Chad was quite surprised by how fast Jayson had received the news. He had only found out about this yesterday, yet Jayson was already taking relevant actions today.

Chad acted as though he had little information about the project. He shook his head. “Nothing much has been confirmed yet. Do you perhaps have someone you’d like to recommend to join the team, Mr. Larkin?”

Jayson smiled slightly. “There is one person I’d like to recommend.”

Chad made no further comments since the answer was pretty obvious.

He spotted Ariel, who stood not too far away. There was a conflicted look on Chad’s face.

As someone who had been in the business circle for many years, Chad instantly realized the real reason why Jayson had come over to the Walker residence today.

It appeared Jayson had dropped by to meet Chad and ask him about these things. He did not really care about Ariel’s personal matters.

Ariel was not particularly sad or disappointed. She had come to accept the reality of her situation early on.

After all, there was no way Jayson would suddenly change his ways this year after having ignored and neglected her before that. It was solely for Nancy’s sake that he was willing to attend the ceremony this time.

She walked over to them calmly. “Thank you for coming today, Chad.”

Ariel felt extremely grateful to him since Chad had canceled several work–related appointments to be there.

Chad patted her head lightly. “You don’t have to be so courteous with me. I’ll be leaving in a bit, though. I need to attend an important meeting with our overseas partners. Can you handle things here on your own?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here.” Jayson glanced at his watch. His tone was calm and steady.

Ariel found his actions today strange.

Chad’s eyes were unreadable as he gazed at Jayson. “Right. I’m sure there won’t be any problem since you have Mr. Larkin with you.”

After Chad left, Ariel turned her eyes to Jayson. She noticed he had dressed differently from his usual go–to style. The suit that he was wearing was in a shade of black matching his tie and suitable for the solemn occasion. He had not put on any extra accessories.

Still, Jayson oozed sex appeal even when he was wearing a rather simple outfit.

It was obvious Jayson had changed into a more suitable outfit before coming here.

“Are you leaving soon?” Ariel reckoned he would not stay around for too long.

Jayson’s gaze fell on her. He curled his lips. “Are you sending me away already?”

Ariel was rendered speechless. She found his responses odd. “No. Don’t you have other things to attend to, though?

“Tell me then. What is the other thing that I have to attend to?” Jayson took a sip of tea. His brows lifted as he stared at Ariel.

Ariel fell silent. For a moment, she could not figure out what Jayson’s plans were.

“Is he not going to be there for the fireworks show that’s been scheduled for Sarah’s birthday?” she pondered.

Jayson did not offer any other explanation, and Ariel had no intention of prying. That was considered his personal affairs. Ariel had no qualms about it as long as he showed up for today’s ceremony.

Janice stayed and had lunch with the Walkers.

During the meal, Lucas took a few calls. Ariel could vaguely hear the sound of a woman’s soft and sweet voice talking.

Lucas did not seem to mind others overhearing their conversation. He said coaxingly, “Mhm. I’ll go and meet you tonight. There are others with me. So, don’t make too much of a fuss now.”

Katie took a glance at Ariel, who had not even looked up. Beside her, Jayson had a look of indifference on his face.

Various emotions flashed through her eyes.

Truthfully, she was roughly aware of what had happened between Ariel and Lucas in the past. Katie felt slightly more reassured now after seeing how those two seemed to have moved on and let go of past grudges.

Fortunately, Jayson was unaware of their past relationship. Otherwise, Ariel’s married life might have become even more chaotic.

Each of them had different thoughts on their mind as they had lunch together.

Wendy kept asking Lucas to meet up with her, and the latter conceded. Before leaving, he said, “Should we meet up some other time, Mr. Larkin? Wendy said she had invited Nancy to go skiing. Should we all go together?”

Lucas made sure to only bring up the topic when Katie was not around. However, he did not try to avoid Ariel when he said that. He did not seem to find any problem in mentioning Jayson’s mistress in front of his wife.

Jayson lifted his gaze. “Let’s discuss it some other day.”

He gave an ambiguous answer.

Lucas smiled enigmatically. “Sure. You can get in touch with me any time, Mr. Larkin.”

He looked at Jayson. Then, Lucas cast a glance at Ariel. Anyone could tell these two were not a happy couple.