Ariel heard Matt’s so–called joke, but her face remained calm and unmoved.

They must have misunderstood, thinking she had known they were here and had come on purpose.

Jayson showed no reaction to her arrival. Instead, he turned back to Perry and continued the topic they had been discussing, as if she weren’t even there.

Perry glanced at Ariel, who was standing off to the side. She looked a little isolated.

“Since you’re here, why just stand around?” Matt offered, in what was almost a show of kindness.

It would look bad to ignore her completely, like they had no basic manners.

Nancy didn’t spare Ariel a glance.

She had already heard from Jonathan that Faye Technologies had no plans to restructure or bring in new members

for the R&D team.

She understood what that meant. It wasn’t that the company didn’t need fresh talent; it was simply that Ariel was in the way.

Ariel clearly had a bias against her.

Nancy knew perfectly well Ariel had no authority over Faye Technologies‘ decisions. But if she’d whispered anything negative about her to Chad, that could sway him.

Nancy had nothing but disdain for tactics like that and was even less interested in entertaining anyone who used

them.

She continued swinging her club. Ignoring Ariel, she asked, “Matt, a little match?”

Matt grinned and strolled over. “If I beat you, won’t Jayson blame me for not going easy on you? He’s always so protective of you.”

Nancy gla

at Jayson and chuckled. “There you go running your mouth again.”

They were in their own world–a circle no one else could really break into.

Nancy especially stood out. She was relaxed and confident. She didn’t care about Ariel’s presence in the slightest. That carefree glow of hers was magnetic. Even someone as emotionally detached as Jayson wasn’t immune.

Ariel didn’t bother paying attention to them.

She was just about to call Chad and ask where Jonathan was when a voice sounded behind her. “Ms. Walker, you’ve arrived.”

Jonathan stepped down from another shuttle cart, clearly headed toward Jayson’s group.

And in that moment, Ariel understood. This wasn’t an ordinary meeting.

“I just found out Mr. Houston owns this golf course. He suggested we make it a casual gathering. Ms. Walker, you probably already know everyone here, right?” Jonathan asked gently.

Ariel hadn’t expected this sudden change of plans, but she nodded. “I do.”

More than just know. She was familiar with them.

“Great. That’ll save some awkwardness. Come, have a seat.” Jonathan gestured kindly.

Ariel could now handle this situation calmly. Her composure was unmatched by anyone else.

Jonathan started chatting with Jayson and the others. Ariel didn’t rush to speak. She simply waited.

Just then, a server brought out refreshments.

She hadn’t eaten anything since getting off work. Ignoring what was going on around her, she quietly took a cup of water and began sipping.

Suddenly, a small plate of fruit appeared in front of her.

Ariel looked up. It was Perry who had brought it over.

When he met her cool, questioning gaze, he cleared his throat. “They gave a few extras. Take this one.”

Ariel didn’t overthink it. She nodded. “Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.” Perry smiled faintly.

As she picked up a slice of orange, he silently placed another dish of delicate pastries by her hand.

Across the seating area, Nancy turned and caught the moment. She saw Perry handing Ariel drinks and fruit.

Her eyes flickered with something suspicious.

Perry had never liked Ariel. He used to ignore her completely and barely spoke to her, let alone being gentlemanly.

So when did that change? When did Perry stop treating Ariel like she didn’t exist?

Just as that thought surfaced, Matt clapped his hands. “Well, since we’re all here, why not play something fun?”