Zach peeked through the doorframe.

L-G

He had some items up for approval to go over with Jonathan, and he hadn’t expected to run into this scene.

He honestly couldn’t understand it.

Ariel’s education couldn’t match Nancy’s world–class PhD. How could she confidently go to Jonathan and oppose Nancy joining Faye Technologies‘ team?

If Ariel could just calmly accept and objectively acknowledge Nancy’s capabilities, Zach would think more highly of her.

But no. She got caught up in petty jealousy, fighting over a man and losing all sense of reason.

The real twist? Jayson was Nancy’s boyfriend. Failing to become his lover, Ariel turned her sights on his official girlfriend.

The door opened. Ariel and Chad walked out, one after the other. They ran straight into Zach.

Chad put on a professional fake smile. “Mr. Quinton, are you here to see Mr. Pearce?”

Zach saw Ariel was about to pass him, so he immediately stepped aside to give her space, as if avoiding contact. ” Yes, I’ll go in first, then.”

“Sure, Mr. Quinton. See you next time.”

Ariel noticed Zach’s little gesture. She glanced at him but didn’t care enough to dwell on it.

Jayson was smart. He knew how she and Chad felt about Nancy. He didn’t waste time talking with them but went straight to Jonathan, determined to clear the path for Nancy.

If Jonathan wanted to pull strings and do favors, they had to consider his request.

Fortunately, since they had their own funding for the project, they weren’t beholden to anyone.

Back at Faye Technologies, Ariel was thinking about the house. She had already put it on the market.

That house, with its prime location and top–notch features, would sell easily. Ariel wasn’t worried about that.

But she still reached out to Colton.

He answered.

Ariel took her medication before saying calmly, “I’ve already told Jayson to remove his personal things from our marital home, but he hasn’t sent anyone yet. If he’s truly too busy, I’ll take it as a sign he no longer wants them.”

Colton was silent for a moment, surprised by Ariel’s cold attitude. “I’ll let Mr. Larkin know.”

Ariel hung up without hesitation.

At noon, she finally received a reply from the doctor Perry recommended. She had sent a consultation request before the federal holiday.

The doctor replied with several long messages full of detailed liver cancer precautions but ultimately declined to treat Leonard. “Unfortunately, my schedule won’t allow me to take on your uncle’s case. I’m sorry.”

Ariel could tell that the doctor was responsible. He was sincere in his advice.

She thanked him and didn’t press further. After all, there was still the returnee expert Fergus. There were always options.

At Bluum Corp, Colton finished organizing the reports and delivered them to Jayson’s office.

Jayson had just finished a call with Jonathan. He showed no emotion as he signed the documents.

Colton set down the reports and hesitated before saying, “Mr. Larkin, Mrs. Lark–Ms. Walker is pressing you to clear your important belongings from the marital home. She said that if you don’t act, she’ll handle it herself.”

Jayson signed the papers and looked up: “Anything else?”

“No, that’s all.”

Jayson closed his pen. “Okay. Tell her I’ll go within the next few days.”

Colton looked puzzled and tried to probe. “Should I help with the clearing?”

“No need. She won’t throw anything away,” Jayson said calmly while glancing at his watch.

His composed demeanor showed that he seemed to understand Ariel well and was confident about it.

Colton thought it over and agreed.

Ariel was just putting on a brave face. He could tell how much she used to care about Jayson.