This time, Edward answered Matt’s question, “No, they’ll have to wait for the 30 days to pass. That’s a necessary stage of the process.”

Matt clicked his tongue. “So that means she gets a free month. Jayson, this policy is quite frustrating, huh?”

Jayson seemed unconcerned with the details. He turned to Edward. “Thank you, Mr. Graham. How about we have a simple meal together later?”

Edward agreed.

Matt became the driver. After getting in the car, he suddenly remembered something and asked, “Jayson, why did you change your number all of a sudden?”

Without looking up from his phone, Jayson replied, “Work needs.”

Matt shrugged and didn’t press further.

Ariel actually had some attachment to the marital home. After all, every detail was touched by her care. But many unpleasant memories lived there too.

Even though Jayson had given the house to her, she had no plans to move back.

Yet, there were still many of Jayson’s things there. And the study she was never allowed to enter held many of his important belongings.

She had forgotten to ask when Jayson planned to move out.

After thinking it over, Ariel decided he should clear out as soon as possible. Transferring the property title and handling other matters would only get more complicated later.

She tried calling. “Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is no longer in service.”

That same robotic voice again.

Ariel’s eyes cooled as she looked at Colton ahead. “Why can’t I reach Jayson?”

Colton glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “Mr. Larkin changed his number on Valentine’s Day. He no longer uses that one. Didn’t he tell you?”

Ariel was briefly taken aback but stayed silent.

She was surprised. He’d even completely changed his number. Jayson seemed even more eager than she was to cut ties with the past.

She suddenly thought of couples who delete the opposite sex from social media to please their partners. Would Jayson’s action count as something like that?

Ariel asked calmly, “How do I contact him when it’s time to get the divorce certificate?”

Colton answered in a businesslike tone, “Mr. Larkin probably has other arrangements. You should make an appointment directly with him. Maybe he’ll give you the new number if he’s in a good mood.”

Ariel frowned. In the end, she’d still have to wait for Jayson to notify her.

She rubbed her temple and looked quietly out the window.

This problem probably wasn’t hers to worry about. When it was time to collect the divorce certificate, Jayson would probably be more anxious than she was.

Colton watched Ariel’s expression through the rearview mirror.

It was calm and cold. She wasn’t even upset that he changed his number without telling her.

Colton silently shook his head.

But really, even if Ariel was angry, what good would it do? She still had to wait for Jayson to make a move.

Even if she had urgent matters, she’d have to figure out how to contact him herself.

After completing the divorce application, Ariel returned to Faye Technologies.

Janice had planned to accompany her to the courthouse, but Ariel refused. Now, Janice was anxiously waiting in

the office.

As soon as Ariel walked in, Janice rushed up and pulled her inside. “How did it go? Did it go smoothly?”

Ariel hesitated for a few seconds, recalling Jayson’s two special demands, but finally nodded. “The registration is submitted. We have to wait a month for it to be processed.”

Janice frowned. “There are so many rules these days!”

Ariel didn’t mind that.

Janice suggested they have a dinner gathering tonight.

Ariel agreed. She took the core employees of Faye Technologies to Velvet Fork.

At Velvet Fork, Chad’s face looked odd after he returned from the restroom.

Janice leaned in. “What’s with the face, Chad? You take a hit or something?”

Chad shot her a glare and pulled out his phone to show her and Ariel. “Look. Your ex–husband is really something else.”