+15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Wendy wasn’t exactly sure either. It was undeniably strange that Ariel had decided to get an abortion yet. was keeping it a secret from Jayson.


    Wendy knew she had to make sure Ariel no longer had any chance of swaying Lucas. She needed toe up with a perfect, foolproof n.


    On the other hand, Cecilia’s head shot up the instant she heard those words. She failed to mask her reaction–her face revealed utter shock.


    Ariel was pregnant with Jayson’s child!


    Cecilia had never paid much attention to the matter before, since Jayson and Ariel hadn’t had children even after being married for several years. But now, it felt as though rm bells were ring in her head.


    Neither Wendy nor Lori noticed the fleeting expression on Cecilia’s face.


    Meanwhile, Lori felt slightly relieved. More often than not, she shared the same opinions as Wendy on


    certain issues.


    She was about to continue the conversation when Cecilia suddenly rose to her feet. Her face was expressionless as she said, “I just remembered I have some errands to run. I’ll be going now.”


    Lori hadn’t expected her to leave so quickly. She had been hoping to strengthen ties with someone like Cecilia–perhaps even grow closer.


    “That’s a shame. I’ll see you out, then. We can do this again next time.”


    Cecilia showed her no special courtesy. With her usual haughty air, she turned and strutted out of the room. She had been generous by agreeing to visit the Sanderson, and what she learned today was far more valuable than she anticipated.


    By the time Ariel left the hospital, it was alreadyte. She had made an appointment with the OB–GYN specialist to undergo the procedure the following Saturday.


    She just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.


    Rather than agonizing day after day, Ariel would rather make up her mind and finalize her decision.


    She couldn’t risk her own life for the child. First, she had to terminate the pregnancy before proceeding with her treatment. There was no other option.


    The best way was to have the abortion quietly, without alerting anyone. That way, no one else’s life would be burdened by her decision.


    As she reached her residential area, the sun was already setting.


    Stepping out of the elevator, Ariel couldn’t help but nce toward Jayson’s unit.


    He still wasn’t home.


    It must not have been easy for him to decide to be so honest with her today. Likewise, it wouldn’t be <b>easy </b>to collect his thoughts and face her again so soon.


    Ariel entered her apartment.


    Not long after, she received a call from Janice.


    “There’s an event tomorrow,” Janice said. “Some prominent industry figures from Sorenta and representatives from several overseaspanies will be attending. The Faye Tech team has been invited too. Chad said you and I should go. Your status and influence are different now–it’ll be a good asion for you to make an appearance.”


    “That’s rather sudden.” Ariel frowned slightly. “Why didn’t we hear about this event earlier?” (1)


    Normally, invitations arrived several days in advance.


    “I don’t know either,” Janice muttered. “Anyway, I’ll be by your side tomorrow to keep you safe.”


    She was determined to protect Ariel–even going as far as helping her handle drinks if guests pressured her into drinking. To Janice, Ariel was now as fragile as a porcin doll, someone who couldn’t afford even the slightest harm.


    Ariel didn’t dwell on it for long. “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.”


    “I’ll need a bit more time to finish up at work,” Janice added. “I’ll head over to your ce once I’m done.” Recently, Janice had been staying with Ariel, too worried about leaving her chronically ill friend alone. Ariel understood her concerns. “Text me when you’re done with work.”


    The next day, Janice and Ariel left together for Faye Technologies‘ office.


    As Ariel locked her door, she nced at the opposite unit. Jayson still hadn’t returned.


    He had been a constant nuisance since moving in next door–always running into her whenever she went in or out. Slowly, she found herself unable to ignore his presence. But Jayson hadn’t gone home that night.


    It had taken all his courage to share his true thoughts with Ariel. Yet she hadn’t responded–she didn’t even deny his suspicions. 1


    Chapter 655 <fn64fd> Follow current nov?ls on find?novel</fn64fd>


    Naturally, that had put Jayson in a gloomy mood.


    So instead of going back, Jayson spent the night at the office. There was a private room for him to rest in. After a shower, he buried himself in work.


    It was just past 10:00 am when Jayson leaned back, massaging the bridge of his nose.


    Arthur suddenly entered, holding a tablet. His expression was grim. “Mr. Larkin, <b>you’ve </b>received an email. You need to see this.”


    Jayson raised his head. “What email?”


    Arthur ced the tablet on his desk.


    Jayson looked down. Several photos were disyed on the screen–shots of Ariel walking into the OB- GYN department.


    At the end of the email was a single line which read, “Congrattions, Mr. Larkin. You’re going to be a father soon.” 1