Samson paused for a moment before saying, “Ariel, your life has only just begun. Marriage or children won’t change the fact that you shine. Whatever you choose, I hope it leads to something good.”


    Just then, Elsie stepped out and caught sight of the scene. She froze for a moment and bit her lip without realizing it.


    Samson’s gentleness toward Ariel was something he never showed anyone else.


    Ariel had already nced her way, so Elsie walked forward.


    Up close, she realized Ariel didn’t look well at all. Even with makeup on, her face was pale and drawn.


    Elsie knew Ariel had been on leave. Clearly, she was still unwell. Her brows furrowed. “If you’re sick, whye back so soon?”


    Ariel looked as though even a breeze could topple her. She was frailer than Elsie.


    “Just checking on your work. See if I can pick at it a little,” Ariel said, without even a hint of teasing in her tone.


    Elsie bristled instantly, folding her arms. “My work’s solid. I don’t think you’ll find any faults.”


    With a little huff, she added, “Actually, you came just in time. We need to test the materials today and submit the analysis.”


    That was Ariel’s responsibility. But after everything that had happened, going over to Jayson’s department felt a little strange.


    Still, she wasn’t going to avoid it. Work still needed to be done. “Alright, let’s go.”


    Samson knew Ariel wouldn’t answer the question he had left hanging earlier, so he let it go too. “Take


    care.”


    Ariel lowered her gaze, nodded slightly, and turned to head for the car.


    As Elsie watched her thin figure retreating, something unsettled tugged at her. She almost ran after her, but Samson’s question stopped her.


    His gaze slowly moved away from Ariel’s back and turned to Elsie. “We don’t seem to have each other’s


    number, do we?”


    Elsie stopped at once, her ears burning. “Are you asking for my number?<b>” </b>


    Samson blinked, a little surprised, then gave a small smile without denying it. “Yeah, if that’s alright. My department will be coordinating with yours moving forward.”


    Realization hit Elsie. He was asking because of work.


    Her words earlier came out too quickly<b>, </b>making it seem like Samson was asking for her number for <b>his </b>own sake. She felt so embarrassed that she wished she could disappear into a hole.


    <b>“</b>Oh… Of course. Let me type it.”


    After they exchanged contacts, Elsie darted off with a flushed face. When she joined the group, Eric was still the one coordinating with them.


    But as they stepped through the main doors, Ariel spotted Jaysoning toward them. He was reading the file in his hands, while several people followed at his heels. Unaware of their arrival, he simply <fn5ce2> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? f?ndnovel</fn5ce2>


    brushed past them.


    Ariel naturally didn’t call out.


    Elsie, though, frowned and blurted, “Mr. Larkin, didn’t you see your wife?”


    She still remembered the fight they had hadst time.


    The sudden call made Jayson’s long strides slow. He turned slightly and looked up.


    And there was Ariel. After all these days, she hadn’t recovered much. She still looked pale.


    Their eyes met.


    Ariel’s expression stayed neutral, and she made no move to speak.


    In that pause, Jayson’s gaze lingered on her for the briefest moment. Then, he gave a polite nod to the higher–ups with him and turned to walk away. He didn’t say a word and showed no hint of emotion.