When Nancy got back to her car, the call still hadn’t gone through.
She stared at the screen for what felt like an eternity. At this moment, she felt as if something inside her was slowly crumbling. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and cold sweat had soaked her forehead,
but she kept trying to call.
Maybe Jayson just didn’t see it.
She tried again and again. But still, there was no answer.
Nancy’s face slowly drained of color. Suddenly, she mmed her phone onto the passenger seat.
She stayed slumped over the steering wheel for <i>a </i>long while.
Her thoughts were a mess. Her long–held beliefs were crumbling, yet she refused to ept it.
What did Ariel gain from all this? Nothing more than capturing Jayson’s attention and using that status to keep holding onto him. By now, Jayson was most likely caught up with Ariel. 1
Just like Sarah had said, Ariel was far more shameless than Nancy had imagined. 2
After taking a long moment to calm down, Nancy finally managed to pull herself together. She hadn’t wanted to bother Jayson before, but now, she couldn’t just sit back anymore.
Ariel didn’t know the specifics of Nancy’s situation, but she would cooperate with the investigation as the victim.
As Cedric had said, this was a serious matter, and strict procedures were unavoidable.
Many people had already caught wind of her identity, including Betty and the other Larkins. Even Jayson’s uncle, who was long stationed overseas, had called to ask about it.
Ariel had just finished a meeting when Betty called. “Yes, Grandma?”
Betty was clearly shocked, but she couldn’t hide the delight in her voice. “Ari, why didn’t you tell me about your past? I heard about thepetition from Marie. Our family is so lucky!”
Ariel poured herself a ss of water, listening quietly as Betty chattered happily.
“Whether it’s your past aplishments or your sess in thispetition, it’s all good news. Come back to your marital home tonight, and let’s have dinner together. I want to cook for you. It’s been so long since we had a meal together, and we just got some of your favorite seafood flown in,” Betty said affectionately. She was clearly in high spirits.
Marital home?
Ariel frowned instinctively. She was about to decline. After all, that space now had nothing to do with
her. It was Jayson and Nancy’s private area.
“Sorry, Grandma. I have to workte today.” Ariel came up with an excuse.
Betty, feeling sorry for how hard she was working, couldn’t help but say, “Just take the day off. I’m already here at your marital home. Can youe by after work tonight?”
Ariel didn’t know that Betty had already arrived.
She thought about it for a moment. Bound by the divorce agreement to keep things quiet, she tapped her fingers on the desk before finally saying, “Grandma, I’ll let Jayson know first.”
Betty didn’t think much of it and responded cheerfully.
Ariel called Jayson.
When he answered, she got straight to the point. “Grandma wants me to go to Crescent Point. Can you talk to her?”
After all, that house now belonged to him and Nancy. She thought he should be informed.
Jayson seemed busy at work. The background noise quieted for a moment before he asked, “What time do you get off? I can pick you up.”
Ariel frowned. “Are you listening? I said Grandma wants me to go to Crescent Point.”
“Yeah, what time do you finish?” he replied casually.
Ariel couldn’t understand him.
Jayson seemed to have figured out what she was thinking. Calmly, he said, “Grandma already told me. She’s happy for you and has prepared a lot at our marital home. Do you have time to go over tonight?” (2)
Ariel didn’t mind seeing Betty. After all, thetter had been the most caring person to her in the past three years. And since Betty had already prepared everything, it wouldn’t feel right to stand her up.
The only thing that felt odd was going <i>to </i>Crescent Point now. But if Jayson didn’t mind, why should she?