“Okay<b>, </b><b>I’ll </b>be there,” Artel replied.
Betty had called, saying she wasn’t feeling well. There was no way Ariel could hear that and not do something.
She headed straight for Rose Luxe Hotel.
Because of Jayson’s status, Sarah had specifically reminded Nancy to make sure everything was arranged properly. So, Nancy had booked out the entire second floor of the hotel for dinner and reserved the rooftop for entertainment.
By the time Nancy arrived, Matt and the others were already there
Matt loved a good party. Since Nancy had booked out the ce for the day<b>, </b>he invited a mix of top–tier celebrities and popr influencers who were born and raised in the elite social circle.
Sitting nearby were Perry and Frederick.
Frederick’s eyes lit up the second he saw Nancy. She was wearing a champagne–colored silk dress. As she walked in, she looked just as stunning as the celebrities around her.
<b>“</b>Whoa, going all out tonight? You look incredible,” Matt teased with a grin.
Nancy smiled graciously. “Thank you for thepliment.”
As they chatted, Zach walked in from the front doors. Matt had invited him.
Events like these were more than just parties. They were great opportunities towork and make connections.
Business, after all, was all about rtionships and social finesse.
Zach showed up mostly for Jayson’s sake.
“Mr. Quinton,” Nancy greeted politely.
Zach nced at her, then said honestly, “Ms. Stanton, you really went all out for Mr. Larkin tonight.”
Nancy was in a good mood. Smiling, she replied, “It’s not a big deal. It’s totally worth it.”
Given who Jayson was, if she was going to throw him a party<b>, </b>it had to be done right.
“Ms. Stanton<b>, </b>your flowers have arrived. Where would you like us to ce them?”
A hotel staffer pushed in a massive bouquet of champagne–colored roses. Even Perry turned to look. He hadn’t expected something that grand.
Nancy pointed to the most prominent spot in the room. “Right there.”
Matt paused for a moment, and his smile faltered just a little. He joked tentatively, “Nancy<b>, </b>you’re dressed like that and ordering flowers like these… Are you nning to propose?”
That keyword lit up the room.
People immediately turned toward Nancy<b>, </b>their expressions ranging from surprise to curiosity.
Even the influencers livestreaming the event turned to look at her.
Frederick’s expression grew serious at once, and he stood up almost instinctively.
Zach also looked her over from head to toe. “So that’s what this whole event is about?”
If that were true, then Ariel waspletely out of the picture<b>. </b>
Noticing all the surprised looks aimed her way, Nancy finally gave faint smile. “Are you all that eager for some drama? Well, <b>I’m </b>nning to perform a piano piece for Jayson myself. As for the gift… you’ll find out soon enough.”
She didn’t confirin or deny anything. And that made people feel like it probably was true.
Matt exchanged a look with Perry before asking, “Does Jayson knew about this?<b>” </b>
The grand finale tonight was going to be interesting.
No wonder Nancy went all out and booked the whole ce.
Perry frowned and shook his head. Something about the whole thing felt strange.
“Are we seriously about to witness a birthday proposal?”
Frederick hade tonight for Nancy, but now everyone was saying she might propose. He couldn’t help the twist of difort in his gut.
“Could be. Maybe their rtionship’s already at that point. But I doubt Jayson knows about this,” Matt said with a shrug.
Jayson and Ariel had already broken things off anyway. Marrying Nancy wouldn’t be that surprising.
“Where’s Jayson?” Nancy asked after making sure the flowers were properly ced.
Perry checked his watch. “He took <b>a </b>call. He probably went upstairs<b>.</b>”
This hotel was one of Jayson’s properties, and the top floor even had a private lounge just for him. Additionally, the top floor featured an entertainment spacerge enough for a mid–sized party.
Nancy thought for a moment, then took on the air of a true hostess as she said, “Alright, let’s all head upstairs for drinks first. We’ll start the party a littleter.”
When Ariel arrived, she was told to avoid the second floor when heading straight, as the entire second floor had been booked
out.
Before stepping into the elevator, she nced sideways and happened to spot Zach.
She didn’t think much of it and looked away calmly.
Rose Luxe Hotel was part of the Larkin family’s properties. Betty <b>was </b>resting upstairs, trying to ease her difort.
Once Ariel got there<b>, </b>she walked straight to one of the private lounges. Betty had already given her the door code. Ariel entered it and pushed the door open. “Grandma?”