Jayson looked up, his gaze locking on Ariel.

She looked surprisingly well. She was wearing light makeup and a tan–colored belted coat that flattered her graceful figure. She stood there calmly, with a serene expression in her eyes.

Ariel noticed Jayson looking at her, but she didn’t return the gaze. Instead, she glanced at her phone to check the time. They were right on schedule.

Next to her, Chad raised his brows and smiled. “Well, what a coincidence, Mr. Larkin. Are you here for dinner?”

Upon hearing his voice, Nancy finally looked up from adjusting her clothes. The moment she saw Ariel, her gentle features instantly frosted over.

If she hadn’t been waiting for Jayson to finalize the divorce, she would’ve already found a way to make Ariel spend a few days behind bars.

Still, her hand resting in the crook of Jayson’s arm remained there.

Jayson nodded, then casually offered, “We’re meeting some friends for dinner. Mr. Hockney, if you don’t mind, why not join us?”

He didn’t seem to care that Chad had Ariel with him.

Nancy glanced up at Jayson, frowning slightly, then immediately understood.

Jayson was just being polite to Chad. He’d just divorced Ariel. There was no way he’d actually want to share a dinner table with her. That would be awkward as hell.

Smiling, Chad replied politely, “Sorry, not tonight. I’ve already got plans. But next time, for sure.”

Jayson didn’t seem surprised. He gave a nod of cool courtesy. “Then I won’t keep you.”

The entire exchange passed without Jayson sparing Ariel a single word.

She didn’t care either. She simply continued walking with Chad.

Just then, from the other side of the staircase, Matt and Perry were coming up. Ariel passed right by them.

Matt raised a brow. He knew Ariel would find a way to show up and get attention. He was just about to greet her, but her eyes drifted past him indifferently. There wasn’t even an extra glance.

Matt blinked, stunned. He turned to watch her and Chad enter a private room. As the door swung open for a second, he caught a glimpse of the person inside.

He frowned immediately, and his expression turned serious.

Carlos? Was it Carlos in that room?

Perry pressed his lips together and glanced in the direction Ariel had gone.

He had only just found out at that party the other day that Ariel had filed for divorce from Jayson. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was heartbroken.

But just now? There was no trace of sadness on her face.

Noticing Matt staring at the private room, Nancy walked over and asked, “Matt, what are you staring at?”

He frowned. “I saw Mr. Carlos.”

Nancy’s expression shifted slightly. “Where?”

Matt pointed to the private room Ariel had just entered. He couldn’t believe it. “I’m telling you, it’s just the three of them in there. Ariel’s having dinner with Mr. Carlos?”

Nancy frowned instinctively and dismissed his words. “No way. With Mr. Carlos‘ status, even a high–ranking official has to wait on his mood to meet him, let alone Ariel.”

But she still looked over.

The door hadn’t shut all the way yet.

She saw Ariel walking over to Carlos, bending slightly to present him with a gift she’d brought.

Nancy’s lips twitched. So it turned out Ariel was just there to flatter and curry favor.

“I don’t get it. Why would Mr. Chad bring Ariel to meet Mr. Carlos? Is there something shady going on?”

Matt walked up to Jayson, puzzled.

Jayson showed no surprise. He simply turned and started walking to their own room. “Why don’t you go ask them?

11

Matt clicked his tongue. “That’s a private meeting. If I barge in, I’ll just get on Mr. Carlos‘ nerves. Might as well let Nancy go over and say hi.”

Nancy pressed her lips together.

She had met Carlos once, but it hadn’t gone well. He clearly wasn’t interested in her, and certainly not in helping

her with her thesis.

She had tried several times afterward to get another meeting, but it only got harde