s family. Was Jayson preparing to divorce her and marry Nancy instead?