Nancy seemed poised as she finished the drink without anyints. Even Cecilia found that quite surprising.


    Someone like Nancy, who had been spoiled rotten by Jayson, had trouble swallowing her pride and making a toast to Cecilia now to please her.


    However, Cecilia showed no signs of softening toward her. “If it weren’t for Mr. Larkin, someone like her would never be allowed to get on my ship.”


    Then, Cecilia turned around and handed Ariel another ss of fruit juice. There was a stark difference in the way she treated Ariel and Nancy.


    Although Cecilia did not respond to Nancy, she cared enough to show Jayson some respect, considering his status. “Please have a seat, Mr. Larkin.


    The other guests had overheard some parts of their conversation. They kept sneaking nces in Cecilia’s group’s direction from


    time to time.


    Nancy wasn’t sure if Ariel would heed her words. After Jayson picked a seat, she sat next to him right away. Compared to Ariel, Nancy seemed more like Jayson’s wife.


    Cecilia simply found this situation intriguing.


    On the other hand, Ariel had gotten used to seeing these things. She remainedpletely indifferent to it.


    Samson saw what happened just as he arrived. He halted briefly. Then, he strode toward Ariel and sat beside her. His intentions


    were as clear as day.


    His eyes crinkled as he looked at Ariel. “I had a feeling you’d be here, and my instincts were right.”


    Ariel turned her gaze toward Samson. “Mr. Pryce.”


    “I made ast–minute decision to drop by. I heard that you’re participating in the aerospace flight techpetition. Is everything going well so far?” Since it was quite rowdy around then, Samson leaned toward Ariel and whispered in her ear.


    It was as though they were sharing something private.


    Ariel pondered for a moment. “I’d say things are progressing quite smoothly.”


    Samson lowered his gaze and chuckled softly.


    Ariel was a bit confused as to why he was suddenlyughing. She tied her head and gazed at Samson. There was a puzzled look in her eyes.


    Jayson sat opposite them. He could <i>see </i>the two of them whenevere looked up. However, he merely dropped his gaze and looked away,


    Cecilia noticed how chummy Ariel and Samson appeared.


    She poured a ss of liquor and ced it in front of Nancy. “It’s my duty to offer hospitality to you since you’re a guest as well. Have a drink, Ms. Stanton.”


    Nancy understood instantly that Cecilia wanted her to finish the denk


    Frederick, who sat at a nearby table<b>, </b>saw what happened and was out to say something.


    Nancy raised the ss. “Thank you for your hospitality.”


    Cecilia watched as Nancy responded politely and tactfully. There was nothing in particr they could find fault with.


    She was slightly impressed by Nancy’s grit and resolve. It seemed as though she was very experienced in dealing with these situations.


    Cecilia grinned and refilled Nancy’s ss with more liquor. She sawith one elbow on her knee, resting her chin on her palm, and staring at Nancy.


    “Ms. Stanton, you’re a bright and smart woman. We’re celebrating my birthday party today, and I appreciate all my guests. Still, I must give you a reminder. Certain guests are very special and important to me. Please refrain from causing any trouble for Ms. Walker. Otherwise, I can’t say for sure what I might do.”


    Nancy’s hand, which was holding the ss of liquor, stiffened.”


    Even Jayson had cast a nce in Cecilia’s direction.


    “Do you feel bad for her?” Cecilia widened her eyes as she met Jayson’s gaze. “You should really think about who you should be feeling sorry for, though. Your wife is sitting right next to me now


    Cecilia was even mocking Jayson now. She was so used to doing things her way that she seemed to have forgotten about maintaining basic courtesy.


    Anyhow, Ariel knew that Jayson wasn’t one to hold grudges against a woman for something like this.


    Just as she expected, Jayson simply raised his ss and said tly, Of course not, Ms. Pryce.”


    Cecilia shrugged. “I expected nothing less<b>, </b>Mr. Larkin. Well, you may also rest assured that there are others who truly care about Mrs. Larkin.”


    She directed her gaze to Samson, who sat beside Ariel.


    The air felt tense as the situation grew more and moreplicated with the different rtionships being brought to light.


    Chapter <b>526 </b>