Even though Veyo Solutions had burst onto the scene with impressive momentum, Ariel and Chad remained pragmatic.

They discussed offering the team at Faye Technologies some additional benefits to keep morale steady during this uncertain time.

That evening, Chad reserved a private room at Velvet Fork, bringing along the technology and project departments for dinner to discuss Faye Technologies‘ upcoming plans.

As the group arrived at Velvet Fork, Ariel’s phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen. It was Jayson’s first message since she had saved his new number.

“The day after tomorrow is Mr. Spencer Senior’s birthday party. Can you make time to attend?”

Ariel frowned at once.

Betty had mentioned it before, suggesting that Ariel attend Jackson Spencer’s birthday party with Jayson. Ariel had assumed he would find a way to decline the invitation. But apparently, he hadn’t.

What kind of relationship did they still have that justified going together?

They were already in the middle of a divorce. Attending together would surely raise eyebrows. How were they supposed to explain their relationship?

Even when they were still married, they had kept things private. It was entirely inappropriate.

There was no way Jayson didn’t understand that.

“Ari? Are you okay?” Janice paused and turned back, giving Ariel a puzzled look.

Ariel snapped out of it. She gave it a moment’s thought but decided to ignore the message. “I’m coming.”

Chad had already led the group toward their private dining room. Ariel and Janice slowly followed up the stairs.

As they passed the second floor, they noticed a lively scene mear one of the other private rooms.

Just as they were about to head up to their own, a familiar female voice rang out behind them, tinged with faint surprise. “Ariel?”

When Ariel turned around, she saw Sarah standing there.

At the same time, Nancy stepped out of the private room. Her usual gentle expression was gone, replaced by cold contempt.

Sarah looked at Ariel with a smile slowly spreading across her face. “Since we’ve run into each other, why not join us for dinner?”

She paused, then chuckled and pointed toward the room. “I’m treating tonight. You might recognize some of the guests. I’m sure you’ve heard that Nancy has started her own company. It’s a big occasion. As her mother, I just had to invite all her friends to celebrate.”

A thin layer of frost formed over Ariel’s expression.

She could hear the smugness laced in every word.

Janice sneered. “Funny, I heard the Stanton family isn’t exactly swimming in money. Must be nice to take a shortcut to such a big launch, Ms. Stanton.”

Nancy disliked Janice’s blind loyalty to Ariel but didn’t care enough to argue.

+25 BONUS

She understood where the hostility came from. Clearly, Janice was bitter on Ariel’s behalf. After all, Jayson had never treated Ariel this generously. It was only natural that Ariel would be jealous of her.

Unbothered by Janice’s jab, Sarah played dumb and turned Her bright smile back to Ariel. “Come, join us. Maybe some of that good luck will rub off on you.

“Nancy and Jayson have a strong relationship. He’s invested a lot in her future willingly, and Nancy’s more than capable when it comes to her career. As close as they are, we’re still a family that values manners. It’s only right we show Jayson our appreciation.”

Ariel stared coldly at Sarah, who, in her eyes, was nothing short of heartless and ungrateful.

Sarah’s pride and arrogance were unmistakable.

This was the same woman who once backstabbed Elena, causing the latter to be unfairly branded as a vicious heiress who stole her best friend’s design.

Seeing that smug face now stirred a cold heaviness in Ariel’s chest.

She had wanted to avoid wasting her energy on people like Sarah, but that resolve crumbled.

Ariel turned slowly to face them. Her eyes turned glacial as she replied in an even tone, “True enough. Spending another woman’s husband’s money does take a certain kind of capability.”

Nancy’s expression froze.

At that exact moment, a soft click sounded nearby. It was the sound of a lighter being flicked open.

Ariel turned to the side sharply and met Jayson’s dark, unreadable gaze.