Chapter : 244
Jayson stood not far away. Dressed in a slightly loose black shirt, he blended into the dim lighting. An unlit cigarette dangled between his fingers.
The distance wasn’t close enough for Ariel to clearly see his expression. The mood, however, had turned subtly
tense.
Ariel remained calm. She didn’t think her words were wrong, except for the ill–timed use of the word “husband“.
Nancy noticed Jayson over there and frowned instinctively. She then looked at Sarah and said, “Mom, let’s head back inside.”
Although Nancy found Ariel’s remark utterly unreasonable, she refused to stoop to petty arguments. That would only lower her own standards. Only the insecure would lash out loudly to protect their pride.
Sarah’s expression shifted slightly when she saw Jayson, but she quickly masked it with a smile. “Jayson, come in when you’re done.”
She didn’t want Jayson to have too much contact with Ariel and hoped the latter would show some self- awareness. To her, only Nancy deserved to stay by Jayson’s side.
Jayson nodded.
Before leaving, Nancy cast a contemptuous glance at Ariel, sneered, and then followed Sarah into the private room.
Janice stayed still, watching the situation closely. She kept a wary eye on Jayson as he approached, afraid he might do something to Ariel.
Ariel coldly faced Jayson. “Mr. Larkin, do you have something to say?”
He put the cigarette back into the pack and lowered his gaze to her. Whether out of curiosity or something else, his tone held no anger or hostility. “When did you become so sharp–tongued?”
Ariel hadn’t expected that to be his first comment. She thought he would feel protective of Nancy after her insult.
“You’ve changed.” Jayson studied and smiled faintly. “You’ve learned to express your anger and stand your ground.”
She seemed to be clear about her boundaries and principles now.
Ariel silently looked at him, saying nothing.
Jayson leisurely smirked. “There’s no one else around today, so it doesn’t matter. But if others were here, your words might violate our agreement.”
His “reminder” sounded casual, without a trace of anger. It was as if he wasn’t afraid of any consequences, even if she exposed their marriage publicly.
Ariel thought of the clause in their agreement. Breaking it meant she had to meet any reasonable compensation he
demanded.
was this a warning?
Her chest slowly sank as she breathed out. “You’re overthinking, Mr. Larkin.”
She lost interest in debating further. She stated directly, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to attend Mr. Spencer Senior’s birthday party together. I hope you can handle it.”
Jayson narrowed his eyes at her. “I can’t do that. Grandma feels guilty that she can’t attend due to her health. Out of etiquette, she insists we appear together to show sincerity.”
His tone was calm, leaving no room for argument.
Ariel’s expression turned colder. Her displeasure was almost visible on her face.
Jayson lowered his gaze to her, recognizing her temper. After a long pause, he said, “You just need to show up. That’s enough for Grandma to accept.”
Ariel knew he was subtly invoking the agreement she had accepted. She said nothing and turned to leave. Janice quickly followed.
Jayson stood still, watching her retreating figure with calm eyes.
After a moment, he lifted the corner of his mouth in an ambiguous smile.
Nearby, Matt had arrived just in time to witness the whole confrontation.
Clapping his hands, he walked over. “I have to say, Ariel’s definitely changed. But honestly, her words were pretty harsh.”
It was a good thing that Nancy was generous. Otherwise, if she pushed back, Jayson would have sided with Nancy, and Ariel would have been humiliated.