Jayson picked up the call. His deep voice was unreadable. “What’s up?”

The car was cramped. Ariel couldn’t help but hear Renee’s coy tone from the other end. “Jay, you’ve left your house, right? Come pick me up.”

Jayson was never one to indulge Renee’s demands. Usually, he was pretty blunt with her. He asked coldly, “Am I your driver?”

Renee shrank back a little, pouting. “It’s just on the way. Grandma said you’d have to go this way anyway, so why not give me a ride?”

Jayson didn’t bother arguing. “Wait there.”

He gave Toby an address, then glanced at Ariel. “I’m picking her up. Are you okay with that?”

Ariel nodded. “It’s fine. Just drop me off somewhere along the way.”

She hadn’t really planned on riding with him anyway.

“It’s on the way to Faye Tech. I’ll drop you off afterward,” Jayson said, checking his watch. His voice was low and emotionless.

Ariel didn’t say anything else.

After Toby pulled up to Renee’s spot, Ariel spotted Renee waiting by the curb. Next to her was Nancy.

They were together.

No wonder Jayson had suddenly been so easy with Renee just now.

Renee eagerly opened the car door but froze the moment she saw Ariel. Her smile faded, replaced by a frown.” Why are you here too?”

She turned and glanced awkwardly at Nancy. “Nancy, I didn’t expect her to be here.”

Nancy, carrying her crocodile–skin handbag, remained calm and composed. “It’s fine. She’s probably just catching a ride since it’s on the way.”

Renee finally relaxed, grinning as she linked arms with Nancy. “You’re so understanding.”

Ariel watched them quietly.

It felt like she was expected to thank Nancy for being gracious enough to let her ride in Jayson’s car.

Nancy carried herself like Jayson’s legitimate wife, and Ariel was the outsider.

She had cared for Renee for three years. Sometimes, she just couldn’t understand why her kindness never earned her any respect.

“But this is awkward. I can’t exactly have you squeeze in there, Nancy.”

Renee shot Ariel a sidelong glance, lips curled in disdain. “I really didn’t know you’d be here. I don’t recall Jay ever picking you up.”

Ariel got the message loud and clear.

Renee wanted her to make room for Nancy. Her presence was a nuisance.

Nancy said nothing, only flicking a glance at Ariel. It was clear she agreed.

Nancy didn’t need to do anything. People already gave her the full treatment and authority of Mrs. Larkin.

Ariel no longer cared. She got out without hesitation.

If they didn’t want her there as an awkward third wheel, fine. She wasn’t keen on being stuck in the middle

anyway.

“Do you want me to call you a ride?” Jayson finally glanced her way. His tone was neutral. He stayed silent throughout, but now, he silently acknowledged her “consideration“.

He was even being kind and “thoughtful” by offering to call her a ride.

Funny how not long ago, he was the one insisting on driving her to Faye Technologies.

When Ariel met his gaze, she thought that if any other woman were in her place, they probably wouldn’t have tolerated this, and things might not have gone their way.

But she just didn’t have the energy or time.

“No, it’s fine.” Ariel declined.

Ignoring whatever expressions flashed across Jayson and the others‘ faces, she walked off toward the nearby bus

stop.

Nancy got in and sat beside Jayson. She caught the faint scent of Ariel still lingering in the car and discreetly frowned.

“Jayson, can you roll down the window? It’s stuffy in here. Let’s get some fresh air.”

She didn’t want Ariel to have too much contact with Jayson.