Jayson’s question caught Ariel off guard. Her brow instinctively furrowed.

She didn’t want any mistakes or slip–ups in the divorce. Even if she didn’t want to maintain contact with Jayson, she had to consider the bigger picture now.

She thought for a moment, then slowly exhaled. “Can I?”

Jayson’s gaze lingered on her. His eyes held something unreadable.

A slight smirk played on his lips as he replied, “Whatever you want.”

Ariel felt odd about that answer but was too tired to care.

She entered Jayson’s new phone number into her contacts, double–checked it, and finally felt a little relieved.

When Jayson glanced at her call log on the phone, his expression was calm and unbothered.

Ariel checked the time.

She had only come to visit Betty. Now that Betty was resting, she didn’t plan to stay longer. Holding the gift box with Betty’s watch, she prepared to leave.

Just as she turned, a long, strong hand gently gripped her arm.

“Wait,” Jayson called out from behind.

Ariel instinctively frowned and looked back.

Jayson caught the brief flicker of rejection in her eyes and immediately released her arm.

“I’m not staying tonight. Don’t tire yourself. Just rest here tonight.”

His words seemed to acknowledge her dislike of sharing a roof with him.

Last time, Ariel insisted on leaving even though it was almost 11:00 p.m. Jayson took a step back and said seriously, “The streets aren’t safe at night.”

Then he walked past her and left without lingering.

Ariel indeed worried about being forced to stay under the same roof after the divorce, but she hadn’t expected Jayson to leave on his own.

Soon, it hit her that she had forgotten to ask for the necklace’s receipt.

Ariel rubbed her temple. She had no choice but to ask him next time.

What mattered most now was confirming she could reach Jayson to process the divorce certificate. Everything else was secondary.

After Jayson left, Ariel stayed the night.

Early the next morning, she drove away.

Once she got to Faye Technologies, she overheard the technology department chatting nearby.

Seeing Ariel, one of them spoke up, “Ms. Walker, have you heard about Veyo Solutions? They’re all the rage in the industry now. Rumor has it that Mr. Larkin from Bluum Corp is recruiting talent.”

Noah added, “I was at Nexura yesterday handling data coordination. Mr. Chapman mentioned that Veyo Solutions has a generous option pool, which will attract top talent eager to join.”

Jayson was the force behind Veyo Solutions. Everyone knew the value it held.

If the first batch got dividends and shares from the option pool, anyone would be tempted.

Even in its preparation phase, Veyo Solutions set a very high baseline.

Ariel hadn’t expected that, but she took it calmly.

She had thought Jayson would only help Nancy climb the ladder at Bluum Corp, but instead, he helped her start a company directly competing with Faye Technologies.

At noon, Janice stormed in through the door. She slammed down in a chair and said, “I passed by Veyo Solutions today. Guess who I ran into? Sarah! She was all smiles and excitement, looking like she’s almost recovered from her illness.”

Though Veyo Solutions was still under interior decoration, Sarah’s and Nancy’s confidence was growing by the day.

Ariel didn’t even blink. She continued to study the new concept plan on her laptop. “Where’s Chad? I’ve prepared a new project plan.”

Janice breathed a sigh of relief at seeing Ariel’s calmness. She leaned in happily. “A new project plan?”

Ariel raised an eyebrow, “Yeah, it’s about the new energy sector. Others‘ affairs don’t concern us. We only need to focus on making Faye Tech win in the new race.”

Janice gave her a thumbs–up immediately.

For most people, hearing all the gossip swirling around would have been enough to ruin their appetite or focus.

But Ariel’s inner strength kept her steady and serene.