Ariel could not figure out the reason. She blurted out next, “You’ll be paying for the new place?”

Jayson directed his gaze at Ariel. His lips twisted into a faint sneer. He probably thought Ariel was asking the obvious. It was a well–known fact that he had always been generous to Nancy.

Ariel realized she had overstepped her boundaries. At the same time, she felt a sense of relief. “Alright. I get it now.”

She had no issues with how much money Jayson was spending on Nancy as long as they stopped coming after her and her family. It was Jayson’s freedom to use his money as he saw fit.

“We’ll prepare the gifts for Great–Aunt Marie separately?” Ariel asked.

Jayson noticed how she was meticulous with these details. “It’s alright. I’ll prepare everything.”

“Okay.” Ariel had no other questions and was about to leave.

Suddenly, Jayson recalled something. “I’ll send you the photos.”

Ariel was a bit confused as she turned around. “Huh?”

Jayson took his phone out and pressed his finger on the screen for a brief moment. Then, he selected the six photos Betty sent him and pressed the forward button. He scrolled down and found Ariel’s WhatsApp contact number.

Just as he was about to press the send button, a window appeared on the screen showing an incoming call from Nancy.

Jayson looked at Ariel expressionlessly. Without any hint of hesitation, he shut the door in her face the next instant. He didn’t want her to overhear or interrupt his phone call with Nancy.

Ariel remained silent. Her lips were pressed into a thin line.

Without lingering around any longer, she turned around and left. Even when Betty invited her to stay for lunch, Ariel politely refused, citing that she had urgent matters to attend to at work.

On the other hand, Jayson grabbed his jacket and headed out after taking the call. He had completely forgotten to send Ariel those photos.

That weekend, Jayson phoned Ariel early in the morning. “Give me your address. I’ll pick you up and take you to the venue.”

Ariel glanced around her tiny apartment. There was no way she would ask him to come here. “It’s alright. I can get there myself.”

“Grandma says that I have to go with you,” Jayson said at an unhurried pace. His voice gave away nothing.

Ariel paused briefly. “I’ll meet you outside Faye Tech’s building.”

Jayson hung up shortly afterward. Meanwhile, Ariel got ready and took the subway to get to her destination. She reached her office building just as Jayson arrived there in his car.

Colton was driving the Maybach that Jayson usually used on his days off. Meanwhile, Jayson sat in the back seat and looked at his tablet with his head lowered.

Ariel thought about it for a bit. Given how awkward things were between them, having her sit in the back might make both of them feel uncomfortable. So, she opened the door to the front passenger seat.

Finally, Jayson raised his head.

“Sit in the back.”

Ariel did not think much about being asked to sit in the back. She turned around calmly and sat in the seat next to Jayson.

Colton cast her a meaningful glance.

Ariel sensed his gaze and lifted her head. To her surprise, she noticed a lipstick and a small mirror which were placed above the glove compartment facing the front passenger seat.

It seemed like someone would often sit in that seat and apply makeup.

It turned out that the front passenger seat was a special seat reserved for Jayson’s girlfriend, and Ariel simply didn’t deserve to sit there. It was not like Jayson wanted to be seated next to her in the car.

Ariel turned her head and looked out the window. Her expression remained the same.

Marie’s family had reserved the entire second floor of the venue to hold the party celebrating her getting another great–grandson. The guests who were invited were all famous and influential people.

When she got out of the car, Ariel opened the trunk to retrieve the gifts. However, she hesitated a little since she found three beautifully wrapped boxes.

Jayson came over. He took two boxes out of the three and handed them to Ariel. Ariel averted her gaze from the remaining box, which seemed to be a bit more special.

Jayson received a call. He stuck one hand into his pocket. Then, he turned slightly and said, “You should head up first.”

Ariel remained expressionless as she responded in acknowledgment and turned around.

She understood what Jayson was wary of.

They would probably see quite a few familiar faces during today’s party. There might be a risk of their marital relationship being exposed if Jayson were to appear alongside Ariel.

If that were to happen, what would become of Nancy, who was gaining a lot of attention lately as Jayson’s girlfriend?

Jayson was simply trying to prevent such situations from happening.