Ariel held Janice back. She calmly looked at Frederick. “We’re here representing Mr. Hockney.”


    “Since when has Mr. Hockney be so negligent, so much so that he’d send the likes of you to attend an event like this, which is vital forworking?” Frederick frowned, clearly puzzled.


    He knew Janice’s character. She was only interested in the pleasures of life. As her friend, how could Ariel be any better than her?


    Ariel knew Frederick was prejudiced against her. She didn’t exin herself. Instead, she tugged Janice along and went to another exhibition hall.


    In doing so, she passed by a man who was walking in their direction.


    When Zach Quintonid eyes on her, he couldn’t help but gaze at her for several seconds.


    Frederick followed his gaze and stepped forward. “Mr. Quinton, that’s my younger sister. She has always been unruly. I must keep an eye on them so they won’t do anything inappropriate.”


    “Are they both your sisters?” Zach asked with an eyebrow raised.


    Frederick was just about to answer when he heard amotioning from the main hall. Ariel heard it too and turned to look.


    Jayson and Nancy had just arrived. As distinguished guests of the exhibition, they were immediately greeted upon arrival.


    An elegant smile adorned Nancy’s face. Her arm was gently linked with Jayson’s. As others showered her with ttering words, she remainedposed.


    Both of them spotted Ariel.


    Jayson coldly retracted his gaze and no longer looked her way. When Nancy spoke to him, he would bow slightly and listen attentively to her. Then, they exchanged a smile.


    Janice instinctively turned to check on Ariel. Infuriated, she scolded, “Anyone would think she’s Jayson’s wife. How could Jayson disrespect you like that?”


    He didn’t care about Ariel at all! Even though they were attending the same event, he wasn’t even trying to be discreet about his affair.


    Ariel lowered her gaze. Her eyes were pools of calmness. “It’s alright. Let’s go somewhere else.”


    Janice gritted her teeth. “What’s so good about Nancy? She’s arrogant, not half as pretty as you are, and not even as good as you are in your expertise-”


    “Janice Swanson! How could you badmouth someone else behind their back?” Frederick just so happened to pass by them and heard her. His face turned grim. “Where are your manners?”


    Zach nced at her and Ariel. He also disapproved of such behavior.


    Janice was already annoyed to begin with. She instantly retorted, “I almost forgot. You have bad taste in women too. Too bad she’s not interested in you.”


    “You!” Frederick was pissed.


    He directed his displeasure toward Ariel. Ever since Janice hung out with Ariel, she had gotten even rowdier!


    With a sullen expression, Frederick questioned, “Ms. Walker, it seems you’re critical of Ms. Stanton. May I know what about her has led you to perceive her in a negative way? Are you better than her in your expertise? Are you better educated than she is? Or are you perhaps jealous that Ms. Stanton has a decent boyfriend?”


    A sense of something being amiss had lingered since Chad’s odd refusal to see Nancy because of Ariel. Hearing their ndestine talk now amplified his suspicion.


    He was confident that Ariel was purposely going up against Nancy and even intended to tarnish Nancy’s reputation.


    Why did she harbor such evil intent toward someone of the same gender? Was she resentful that Nancy was more outstanding?


    Remembering that Ariel was married, he decided there was only one reason she’d behave that way. “Are you jealous of women who are more sessful than you because of your own sad life?”


    His conceited assumptions were subjective and baseless. Ariel’s usually demure expression turned icy cold.


    Just then, Nancy walked over with Jayson, arm in arm. They heard every word Frederick said.


    Nancy arched an eyebrow and looked at Ariel with a half smile, because she was eager to know Ariel’s answer too.


    ??????