Chapter <b>553 </b>


    Jayson stopped and looked at Ariel.


    From across the distance, she couldn’t quite read his expression, but he seemed to be staring at her for a long moment. Her entire presence seemed rtively rxed.


    Neither of them said anything.


    Samson nced at Ariel, then back at Jayson.


    Jayson didn’t linger. He walked toward the exit, where people came and went.


    As he waited for his ride, Cecilia stepped out. She turned, observing his impassive profile. “Ariel isn’t the same as before. No one can outshine her now. With her identity revealed on a stage like this, she’s secured fame and fortune. Nothing and no one can shake her anymore.”


    Even if someone wanted Ariel gone, no trick in the book would work.


    Jayson lowered his gaze. His thumb brushed over the smooth edge of a metal lighter. “Maybe.”


    Cecilia smiled, though it carried no warmth. “Mr. Larkin, I honestly don’t understand you. Who do <b>you </b>actually love? Nancy or Ariel?” 1


    Before today, she might have sworn it was Nancy. But now, something felt off.


    Ever since Cecilia returned after Jayson and Ariel’s marriage became public, he hadn’t shown Ariel the slightest tenderness. Everything he did leaned toward Nancy. He shielded her, cleared the way for her, and favored her again and again. Naturally, Cecilia had always believed that Nancy was the one Jayson truly loved. 2


    Anyone looking in would have thought the same.


    But now, Nancy was in serious trouble. If the charges held, she was looking at a minimum of seven years.


    Cecilia knew well that her own “help” after returning–ranging from the art exhibition scandal to blocking Nancy’s climb upward–had yed a part in Nancy’s downfall.


    Amid the process, Ariel quietly rose to fame and fortune, gaining nationwide recognition and earning the highest esteem from the government. She had truly made her name.


    She wasn’t just some obscure researcher anymore. No one could easily stand in the way of her future rise or the glory that awaited her.


    And with Bluum Corp pouring money into thepetition, the stage was nothing short of spectacr. This left Cecilia wondering if Jayson really loved Nancy at all.


    484


    With his influence, he could have used his role as the main sponsor to bury the scandal for now.


    Jayson finally looked at her but gave no answer.


    Cecilia studied him and smiled faintly. “Mr. Larkin, don’t tell me… you used Nancy to throw me off.” 1


    Just then, his car pulled up. Only then did he answer casually, “You’re overthinking, Ms. Pryce.”


    Without another word, he turned to step into the car.


    Cecilia narrowed her eyes.


    A thought suddenly hit her. If she hadn’t meddled in Nancy’s affairs and hadn’t kept her focus there, would Ariel ever have made it to the spotlight of the nation’s most prestigious techpetition? (3


    The path Ariel was taking inevitably involved the government and would inevitably bring her into the political arena. Without what happened today, she might still be that obscure woman. Keeping her from rising wouldn’t have been too difficult. (1)


    After all, the ways of political circles ran deep.


    But now, Ariel stood under the gaze of the entire world. With the spotlight upon her, her brilliance could no longer be hidden.


    Cecilia suddenly frowned. Cold sweat broke out along her back as an unthinkable suspicion shed through her mind.


    Meanwhile, thepetition was still wrapping up.


    Nancy’s scandal had stirred up no smallmotion, and the matter would need continued follow–up.


    Plenty of industry leaders had shown up, and all of them were eager to meet Ariel.


    However, she had no energy left for handshakes and pleasantries. After slipping out of the crowd, she sought out Cedric instead because she still couldn’t make sense of everything that had happened today.