Nancy turned to look at Colton as well, her posture composed and graceful.

Colton instinctively glanced at her. After hesitating for a moment, he shook his head. “It’s nothing important. Just wanted to remind you that the meeting with Mr. Boyle from Noirline is at 3:00 pm.”

Jayson’s eyes remained unreadable. He gave a faint nod and walked into his office.

Nancy followed behind him without a word.

As Colton watched the two disappear into the office, he decided to keep his mouth shut.

With Nancy present, bringing up Ariel felt inappropriate.

Besides, Jayson had never visited Elena’s grave over the past few years. Why would this time be any different?

Even if he brought up the third death anniversary ceremony, there was no guarantee Jayson would agree. Colton didn’t see the point of ruining their mood by mentioning Ariel.

Ariel, of course, had no idea what Colton was thinking or what had transpired.

After work that evening, she didn’t go home. Instead, she headed to the nursing home.

Katie had cooked a few dishes to bring to Leonard, and Ariel decided to join them.

Leonard had just finished a round of chemotherapy that day, and his appetite was poor. He barely touched the food, but he smiled warmly while chatting with Ariel and Katie about his new room.

He mentioned that the hospital had assigned him better caregivers–one for the day shift and another for the night. The care was far more attentive than before.

Ariel was a little surprised.

She wasn’t sure if this was part of the VIP package or if Jayson had arranged something behind the scenes.

Normally, in a private hospital like this, every upgrade came with an extra price tag.

Could it really have been him?

“That must’ve cost a lot, right?” Katie turned to Ariel with a disapproving look and said, “You just started a new job. You don’t have to spend this much.”

She was worried about Ariel. The latter had taken on too much responsibility for her and Leonard.

Ariel snapped out of her thoughts.

She didn’t explain the origin of the upgraded room. If Katie found out that Sarah was staying downstairs, it would only lead to anger.

“My new job has really good profit–sharing. Don’t worry about me. I’ll find an even better doctor for Uncle Leonard soon. Once we get a liver match, he can have the surgery.‘

Ariel had no other wishes at this point.

Chapter M

She just wanted to quickly reach her goals, make sure she had enough money on hand, and give Leonard the best treatment possible.

Leonard felt a deep sense of guilt toward Ariel and gave a bitter shake of his head. “I’m the one dragging you down. If my health hadn’t failed, maybe I could still be helping you somehow…”

Ariel had never really had anyone to rely on growing up.

Morgan had always been cold and hypocritical, never caring about Ariel.

The Walker family wasn’t some powerful old–money clan, so they couldn’t give Ariel the kind of backing she needed to stand her ground in her marriage.

Plus, Leonard was seriously ill, and his medical expenses were sky–high. He knew he was a burden to Ariel, and it weighed heavily on him.

Ariel’s nose stung, but she still smiled and shook her head. “I’ve picked up the career I’ve always loved. I feel fulfilled, and I’m happy. Things will only get better from here.”

She had already pulled herself out of the quicksand.

All she could do now was focus on what needed to be done and not worry about what she couldn’t control.

Katie decided to stay the night.

As she walked Ariel downstairs, she held her hand and asked, “Have you told Jayson and Lucas about your mom’s death anniversary ceremony?”

To her, Jayson was Ariel’s husband, so he should attend.

And Lucas had once been the closest person to Ariel. When Elena was buried, it was Lucas who had stood by Ariel and handled the arrangements. How could he not come now?

Ariel froze. She didn’t know how to answer.

She had already informed Jayson, but there was no confirmation yet.

As for Lucas, she honestly wasn’t sure he would come.

Katie picked up on Ariel’s hesitation. Her expression darkened, and she couldn’t hide her frustration. “It’s one thing if it’s just a regular visit to the cemetery, but this is a significant ceremony. How could Jayson not attend?”