Jayson stared at Ariel’s back in the photo.


    There was even a photo of her with her head lowered as she rested a hand on her t stomach.


    Her face wasn’t visible, but that one gesture said everything.


    Jayson felt a tide rising in his chest, creeping into his whole body and leaving him with a deep,


    unshakable ache.


    For once, his usually steady mind was a mess. By the time he realized it, he was already on his feet with his phone in hand, calling Ariel.


    He didn’t even care why she hadn’t told him. None of the questions mattered. All he knew was that Ariel was carrying his child.


    Seeing Jayson suddenly bolt toward the door, Arthur hurried after him. “Mr. Larkin, you still have a few important meetings today. Should I reschedule?”


    He had read the email too. He knew what Jayson was feeling right now.


    “Yeah, reschedule them all,” Jayson said, striding forward with the phone pressed to his ear.


    Arthur knew that Jayson had something far more important to deal with right now.


    But when he nced at the calendar, he couldn’t help but remind, “You have a reception at Sterling Hotel at 11:00 am today. Guests areing in from overseas, and you’re one of the key invitees.”


    “Not important.” Jayson was still waiting for Ariel to pick up.


    But she didn’t. The line rang and rang.


    He finally stopped in his tracks and pressed his brow to steady himself for a moment. “Check with Sterling Hotel. See if Faye Tech’s on the guest list.”


    These events usually only invited top–tierpanies. But with Faye Technologies‘ rapid rise and their partnership with Nexura Solutions, they just might be on the list.


    Arthur nodded quickly. “On it.”


    Jayson kept striding downstairs.


    Things between him and Ariel had ended on a sour note yesterday. She hadn’t tried to ease his doubts or offered him even a single word of reassurance. (1


    <b>If </b>she had just said, “It wasn’t like that,” he would have convinced himself that everything he did in those years was nothing but his own overreactions.


    But she had given him nothing. She ignored his feelings and didn’t even bother to call.


    It was hard for him not to feel all those years of “grievances” flooding back at once.


    Yet now, Ariel was pregnant. They had a new beginning waiting for them. 5


    He realized how petty he had been. Why had he clung to the past? Why had he needed everything spelled


    out?


    By the time Ariel and Janice arrived at Sterling Hotel, the ce was already buzzing. A wave of unfamiliar faces filled the room–overseaspanies were here for in–depth exchanges. It was a chance to build bridges that could lead to future partnerships.


    Janice knew this world well. As soon as they walked in, she subtly began introducing Ariel to the unfamiliar faces.


    “That’s Eden Gibson, head of QU’s Vend division. See that guy in the gray suit? That’s Dustin Chambers. He sells special materials in Arvenburg. And the model–looking woman is Abbie Mitchell, manager of Sra division for the world’s biggest drone brand.” <fnc683> Latest content published on fι?dnοvel</fnc683>


    Janice knew each person by name and background. She had a thorough grasp of everything, leaving no room for mistakes.


    Ariel smiled. “Impressive. You know all of them?”


    Janice smirked. “Have you forgotten what I do? You and Chad handle the tech, and I cover the rest. That’s how we make a perfect team.”


    Smiling, Ariel gave her a light pat on the back in praise.


    Janice had even memorized their quirks and preferences. With those details in hand, it was easier to strike up the right conversations. Leaving the right impression could make all the difference.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>657 </b>