Chapter <b>365 </b>


    Renee was confused. She blurted out, “Didn’t you say Nancy came in second? Why are you…”


    She cut herself off immediately when she met Jayson’s deep eyes.


    He was staring at her without a hint of emotion on his face yet it sent a chill down Renee’s spine. She shuddered and quickly mimed zipping her lips shut with her fingers.


    Jayson was warning her not to run her mouth, especially not about Nancy in front of Betty.


    But…


    Something suddenly clicked in Renee’s mind.


    “Jay, did you mean Ariel ranked first?” Renee couldn’t help but find the question ridiculous. Maybe Jayson had simply misspoken earlier.


    “Well, isn’t she your sister–inw?” Jayson loosened his tie and looked at her.


    Renee stiffened, shrinking back a bit. “Yeah…”


    No sooner had the words left her mouth than Betty’s voice rang out behind them. “Are you two talking about Ari?”


    Renee turned and saw Bettying downstairs. Instantly, she understood that Jayson had just saved her. If Betty had caught her badmouthing Ariel, she would definitely get scolded.


    Jayson cast a calm nce at Betty.


    Before he could say anything, Renee quickly got up and hooked her arm through Betty’s. “Jay just said his wife got first ce in the postgraduate admissions exam for aerospace engineering. Can you believe it?”


    She couldn’t tell whether Betty had caught what she said about Nancy.


    Betty’s expression gave nothing away as she simply looked at Jayson and asked, “Ari joined the postgraduate admissions exam?”


    Jayson replied calmly, “Yeah. Ashford University just released the admissions results today. She ced first in the program.”


    The moment Jayson confirmed it, a flicker of disbelief crossed Renee’s face.


    So it was true?


    But Nancy got a 432. How could she have lost to Ariel?


    Betty’s face lit up with joy. “Ari’s that smart? Why didn’t she tell me?”


    Jayson nced at Betty’s glowing cheeks. Her face looked healthier than it had in days.


    “You know now,” he said simply.


    “This is wonderful!” Betty pped her hands, beaming with pride. “This is a huge deal! We can’t just let it pass like it’s nothing. Let’s throw a celebration! We’ll invite people from the industry. We’ll just say it’s for some happy family news, but really, it’s to celebrate Ari’s big academic win.”


    Shocked, Renee’s jaw dropped. “Grandma, Jay and Ariel’s marriage is a secret. Wouldn’t something this public draw too much attention?”


    Subconsciously, she was still considering Nancy.


    As for Ariel? There was no way she was that brilliant. Renee just couldn’t believe it.


    Tapping her cane, Betty scoffed. “So what if it’s a little high profile? It’s not like I’m asking them to go public with their marriage.”


    She turned to Jayson. “Make it a grand event. This is a major milestone in Ari’s life. Don’t downy it. The more guests, the better. Let her know.”


    Jayson looked at Betty. It was obvious she had already made up her mind. She was practically nning the party in her head,


    There was no way to change her mind.


    After a brief pause, he simply said, “Okay.“–


    Ariel was surprised when she got the message from Betty.


    “Ari, I already got everything set up. I booked out the Saphrelle Hotel’s banquet hall. No matter how many guestse, we’ll host them all. Don’t feel pressured. If you don’t want to go public, I won’t force you.


    “I just want to throw you a celebration and let the world know the Larkin family has something to be proud of. After all, not everyone gets to call someone like you their granddaughter–inw.”


    +25 BON