Ariel could sense Jayson’s forcefulness from the amount of strength he was using to grip her wrist. Even though he had tried to maintain a light–hearted tone, Ariel could detect a hint of scorn in his voice.

Anyhow, she didn’t like being put in this situation.

Ariel reacted even more strongly than before as she yanked her hand free. The warmth that had spread across her skin where Jayson was touching her earlier slowly dissipated.

She took off her blindfold and stared right into Jayson’s cold, deep–set eyes.

“Isn’t that how we’ve always acted around each other in public?”

Ariel tried to keep it civil. She did her best to conceal the look of displeasure in her eyes. “Mr. Larkin, it seems we Jack the teamwork to win this game. Let’s just say we’ve failed the game.”

She didn’t even care to check the look on Jayson’s face. Ariel turned around and walked away.

She simply found Jayson’s question earlier absurd and amusing.

All these years, Jayson would simply ignore or act like he didn’t know Ariel whenever they ran into each other in public. He treated her with disdain and complete indifference. Yet, he was asking her that question now?

Also, wasn’t this exactly what Jayson wanted when he asked Ariel to sign the divorce agreement?

Jayson stared silently at Ariel’s receding figure. His face showed no expression as he went back to where Nancy

was.

Samson had been paying attention to what was happening at Ariel’s side. After noticing she and Jayson weren’t playing the game anymore, he lowered his gaze and pondered for a moment.

Eventually, he headed toward Ariel. Samson had yet to ask for her contact details. He wondered whether asking now would make Ariel feel awkward or uncomfortable. For once, he was being very careful during a moment like

this.

While he was lost in thought, Samson received an important phone call.

Samson took a glance at Ariel, who had just sat down in her seat. His brows arched.

He decided to take the call first.

Meanwhile, Chad asked as soon as Ariel came back, “What did he say? Did he mention anything about poaching one of our people?”

Ariel’s eyes narrowed. She shook her head. “Nope. He didn’t speak a word of it.”

They had expected that much.

Jayson was never one to bother explaining himself, regardless of what he was doing. He couldn’t care less, even if his actions might hurt someone deeply. There was no way he would care to explain what happened with Seth.

Chad sipped on his drink and snorted. “He clearly knows that we can’t do anything about it. He’s really ruthless and cold–hearted.”

Jayson’s side had merely made a simple move. Yet, there was nothing much they could do about it.

Ariel remained silent. She was about to check the time when she heard Lucas‘ voice.

“Everyone, thank you for making time out of your busy schedules to attend my and Wendy’s engagement party. I

Ch

hape all of you had a fun time today. Also, we have some good news to share with everyone”

Lucas stood in a corner of the deck. He spoke in an unhurriel tone. His voice was just loud enough

Ariel looked in his direction. She seemed just like any of the other guests present there. Her face showed no emotion.

Lucas pulled Wendy into his arms and slowly curled his lips “Wendy is pregnant. We’re celebrating two pieces of good news today.”

As soon as he said that, people started showering them with words of well wishes and congratulatory remarks.

Wendy looked shy as she leaned against Lucas‘ chest. Her eyes brimmed with happiness and the affection she had

for Lucas.

Ariel was not surprised at all. Lucas and Wendy had been dating for a long time, and they had decided to get married eventually. It was only natural for them to keep the baby now that Wendy had gotten pregnant.

Ariel was about to look away when she noticed Lucas was openly staring at her.

Various emotions were reflected in his eyes. In the end, there was a dark, mocking look in those orbs. It felt as though those emotions could easily tear a person to shreds.

Ariel could vaguely sense resentment among those emotions. She couldn’t say for sure whether Lucas was truly happy with his life or not.

Lucas chuckled the next instant. “I’m sharing this good news with everyone, hoping that everybody will be able to live a happy, contented life as well. Also, the person I’m the most concerned about now is my younger sister.”

Upon hearing his words, Wendy turned her eyes to Ariel.

Lucas beamed. “Ari, you’ve been married for a few years now. Wendy and I are having a child soon. Shouldn’t you try for one as well?”

Ariel furrowed her brows.

She didn’t think Lucas would actually bring up the matter in front of all these people and direct everyone’s attention to her.