Chad was an alumnus of Westcrest International School.

As an honored graduate, he was invited back to give a speech to the soon–to–be high school graduates.

Faye Technologies had a new project about to launch, and this stage required investment.

Many influential figures from the investment world would attend the Westcrest event, so it was a great opportunity for publicity and fundraising.

As a key team member, Ariel naturally accompanied Chad.

Westcrest was a top–ranked international school in Eldoria. Its students were mostly wealthy or from affluent families.

Although Ariel didn’t graduate from there, she had been to the school twice to attend parent–teacher meetings for

Renee.

Chad’s car pulled into the campus.

They got out, and many senior students were already filing into the auditorium.

As a respected figure in the aerospace academic circle, Chad was immediately greeted by people once he stepped

out.

Ariel quietly stood by the side.

Just as she was about to climb the stairs, Renee spotted her from a distance and rushed over in surprise.

“Ariel? What are you doing here?”

Ariel glanced back with a cold expression, saying nothing.

Renee stomped her foot in frustration. “What are you doing at my school? Go home! Don’t embarrass me! Everyone here today is influential! You don’t belong here!”

She was clearly unhappy.

Today wasn’t just a gathering of influential people invited by the school; parents of the students were also attending.

What could Ariel possibly show off? She had little education, spent her time in the kitchen, and had no impressive skills to earn anyone’s respect.

If anyone asked, Renee wouldn’t even dare admit she was her sister–in–law.

Jayson had promised not to bring Ariel here but instead to bring Nancy to make her look good.

At that moment, a curious classmate walked over and asked, “Renee, who’s this? Do you know her?”

Renee pressed her lips and instinctively replied, “She’s my family’s housekeeper.”

The classmate’s eyes widened in surprise. “She’s so pretty!”

Renee’s face tightened as she hurriedly pulled the classmate away, unwilling to say another word.

The entire exchange lasted less than a minute.

Ariel glanced coldly in the direction Renee had left and decided not to bother arguing with her.

Chad turned around and asked, “Who was that?”

Ariel shook her head. “No one important.”

They entered the auditorium together.

Ariel spotted Jayson and Nancy surrounded by admirers.

It wasn’t unusual for Jayson to attend events like this.

Renee, who just scolded Ariel, had already rushed over to them. She beamed with pride as she clung to Jayson and Nancy, one on each side, acting all chummy.

Ariel could faintly hear Renee calling out to Nancy in a sweet, affectionate tone.

Chad clicked his tongue. “Your ex–husband’s practically glued to his little sweetheart.”

Jayson brought Nancy with him everywhere, giving her all the prime connections.

Ariel ignored them and took a seat at the designated spot.

Meanwhile, Chad turned away to mingle with guests.

Ariel began setting up the 3D renderings and project proposal for Chad’s upcoming presentation. Perhaps too focused, her bag accidentally slipped and fell to the floor.

Just as she bent to pick it up, someone else stooped first.

She looked up to see Jayson. Her eyes were calm as she said, “Thank you.”

Jayson placed the bag on the table and smiled lightly. “You’re welcome.”

Serena Rose, a member of Westcrest’s board of directors, arrived just then and took in the scene.

She greeted Jayson warmly, “Mr. Larkin, it’s been so long. Thank you for taking the time to attend and speak at our school.”

Jayson’s lips curled in a subtle smile. “Ms. Rose, it’s my honor to be invited.”

Serena glanced at Ariel. “This must be your girlfriend everyone’s been gossiping about lately. She’s really pretty.”

By now, everyone knew Jayson was dating a high–achieving returnee.

Ariel bit her lip instinctively. There was a big difference between an ex–wife and a girlfriend.