Nancy immediately picked up on the subtle jab in Janice’s words. Her brow furrowed, and she shot a displeased glance at her.

She didn’t believe she had done anything to provoke Janice. It was likely Ariel’s influence at play.

Nancy glanced over at Ariel, who was approaching, and a flicker of irritation crossed her eyes.

Ariel was only capable of petty schemes like this. She couldn’t match her in other areas, so all she had left were these schemes.

Frederick, too, was curious about Nancy’s answer to Janice’s question.

Sure, Jayson was protective of Nancy, but he’d never actually introduced her as his girlfriend. If Jayson was only pursuing Nancy, did that mean there was still a chance for him?

Zach watched Nancy, waiting for her response.

Nancy pressed her lips together. Before she could speak, a tall, imposing figure stepped up beside her.

Jayson’s cold gaze swept over Janice and then shifted subtly to Ariel. He spoke flatly, “If you’re so curious about her status, you can ask me. I’ll tell you exactly who she is to me.

Ariel’s expression softened slightly. The strange emotion she’d felt earlier was gone, replaced by an expected calm.

Jayson’s words were both a defense and a warning.

He wasn’t going to let Nancy publicly acknowledge their relationship, and he wouldn’t let her be tarnished with any label.

Whether Nancy was his girlfriend or future wife, if he claimed it, Ariel would have no chance to reveal her status

as Mrs. Larkin.

Ariel understood Jayson’s intent perfectly.

If she pushed him, he wouldn’t hesitate to turn the tables on her.

He had never been afraid of her. After all, they were already in the midst of divorce proceedings. He would make Nancy official after that, and Ariel would have to bear the brunt of any scandal.

Ariel even worried that his anger over how she had damaged Nancy’s reputation might hurt those close to her as well.

Gradually, Ariel calmed herself. She had never been the recipient of Jayson’s favor, so there was nothing to feel disappointed about.

Janice could tell Jayson’s stance as well. She turned to Ariel, stepped closer, and looked at her with a hint of concern. “Ari…”

Ariel met her gaze and gave a reassuring smile.

At this point, the situation didn’t bother her anymore.

Though Jayson hadn’t responded directly, his protective stance was obvious to everyone. It was clear Nancy held a

special place in his heart.

Zach glanced at Nancy, then at Ariel. In the end, he gave a knowing smile. After all, he’d just witnessed Ariel in Jayson’s arms not long ago. It was hard not to be amused.

He suspected that Jayson had turned down her advances.

As for Chad, maybe he still hadn’t caught on to Ariel’s tendency to hop from one man to another.

Ariel didn’t argue, nor did she care anymore about Jayson and Nancy. Since she couldn’t find Elena’s painting here, she didn’t feel the need to insist any longer.

She took Janice’s arm and began to leave.

Jayson turned to look at her.

Her slender back was still straight. Since the beginning, she showed no sign of anger, sadness, or joy. It was as if she were entirely indifferent to him now.

In the past, Ariel might have been temperamental, but lately, she had become strangely calm and detached.

It probably started when Lucas was released from prison.

“Jayson?” Nancy noticed Jayson staring in the direction Ariel had gone.

His expression immediately darkened, and she felt a wave of discomfort.

No wonder Ariel had been acting out so much lately. She was just trying to get Jayson’s attention.

“Yes?” Jayson averted his gaze. His expression was cold and distant, and his eyes showed no trace of emotion.

Nancy’s mood lightened a little. “Nothing. Let’s go play golf with Perry and the others tonight.”

Jayson gave a hum in response.

Nancy smiled faintly. She didn’t want Ariel stealing even the slightest bit of Jayson’s attention.

As far as she was concerned, Ariel could go on being the invisible woman. As for her status as Mrs. Larkin….