Jayson was on a video call.

Nancy’s soft, melodious laughter floated out. They must have been having a pleasant conversation earlier.

“Alright, I’ll wait for you,” she said.

Jayson suddenly paused mid–step. When he looked up, he saw Ariel sitting across the room. His expression remained calm as he lowered his gaze and said to the other end of the call, “I have a guest. Let’s talk later.”

Ariel felt nothing in particular about being called a guest.

But she did begin to doubt something. If Jayson had just come out of a meeting, he wouldn’t be on a video call with Nancy so soon.

And judging by the tone of their conversation, they had clearly been chatting for a while. Which meant Jayson had probably ended his meeting a while ago.

He had just gotten so caught up on the phone with Nancy that he forgot Ariel was waiting for him.

After hanging up, he walked in with long strides.

“Have Mr. Graham come in,” he instructed, then finally sat across from Ariel.

Looking at her with a raised brow, he asked, “Have you been waiting long?”

“Mr. Larkin, you should be more mindful of time next time.” Ariel glanced at her watch, a trace of annoyance in her eyes.

Jayson caught it. His pupils narrowed slightly, and his gaze lingered on her face for a long moment.

Then, a faint, unreadable smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

He called Colton back in. “Bring Ariel a cup of tea.”

Colton noticed the untouched coffee on the table. He hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, Mr. Larkin.”

Ariel didn’t move. She didn’t respond with courtesy or say a word.

When Edward came in, he found the two of them sitting in silence. But Jayson was staring at Ariel with a pensive expression.

Edward cleared his throat and pulled out a stack of papers. “We meet again, Ms. Walker.”

Ariel gave him a polite nod.

Edward laid out the contract. “Just sign here. The other copies are the same.”

Ariel had spent years in the PR department, so she was well–versed in contracts. She carefully confirmed there were no issues before signing her name.

“Thank you, Mr. Graham.” She offered her thanks and stood up.

Edward gave a small smile. “It’s nothing.”

Jayson also stood. Adjusting the buttons on his suit, he said calmly, “If anything comes up, feel free to contact me.

Ariel picked up her bag. “No need. Just make sure to clear out anything important from the house when you have time.”

She didn’t even have Jayson’s new number to contact him. And truthfully, she didn’t see any reason why she’d ever need it.

Jayson looked at her and replied flatly, “Alright. Are you heading back to Faye Tech? I can drop you off.”

“No need. I’ll take the subway.” Ariel declined, clean and firm.

She didn’t care if Jayson was just being polite. Even if it was a bit of a walk to the nearest station, there was no reason to get in his car.

After a polite goodbye to Edward, she left.

Jayson turned slightly, watching her back as she walked away, then walked out with Edward.

Edward glanced at him and said, “You two are kind of strange.”

Jayson’s expression was calm. “How so?”

Edward replied, “I’ve seen a lot of divorcing couples. Most of them never split on good terms. There’s always fighting, yelling, and blaming each other.

“At best, they ignore each other, but even then, you can still see the hatred on their faces. But you two… You’re calm and distant. I don’t see any love or hate.”

Even business partners would argue when their ideas clash, let alone a married couple.

ther ex

But the two of them, after all those years of marriage, treated each other even more coldly than strangers.

Jayson responded calmly, “Really? I didn’t notice.”

Edward couldn’t help but shake his head.

No wonder.

Jayson had never really taken Ariel seriously. So naturally, he wouldn’t notice her emotions.

When Ariel returned to Faye Technologies, Chad told her to make a trip to Westcrest International School

tomorrow.

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