It was obvious that Jayson and the others had come here with Perry for the New Year.

Ariel finally understood why he’d turned down Betty’s suggestion to celebrate the New Year with her. It seemed he had plans with Nancy.

In his world, Nancy came before everything else, and Ariel knew that better than anyone.

Hearing the hostility in Renee’s tone, Chad glanced at Jayson and said, “What a coincidence, Mr. Larkin. We’re here for team–building and didn’t expect you to be here too.“.

He casually made it clear that Ariel wasn’t following anyone. They were on a team–building event, and running into someone else shouldn’t be turned into a crime.

Jayson looked up and said, “We decided to come on the last minute too. What a coincidence indeed.” “Who knows if Ariel dragged the whole team here just as an excuse…” Renee muttered under her breath. Matt chuckled. “You’re too sharp and putting her in a tough spot, Renee.”

His words subtly cast doubt on Chad’s explanation.

Nancy remained unbothered as she calmly greeted Chad, “Nice to see you again, Mr. Hockney.”

She continued ignoring Ariel, and her eyes couldn’t hide their arrogance, though she wore a soft, elegant smile. Chad had been in the game long enough not to slap anyone in the face outright, but he responded with a fake smile. “Now that you have your backer, Ms. Stanton, I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of each other.”

Nancy paused slightly and understood the implication behind Chad’s words, but she didn’t bother defending herself. She believed her achievements would speak for themselves.

Perry glanced at Ariel, who completely isolated herself from the exchange, and got up to walk toward the tents. Seeing the obvious misunderstanding about her presence, Ariel calmly withdrew her gaze. She didn’t even bother responding to Renee’s jab as she turned to Chad and asked, “Did we reserve a campsite?”

It was only now that Chad remembered that Janice had made the arrangements. ‘I’ll check with Jan.”

Noticing the way Ariel ignored her and was completely unfazed, Renee frowned harder. What was this strategy now?

“Ms. Walker, come eat with us! Our area’s huge, and we can just push the tables together!” Freya called out cheerfully just then and emerged from the tents, waving at Ariel’s group.

Ariel hesitated, while Chad raised an eyebrow and shot her an amused look. A soon–to–be ex–husband, the haughty mistress, and a whole crowd supporting her rise to power. What an interesting sight.

Ariel had lost interest in staying for dinner the moment she saw Jayson and the others. Before she could excuse herself, Freya had dashed over and grabbed her hand to pull her along. “Ms. Walker, come on!”

Without giving her a chance to refuse, Freya dragged her to the table and sat her down.

Unfortunately, the seat she ended up in was right across from Jayson. It was too easy for their eyes to meet.

Ariel paused briefly but didn’t make a fuss. Chad was quick to act as he claimed the seat beside her.

The other Faye Technologies staff moved to a separate table.

Jayson and his group said nothing and seemed to allow Freya’s behavior. They’d agreed earlier when Freya mentioned she’d invited friends to join, and it wasn’t the time to object now.

They’d never expected Ariel to be the person she mentioned, but no one cared about how Ariel had gotten close to Freya.

She’d spent time trying to win favor with people around Jayson, and now that she’d failed, it wouldn’t be surprising if she’d found another route.

Ariel had assumed sitting across from Jayson at such a small table would bring at least a few awkward glances or accidental eye contact. Yet from the moment she sat down, he never once looked her way, whether intentionally or

not.

Even when he reached across the table for something, he timed it perfectly to avoid her and the slightest moment of contact.

The rest of the time, he sat slightly turned and quietly talked to Nancy, ignoring Ariel as if she were air.