The next morning, Ariel got up early.


    The materials data submission had been approved.


    She was suddenly notified that Jayson’s materials would undergo a live test in the hangar.


    This step hadn’t been nned before. It was clearly added at thest minute. Ariel needed to go and oversee it.


    The SX alloy waspatible with all fighter jets. After passing this impromptu test, it would be formally put into use.


    The internal testing was at Zone 3, and several higher–ups were scheduled to attend.


    As a partner in the project, Jayson naturally had to be there to witness this historic moment.


    Gary and the others were still upstairs in a meeting.


    Jayson arrived at the testing site first. Almost immediately, he spotted Cecilia with a visitor pass. The pass observe tests that weren’t strictly confidential.


    Seeing him, Cecilia walked over with purpose. “I figured you’d be here today.”


    Jayson nced away. “Ms. Pryce, you seem to have a lot of free time.”


    allowed her to


    Cecilia smiled. “That depends on how you use it. If your time is spent on people and things that matter, it’s never really free time. <fna572> Get full chapters from find?novel</fna572>


    He had no intention of entertaining such trivial talk. His expression remained t.


    But she looked at him in doubt. “Are you in a bad mood? You seem different than usual.”


    Jayson said nothing.


    He hadn’t been sleeping welltely and had been traveling abroad frequently. Plus, Ariel’s situation still weighed on him.


    “Are you okay? I rarely see you like this. You didn’t fight with Ariel, did you?” Cecilia reached out, trying to pat his arm in


    reassurance.


    In that brief moment, a flicker of something unusual passed through Jayson’s eyes. He instinctively wanted to dodge.


    At that moment, Ariel got out of the car. She caught sight of Cecilia half–touching Jayson’s arm.


    Jayson stepped back and looked at Ariel.


    She had suspected that Cecilia was the one behind the hospital incident. Seeing her now<b>, </b>she paused for a couple of seconds, but her expression gave nothing away.


    By the time Jayson’s gaze fell on her, she had already turned and was walking over to greet Maurice.


    Cecilia didn’t mind Jayson’s subtle retreat. Her smile was enigmatic as she said, “Ariel really doesn’t care about you at all. That’s not how a wife acts toward a husband she loves. Doesn’t she love you?”


    Jayson’s expression didn’t change, but her words hit him sharply.


    The core issue behind the recent fallout with Ariel really came down to that question. Yet, he stayedposed, betraying nothing.


    He calmly replied, “That’s because she knows my heart is hers alone. No one else deserves her attention yet.”


    Cecilia’s expression darkened instantly. His sharp words pierced her like a de. She looked at him coldly. “Jayson<b>, </b>I know you


    don’t settle. She’s been involved with Lucas. Since she’s disloyal and insincere, why put up with her? You deserve someone who chooses you every single day.”


    Words like that were sweet to hear, especially at a moment so full of tension and sorrow. Few men could resist.


    However, Jayson merely looked at her. “No matter what happens between her and me, it won’t affect the fact that there’s nothing between you and me.”


    Cecilia’s features stiffened.


    Jayson turned and walked toward the observation area.


    Cecilia stared at his back for a long moment before slowly shifting her gaze to Ariel.


    She couldn’t understand. Just how could Jaysonpletely cut ties with Ariel?


    She had never seen Ariel as a rival in any respect, yet Jayson repeatedly frustrated her. Now she couldn’t even tell if he stayed tied to Ariel out of avoidance of her or because he genuinely loved Ariel.


    When Jayson arrived, Gary waved. “Mr. Larkin, today’s a historic moment. If everything goes smoothly, we’ll be seeing each other often from now on.”


    Jayson didn’t nce at Ariel. He simply nodded politely. “It’s my honor.”