Jayson entered the ward just in time to see what was happening. His expression darkened slightly.


    He strode over, dragged the dustbin closer to Ariel, and crouched beside the bed, gently patting her back. He didn’t seem concerned that she might identally vomit on him.


    “Are you still feeling nauseous?”


    Ariel vomited quite a bit. She felt extremely unwell. Her stomach spasmed painfully, and her throat burned. Tears welled in her eyes from how hard she had been struggling earlier.


    Jayson grabbed a tissue, carefully wiping her mouth and then a stray tear from the corner of her eye with his fingertip.


    “You should lie down and rest for a while,” he said, his lips pressed into a thin line. “We’ll consult the doctorter.”


    Ariel finally began to feel a little better, though weakness still weighed on her. She hadn’t expected such a strong reaction to ether. With all her hospital visits, she’d grown familiar with many chemicals, but this one had clearly taken a toll.


    “Here, have some water.” Chad handed Ariel a ss. The sight of her looking so unwell agitated him, and


    he couldn’t help but me Jayson for what had happened.


    “I heard what happened on my way here, Mr. Larkin,” Chad said sharply. “Whether it’s Faye Tech losing the project or Ari’s life being put in danger, this all stems from you. Have you considered what might’ve


    happened if Mr. Pryce arrived anyter?”


    Jayson couldn’t refute that. He met Ariel’s gaze, his voice low but firm. “I won’t let anything like this happen again. I promise.”


    Too exhausted to argue, Ariel sank back into her pillow.


    Chad opened his mouth to speak again, but Jayson cut in. He tucked the nket around Ariel, his eyes steely. “Faye Tech didn’t lose the project. Submissions were still epted as long as they arrived before the official review began.


    “As soon as Ariel went missing, I had Arthur add Nexura Solutions into Bluum Corp’s tender response for a joint bid.”


    Both Ariel and Chad were stunned by what Jayson said.


    It made sense<b>–</b>Jayson was a shareholder of Nexura Solutions, so he could authorize such a decision.


    Once Nexura Solutions secured the project, Faye Technologies, closely tied to them, would inevitably be involved in its execution.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>“</b><b>You </b>modified your tender response while searching for Ariel?” Chad asked, his disbelief evident.


    Jayson remainedposed, as if this was only natural. Even if Bluum Corp submitted their bid at the veryst moment, the organizers would still ept it–no one could afford to ignore a Bluum Corp


    submission.


    With Yeager Group’s and Faye Technologies‘ direct bids missing, Bluum Corp effectively secured the


    project.


    Jayson knew how important this was to Ariel. With her disappearance threatening Faye Technologies‘ chances, he’d needed to act quickly to salvage the situation.


    As for Samson, Jayson hadn’t expected the man to orchestrate something so sinister.


    Ariel stared at Jayson, speechless. The revtion sent her and Chad on an emotional roller coaster.


    “You’re a really meticulous person, Mr. Larkin.” Chad stared at Jayson, a mix of emotions on his face.


    Just then, the doctor entered, holding a folder. “Ms. Walker’s test results are back. There’s ether in her


    system, but the levels aren’t rming. It shouldn’t causesting harm, though ether is potent–it exins


    her dizziness and nausea.”


    Ariel’s anxiety mounted as she stared at the doctor.


    The doctor nced at her. “However, some other readings are slightly irregr. I’d rmend a more thorough examination.”


    “Arrange it immediately,” Jayson said, not giving Ariel the chance to object.


    P