Everyone just shook their heads.

Even Frederick walked over and scoffed. “Of all the people you could’ve gone up against, you chose Ms. Stanton? With Mr. Larkin standing right there, you really thought she would walk away empty–handed?”

In his eyes, anyone trying to compete with Nancy was just asking to be humiliated.

“If you’re that upset about it, maybe bring your husband next time. Let him fight it out with Mr. Larkin,” he added mockingly.

Frederick had been genuinely surprised when he found out that Ariel was married.

Back then, he’d actually liked her.

Ariel had been stunning, calm, and self–possessed. He’d always thought of her as intelligent and refined. But then she suddenly got married. And even more shockingly, she chose to become a full–time housewife.

Her world shrank to the kitchen, and her life revolved around a man. It felt like she’d thrown all her potential

away.

That was when Frederick’s admiration soured into contempt. She was no different from all the other women.

She could never compare to Nancy. The latter was educated, capable, independent, and never needed a man to define her.

Ariel didn’t care about Frederick’s opinion.

But that didn’t make the moment any less bitter. After all, her ex–husband was now fawning over another woman right in front of her.

Just then, Janice returned from the fourth floor. Seeing Frederick standing in front of Ariel again, she immediately marched over. “What’s your problem now?”

Ariel took her hand, then glanced coldly at Frederick. “We’re not friends, Mr. Swanson. So please stay out of my business. It has nothing to do with you.”

She wasn’t a pushover. She just knew when to maintain her dignity. But if someone crossed the line, she wouldn’t tolerate it.

Frederick froze. He hadn’t expected such bluntness from someone he’d always known to be polite and soft- spoken.

He was momentarily stunned.

But when he snapped out of it, his expression turned even more disdainful.

As expected, compared to Nancy, Ariel lacked grace. She couldn’t even take a little truth. All she could do was deceive herself.

Ariel and Janice headed to the lounge area. Ariel gave her a quick rundown of what had happened.

Janice took a deep breath, her face darkening. “Does Jayson seriously not care if he hurts you? You were married,

after all. Why does he always have to hit where it hurts?”

Were they really considered married?

Those who knew about their marriage could tell that Jayson didn’t love Ariel. But to anyone else, it looked like he was deliberately going against her.

Was making her miserable some kind of hobby for him?

Ariel lowered her gaze.

The painting bore Sarah’s signature. She had no solid reason to fight for it. And with Jayson backing Nancy, there was no winning this.

She had to find another way.

She really didn’t understand. The divorce papers had been signed. Why couldn’t they just part ways peacefully?

But then it hit her.

Jayson didn’t have a personal issue with her; it was simply that she had gotten in the way of Nancy’s interests. He couldn’t allow her to disturb Nancy’s peace of mind.

Still, Ariel had no plans of letting the painting go. She needed to know the truth.

She made her way to the restroom to gather her thoughts.

As she was lost in thought, someone stepped in behind her, casting a shadow over the bright lights.

Ariel looked up and met Jayson’s deep, penetrating gaze in the mirror.

He looked at her for a second. Noticing her calm expression, he walked over to wash his hands.

Once he dried them, he turned to leave.

Ariel, without thinking, went after him. “Wait, I…”

Before she could finish her sentence, her foot caught on a lipstick someone had carelessly left on the floor. She lost her balance and ended up tumbling right into Jayson.

She expected him to just let her fall.

But the next second, Jayson reached out and pulled her into his arms, catching her with ease.

He didn’t immediately let go.

He looked down at her, raising an eyebrow. His voice was casual as he said, “Throwing yourself at me won’t work. You still won’t get the painting.”