Chapter <b>247 </b>


    That way, Jayson didn’t need to concern himself with Ariel at all. They had technically fulfilled their promise to Betty by attending the party together. Yet in reality, they were acting as strangers.


    Chad turned to Ariel and said through gritted teeth, “So that’s what he meant when he said you just had to be here. He’d already nned to bring Nancy all along.


    “If I hadn’t been invited toe today, you’d be standing here alone with no one to vouch for who you’re with or which family you’re representing.”


    Everyone attending today had status. They were from powerful families and major corporations.


    And the woman by Jayson’s side was Nancy.


    With the restrictions in the divorce agreement, Ariel would be put in a tight spot, unable to say a word in her own defense.


    She could only watch as Nancy stood proudly by Jayson’s side, praised and admired by everyone.


    Frowning, Ariel nced over at Jayson again. Her gaze turned frosty.


    What Chad said wasn’t wrong.


    But she had already made up her mind not to attend with Jayson, regardless of how he exined it to Betty<b>, </b>if Chad hadn’t also received an invite.


    So that hypothetical scene of her standing alone wouldn’t have happened.


    Still, now Ariel saw it clearly. When Jayson asked her to attend, he had already decided to bring Nancy. He never once considered what kind of position that would put Ariel in.


    All he cared about was checking off a box to satisfy Betty.


    And as long as he wanted to, he could easily ensure Betty never heard anything different about how today yed


    out.


    Maybe it was the coldness in Ariel’s gaze, but across the way, Jayson finally lifted his eyes to nce at her.


    He paused for two seconds, then looked away, as if they were strangers.


    Nancy noticed the look in his eyes. She nced toward Ariel and gave a faint smirk.


    So what if they were both present? Ariel still wasn’t acknowledged.


    Soon, the Spencers began directing guests to their seats.


    Tables had been arranged throughout the garden. Light refreshments were served before the formal party began.


    Once seated, Ariel realized Jayson’s group was at the table next to hers.


    She didn’t spare them a single nce. Instead, she asionally exchanged polite greetings with a fewpany heads seated nearby.


    Matt caught sight of Ariel and gave a look that said, “I knew it.”


    He had predicted Ariel would show up no matter what. And sure enough, she came with Chad.


    If Nancy weren’t here too, Ariel might have even wanted to go public with her marriage to Jayson.


    Perry saw Ariel and paused in thought for a moment.


    He hadn’t known she would be here. He had already helped set up a meeting between her and Liam. And now, by coincidence, they were in the same ce.


    <b>He </b>pulled out his phone and texted Liam, “Are you still busy? When are youing over to the garden?”


    Zach finished helping with the guests and made his way over to Jayson’s table. “Mr. Larkin. Ms. Stanton.”


    He had heard Nancy was about tounch her ownpany so he offered sincere congrattions. Congrattions on your new role as CEO, Ms. Stanton.”


    ??


    <b>11 </b>


    Nancy smiled brightly. “Thank you, Mr. Quinton. I couldn’t do it without Jayson’s unconditional support. I just hope I live up to it.”


    As she spoke, she turned to Jayson with a gentle look in her eyes.


    Zach observed her graceful and poised demeanor and couldn’t help butpare it to Ariel’s earlier cold shoulder.


    At that instant, he felt there really was noparison.


    He nced over at Ariel again, who was quietly sipping tea at the neighboring table. His eyes happened tond on the watch on her wrist.


    His expression suddenly shifted, and he looked back at Jayson with visible surprise. “Mr. Larkin, your watch looks exactly like Ariel’s. Are they… matching couple watches?”


    <i>2/2 </i>