They looked like a matching set. Could the Walker family’s heirloom ring he paired with this necklace?

Ariel studied it carefully, a flicker of doubt rising in her mind.

But then she frowned thoughtfully.

Did Jayson leave it there?

She was sure there was nothing in the room when she came back to sleep last night.

Was this supposed to be a birthday gift?

She wasn’t too surprised, though. Jayson had always arranged gifts for her before. He was meticulous about details and behaved like a gentleman.

Even if he was cold, he kept basic courtesy. He would never deliberately pretend not to know.

But now they were divorced.

Ariel glanced at the necklace for only a few seconds before putting it away. She planned to ask Katle if the necklace and ring really were a matching set.

If they weren’t, she would have no reason to keep it. If they were, she wouldn’t take it for nothing

She was taking an afternoon flight back to Eldoria today.

Yesterday, Carlos asked her to meet with him this morning to discuss her progress. Chad had already gone over earlier.

Ariel tidied up and headed upstairs.

As Zach came out of his room, he saw Ariel knocking on Carlos‘ door before going inside.

He frowned, confused.

Why was Ariel looking for Carlos? Was Chad in there?

He didn’t understand and decided to head downstairs first.

Downstairs, Jayson and the others were already seated at the table. They were having their breakfast.

Nancy looked like she hadn’t slept well. She rubbed her temples while sipping a coffee.

Matt asked with concern, “What’s wrong? You didn’t sleep well?”

Perry glanced up as well.

Nancy shrugged. “I was just looking over some books Mr. Carlos recommended. They’re really tough reads. I ended up talking it over with Jayson and barely got two hours of sleep.”

Matt squinted his eyes. “So you two were together late last night?”

Nancy quickly shut down the topic with a smile before switching gears. “I asked Mr. Carlos‘ assistant if I could talk with him about what I’ve learned so far, but Mr. Carlos seemed busy and declined.”

Zach walked over just in time to hear this. He sat down and said, “Mr. Carlos is busy? I just saw Ariel go into his

room.

That comment caused a subtle shift in the room.

Jayson looked up thoughtfully.

Matt almost choked on his drink. “Ariel? What’s she doing Mr. Carlos‘ room?”

in

Zach shook his head, puzzled. “No idea.”

How could there be such a coincidence?

Nancy wanted to talk to Carlos, but Ariel just happened to show up and interrupted.

Matt suddenly took a sharp breath. “Is she… in marriage talks with Mr. Chad?”

Perry frowned silently at those words.

Meanwhile, Nancy mulled it over quietly.

Could Ariel really be building Chad up as her backup after the divorce?

Given the Hockney family’s status as the top tier in academia and research, they were closely connected with political leaders. Their social standing was no joke.

Ariel was more calculating than Nancy had imagined.

Still, Nancy didn’t say anything out loud.

Zach instinctively denied the possibility. “She can’t marry tom. The Hockney family isn’t just any family. My father said Mr. Chad will only marry someone equally powerful–a top talent and a perfect match socially and intellectually.”

Ariel wanted to marry Chad? It was more like a pipe dream

Perry tapped his phone, lost in thought.

He didn’t think Ariel would really want to marry into the Hockney family. She wasn’t the type to get caught up just in romance.

Nancy smiled quietly at Zach’s words.

Right, the Hockney family wouldn’t settle for a divorced woman with no credentials.

As they talked, they saw Ariel and Chad appearing together

Ariel’s face showed no emotion. Chad, meanwhile, looked downcast, like a guy who brought his girlfriend home only to be shut out at the door.

Seeing that, the group felt their guess was correct.

Ariel didn’t notice their looks. She gently patted Chad’s shoulder and said, “Cheer up. Mr. Carlos is a perfectionist. Everyone gets scolded. Since you’re his son, it’s normal that he expects more from you.”

Chad shrugged helplessly.

He was already in the top tier of the younger generation. Still, Carlos yelled at him like crazy, and it was due to the stark contrast with Ariel’s extraordinary talent.

As they approached, Matt waved a hand. “Mr. Hockney, feeling down? Do you want to sit with us?”

Ariel glanced over coldly.

Jayson crossed his legs, looking up without a word.

She was about to decline when suddenly, a stir came from the entrance.

The hotel manager’s respectful voice followed “Mrs Larkin, Mr. Larkin is inside. This way, please”