Ariel calmly replied, “I threw it away.”

Lucas stared at her and realized she was expressionless. He then said, “Well, so be it. I’ll get you a new one.

Ariel paused before saying, “There’s no need to. I don’t need one.”

She would be lying to say his actions didn’t hurt her pride. Lucas was never one to humiliate her like that. He could well afford an accessory, yet he dismissed her with a free gift.

Lucas narrowed his eyes. He gave Ariel a diamond necklace because he hadn’t taken her side previously. He thought she would overlook that if he appeased her. However, he was starting to get annoyed that she wouldn’t let it drop.

“Since when have you become so absent–minded? You’ve always kept my gifts to you securely. Ari, if you want something else instead, just tell me. You don’t have to behave like this.”

He didn’t believe that Ariel would throw away the necklace. She had always treasured everything he gave her. Even if it was something he bought from a thrift store, she had never shown disdain.

Ariel couldn’t retaliate. In fact, his words left scratches on their wistful memories.

She had once held dear their relationship, be it the familial affection they shared growing up together or the budding feelings of romance they once had for each other.

However, that was no excuse for him to treat her as though she were cheap. It wasn’t an excuse for him to think she was only worthy of receiving something that didn’t cost a penny.

There was a clear ring as the elevator doors opened.

Ariel turned to look at him. “People will change. No one will stay in the past forever.”

She’d long since let go of her feelings for Lucas. He wasn’t even a brother to her now.

Lucas‘ expression turned gloomy.

He marched up to her and grabbed her wrist. “Change? You’re still clinging to Jayson despite how he’s been treating you. Since when have you become someone who suffers in silence? Why would you do that if it’s not to use your marriage to provoke me?

Ariel looked at him, taken aback. She met his brooding gaze.

She was just about to break free when she spotted several people walking toward them from behind Lucas.

Her gaze met one of theirs, and her brow furrowed further. Instinctively, she wondered if he had heard what Lucas

had said.

As those people approached, she snatched her hand from Lucas‘ clutch and quickly entered the elevator. The doors closed.

Lucas frowned. Then, he felt someone approaching.

Turning to look, he saw Jayson, with Nancy and Matt, who’d just caught up.

Nancy saw Ariel too, but was only in time to catch her entering the elevator.

Unconcerned about Ariel, she asked, “Mr. Sanderson, why isn’t Wendy with you?”

Lucas put aside what had happened with Ariel for the time being and stopped thinking about it further. “She wanted to sleep for a bit more.”

He then turned to Jayson. “Mr. Larkin, I heard you had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Hockney last night.”

Chad was in the spotlight last night. So many had wanted to be on his good side. Faye Tech must be planning something major.

Jayson wasn’t bothered that he had almost bumped into Ariel. Casually, he answered, “We simply had dinner together.”

Lucas smiled languidly. “Everyone knows Faye Tech may be starting a major project in the near future. Looks like you’re leaving nothing to chance. Are you interested in Faye Tech?”

At his question, Jayson merely smiled and said nothing.

Lucas patted his shoulder. “What a coincidence, I think the same too. Fortunately, Ari is on good terms with Mr. Hockney. I think I might have a fair chance of being a part of it. You, however…”

He cast a subtle glance at Nancy.

Jayson’s eyes were filled with unrecognizable emotions.

Instead, Matt let out a chuckle. “You’re worrying over nothing, Mr. Sanderson. If Jayson wants to collaborate with Faye Tech, Ariel would only come running with the contract. You may not even have a chance at it.”

Ariel would gladly do anything at all to get Jayson to look at her.

Hadn’t it always been that way all these years?

Lucas glanced from Jayson to Nancy. Eventually, he smiled. “That’s for the best.”

In the afternoon, something came up, and Chad had to fly to the neighboring district. Ariel could only return to Eldoria on her own.

Before she boarded the plane, Jayson actually called her. He asked, “What time would you be reaching Eldoria?”