Chapter : 178
Ariel was surprisingly businesslike. She was completely emotionless, like it was just another business meeting.
But soon, she frowned. That brief thought that maybe Jayson was being kind vanished as she spotted two more conditions in the agreement.
One said she couldn’t tell Betty the truth about the divorce for a whole year.
The other forbade her from ever revealing to anyone that they’d been married for three years or disclosing the exact date of their divorce without Jayson’s permission.
If she broke these terms, Jayson had the right to protect his reputation and image, reclaim all the properties, shops, and compensation he’d given her. On top of that, he could demand reasonable compensation from her.
And the compensation would be entirely up to Jayson.
Ariel’s fingers slowly curled tighter as she looked up at him. “What does this mean?”
Jayson met her gaze evenly. “Which part don’t you understand? Do you want Mr. Graham to explain it to you?”
“Why can’t I tell Grandma the truth?”
“She’s not in good health. I hope you can understand.”
Ariel took a deep breath. “And the other one?”
Jayson raised an eyebrow slightly. “It’s literal.”
Ariel almost laughed because she knew exactly what that clause was about.
He was forbidding her from telling anyone they’d been married or when the divorce happened not for any other reason, but to protect Nancy’s spotless reputation.
No one would know Nancy was the homewrecker. The fact of her interference would be erased.
Jayson really had gone all out for Nancy.
“What if I don’t agree?” Ariel exhaled slowly and asked calmly.
“If you agree, this ring goes back to you.”
Jayson casually placed an elegant, vintage ring box on the table.
Ariel stared at the box and immediately recognized it as the Walker family’s heirloom ring.
She never expected this. Bringing Vincent here to negotiate returning the ring was a wasted effort.
Jayson was using this ring to threaten her.
A chill ran down Ariel’s spine.
Because now she wasn’t sure if Jayson had bought that ring at the charity auction with no hidden agenda or if he’d planned all along to use it against her.
That clause meant she couldn’t tell Betty the truth. She had to play along with Jayson’s act, which meant that she would lose a part of her freedom.
The other clause was even more of an invisible pressure.
She, the legal wife, was now expected to protect the reputation and image of his mistress.
Ariel finally understood now. All the generous benefits in Jayson’s agreement were just bargaining chips to keep Nancy safe.
What looked like generosity was really just money spent to keep Nancy out of trouble.
Her chest rose and fell quietly, her face expressionless.
“Ms. Walker, what are you hesitating for? Sign it.” Matt grinned, clearly enjoying the drama.
He could see it plain as day. Ariel didn’t actually want the divorce. She was just stirring things up to get Jayson’s attention. He was curious to see how far she’d take the act. 1
Vincent leaned closer and said, “Ms. Walker, if you’re not happy with the terms, you don’t have to sign today. I can talk with Mr. Larkin and try to negotiate better terms for you.‘
Of course, Vincent could see the reality here.
Jayson’s wealth might be immeasurable, but he was a businessman. Getting that much money out of him was nearly impossible unless he was willing.
It all came down to whether Ariel could accept Jayson’s terms.
Ariel lowered her gaze.
If she were the woman she used to be, there was no way she’d accept those two conditions. They felt like an insult, and she would’ve refused to sign in a heartbeat.
But things weren’t the same anymore. Her health was deteriorating. She didn’t have the time or energy to waste battling Jayson.
“Give me the pen.‘
11
Ariel made her decision in the blink of an eye. She borrowed a pen from Vincent and signed her name decisively right there in front of Jayson.
Her expression was cold, and her movements were sharp and sure.
Matt’s smile suddenly froze. The outcome he was so sure of had shattered.
He stared at Ariel in disbelief.
She signed it? She actually signed it?