415 BONUS


    Ariel instinctively frowned. Running into Nancy under the circumstances now didn’t feel right.


    She didn’t bother quessing what Jayson might do and turned to leave. After all, if anyone was going to be troubled, it would be him.


    As Ariel reached the top of the stairs, she saw Betty sitting in the living room with a cold expression and


    ordering the staff, “No outsiders are allowed in. If she won’t leave, ask her to wait.”


    Betty was usually warm and approachable, but she had a ruthless streak when handling matters. She offered no chances or negotiations.


    Beside her, Evelyn showed no expression and didn’t say a word.


    By now, she knew all too well that Nancy was aplete mess<b>. </b>In her eyes, she was utterly incapable of shouldering any real responsibility.


    So when Ariel came down, Evelyn’s face remained neutral, though her eyes betrayed a hint of something.


    Ariel had never revealed even a hint of her trump card these past few years. That kind of temperament was beyond ordinary people.


    In the end, Evelyn felt almost like a fool.


    Though shocked by Ariel’s abilities, she couldn’t help but wonder if Ariel was ying them.


    Betty waved her over. “Ari,e eat.”


    She made no mention of the woman outside the gate, so Ariel pretended she knew nothing.


    After all, this was the Larkin family’s property. Their stance was clear, and their actions had nothing to do with her.


    Jayson walked up behind Ariel, seemingly unconcerned with how Betty dealt with Nancy. He fell into step beside Ariel and nced at her. “Let’s go.”


    Ariel was surprised by his calmness. Nancy was out there in the rain, waiting.


    Ariel froze for a second. Something about this felt off.


    Renee knew that Nancy was at the gate too. Having spent so much time together, she couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy.


    “It’s pouring out there, Jay. Aren’t you worried?” she asked, lowering her voice so Betty wouldn’t overhear.


    Jayson’s deep gaze flicked over her. “If you don’t want to eat, you can have the driver take you home first.


    #1


    Renee’s expression stiffened. But at the thought of Ariel’s skills, she forced herself to stay quiet.


    She didn’t want to say anything that might upset Ariel right now. Ariel was easy to please. Renee was sure that if she showed a little kindness, Ariel would treat her well, just like before.


    Renee had studied Ariel’s postgraduate admissions results and knew Ariel would be a great asset to her.


    Outside, Nancy had decided to take a gamble. She had gone to Jardine Manor, found it empty, and


    thought she would try here.


    Sure enough, lights were zing.


    She didn’t know who was inside. But after she rang the doorbell, a maid came out to tell her to leave.


    Her heart sank, and her face went pale.


    Jayson wouldn’t even see her.


    Everything she had believed in began to crumble. She couldn’t ept it.


    Nancy decided to throw caution to the wind and let the rain soak her through.


    She thought that Jayson couldn’t really be that cruel. If he saw her, surely he would feel for her.


    Now, with no way out, she felt that any cost was better than dealing with the uncontroble


    consequences.


    Inside, dinner went on.


    Betty kept putting food on Ariel’s te while asking excitedly about every detail. Her eyes were filled with pride and joy.


    Ariel answered selectively.


    ”


    Evelyn, however, didn’t look particrly pleased. She wondered if Ariel would use this trump card to elevate her own standing. After all, Ariel had always been at a disadvantage in her rtionships. A sudden rise might….


    Ariel didn’t care what anyone at the table thought. Her appetite was moderate, so she ate slowly.


    Jayson poured her a ss of water and set it beside her.


    Ariel finally cast him a sidelong nce.