Betty’s birthday party was considered a major event in Eldoria.


    Members of the city’s wealthy and prominent families would attend to celebrate, and some even traveled from other regions just to be there. Many hoped to gain the Larkin family’s favor and establish valuable connections.


    The night before, Ariel returned to the Walker residence. She decided to personally pick up Katie and Leonard


    and take them to the venue.


    She didn’t bring Jayson along, as Betty had suggested. Ariel wanted to remind Katie and Leonard in private not to identally say anything that might upset Betty during the party. After all, only they knew about the divorce.


    Katie bore no ill feelings toward Betty. She knew how much care Betty had shown Ariel during the years she


    lived with the Larkins. For that reason, Katie didn’t mind doing this for Betty’s sake.


    “What are you and Jayson nning to do moving forward?” Katie asked once they were in the car. “I’ve heard things from my friendstely. They all say you two are such a loving couple. Are you thinking of reconciling?”


    Leonard turned his gaze toward Ariel as well.


    A fleeting expression crossed Ariel’s eyes before she shook her head. “No. But you don’t need to worry. I’m an adult now. I’ll handle it properly.”


    She decided this wasn’t the right time to bring up the baby.


    “Only the two of you can decide what happens in your rtionship, Ari. I just hope you’ll follow your heart in every decision you make. Don’t let yourself be limited by outside factors telling you what you can or can’t do.”


    Leonard fixed Ariel with a gentle gaze. He knew very well about Ariel’s character and temperament.


    His words momentarily stunned Ariel, but then she nodded. “I know.”


    The birthday party was held at Rose Luxe Hotel. Owned by the Larkins, the entire property had been reserved for the celebration. The hotel was more thanrge enough to amodate the many invited guests.


    When Ariel and her family arrived, Jayson was already waiting at the entrance.


    From a distance, Ariel spotted him speaking to another guest. His tall frame stood out in the crowd, dressed in a handmade, perfectly tailored suit. Even from afar, many young women were sneaking nces at him.


    4:07 PM Fri 3 Oct


    781<b>% </b>


    As if sensing Ariel’s gaze, Jayson looked her way the very next moment. He nodded politely to the guest he had been speaking with and excused himself before striding toward Ariel.


    He greeted Katie and Leonard warmly. “Katie. Leo. Let’s head inside first.”


    Leonard found himself quietly impressed. He had always liked Jayson–there was a confidence and refinement


    about him that he rarely saw in others.


    Despite his youth, Jayson was quick–witted and sensible. Even with the strain in his rtionship with Ariel, he


    never once treated Katie or Leonard with anything less than respect.


    Leonard let out a small sigh. Perhaps Ariel and Jayson simply weren’t meant to be.


    Katie, meanwhile, responded to Jayson rather coolly. She still felt bad for Ariel. With Ariel holding her arm for


    support, Katie entered the hotel.


    Jayson followed close behind them.


    The event was bustling. Many sessful and well–known businessmen could be seen among the crowd. Ariel


    soon noticed Jackson chatting with Betty and several other guests.


    Not long after, Matt and the others approached to greet Katie respectfully. “Hello, Mrs. Walker Senior.”


    Perry nced briefly at Ariel before addressing Katie and Leonard. “Mrs. Walker Senior. Mr. Walker.”


    Leonard’s eyes lingered on Perry. He remembered that the young man seemed to harbor feelings for Ariel. He had caught on the day before the federal holiday. <fnb3fe> For more chapters visit find?novel</fnb3fe>


    Before he could stop himself, Leonard blurted out, “Mr. Houston, didn’t you…‘


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!