Ariel had thought this decision over carefully.

She had given up on herself too early over the years, becoming a sacrifice for the Sanderson family, for Lucas, and later for Jayson. She’d never truly lived for herself.

How could she not have dreams or ambitions?

Now that she had finally woken up to that truth, time was more precious than gold to her. Whether or not she got accepted, whether or not she could continue research and advanced studies, she wanted to try again.

Chad paused, looking at Ariel in surprise.

Carlos took a moment before reacting, then pounded the table. “Of course! What’s impossible about it? No matter how late in life, it’s never too late to start over!“.

He couldn’t hold back a smile but quickly masked it with a cold snort. “You don’t become my graduate student just by saying so. Don’t be overconfident!”

“Exactly, why not pick another professor? This old man hasn’t taken on any students in three years. Who knows if he’s even still good enough?” Chad teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Brat, don’t butt in where you’re not wanted!” Carlos slapped the table again.

Ariel watched this scene, smiling gently. It was rare to feel so at ease.

Once Faye Technologies‘ project was underway, she’d start preparing for the graduate degree.

Whether her cancer could be cured or not, as long as she had the energy, she wouldn’t leave regrets behind.

On Thursday morning, after finishing a project planning meeting with Chad and Noah, Ariel received a call from Colton.

“Ms. Walker, do you have time this noon? Mr. Larkin has arranged for property ownership transfer and related matters that require your signature.”

Ariel checked the time. It was already past 11:00 am, too late to authorize Vincent, so she agreed. “Yeah, I’m available. Where exactly?”

Colton’s tone remained unchanged. “Please come to Bluum Corp’s CEO’s office around 12:00 pm.”

“Okay,” Ariel replied.

The divorce process was tedious but necessary. At the courthouse, Jayson said the property transfer would happen. after their divorce was finalized. She thought the title change would take a while, but to her surprise, she was already notified.

Ariel skipped lunch and took the subway straight to Bluum Corp Tower.

Probably under the CEO’s office’s instruction, once inside, she was taken straight to the top floor.

She met Colton at the entrance. He gestured for her to enter. “Mr. Larkin is still in a meeting. Would you mind waiting a moment, Ms. Walker?”

Ariel frowned slightly. Jayson had scheduled 12:00 pm, and she was exactly on time, yet he was still in a meeting?

“Does it matter? He won’t exactly cut his meeting short,” Ariel said calmly, without the usual polite excuses.

Colton was momentarily taken aback. He had never seen Ariel so sharp before.

All the patience and care she had shown Jayson before were now completely gone. Her attitude changed right after the divorce.

There was no denying that she was a great actress.

Colton said with a poker face, “Please wait a moment.”

Ariel was brought to Jayson’s office.

It was kind of funny. She had worked at Bluum Corp for three years but had never been allowed inside Jayson’s office. Now that they were divorced, she could come in.

Ariel entered and sat down on the black leather couch in the waiting area.

Just as she settled, her gaze caught the open door of the lounge across from her, where a cream–colored women’s suit was hanging on a coat rack.

In an office with such cool–toned decor and a heavy work atmosphere, that suit looked especially out of place.

It was obvious the woman who owned it was not only allowed free access to the office but had even used the private lounge.

Ariel glanced once but immediately turned her gaze away, uninterested.

”

“Ms. Walker, have some coffee.” A secretary brought her a cup.

Ariel nodded and thanked her. She glanced at the coffee but didn’t touch it.

She waited nearly half an hour before footsteps came down the hallway outside.

When the door opened, Ariel turned around.

Jayson walked in, speaking into his phone in a calm, low voice, “I’ll come when I’m done.”

Jayson was on a video call.