+15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Chapter <b>701 </b>


    Leonard’s gaze drifted toward Jayson, and he immediately stopped himself from finishing what he was


    about to say.


    Perry, with a knowing look in his eyes, gave a slight nod.


    Meanwhile, Jayson slowly lifted his gaze, appearingpletely oblivious to the silent exchange between the two men. He didn’t ask any questions either.


    Perry acted as though he hadn’t noticed Leonard’s hesitation. Just then, someone came over to greet him. Perry’s gaze brieflynded on Ariel before he turned around to speak to the neer.


    Ariel, uninterested in small talk, led Katie and Leonard over to where Betty was.


    Once Ariel had left, Matt stepped closer to Jayson. “Judging by your interactions… the two of you haven’t reconciled yet?”


    Jayson lowered his gaze. “We’re getting divorced soon.”


    After what happened to their child, Jayson had be convinced that Ariel no longer had any feelings for him.


    Without another word, he walked away to another spot in the hall, leaving Matt standing there, stunned and confused.


    What did he just hear? There was no way Jayson would willingly end things with Ariel.


    Just as Ariel was bringing Katie and Leonard over to greet Betty, she received a WhatsApp message from Janice, saying that she and Chad had arrived. <fn2958> Original content can be found at findnovel</fn2958>


    Ariel looked toward the entrance and spotted Janice hurrying over, dragging Chad along. Even though she disliked seeing Jayson, Janice had no choice but to attend Betty’s birthday party since her parents would be present as well.


    Janice cast a nce at Jayson, who stood not far away. Then she grabbed Ariel’s arm and whispered, There’s no way he’ll ever find a new wife as perfect as you. You’ve always fulfilled your duties to make sure the Larkins never lost face.”


    11


    Unlike Ariel, Jayson had never cared about how it affected her when he appeared in public with Nancy by his side.


    Ariel stayed silent. Today would be thest time she had to endure something like this. After today<b>, </b>their separation would be formally announced.


    “I agree with her,” Chad said, raising his brows at Janice.


    Perhaps sensing they were talking about him, Jayson turned his gaze toward Ariel’s group.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    Janice scoffed, folding her arms. “What’s he looking at? It’s not like I said anything wrong. He even had a huge fight with you not long ago because of the baby.”


    The instant those words left her mouth, Janice regretted them. Ariel had been devastated by the incident as well. Flustered, she scratched her head.


    Chad knew she had blurted it out because she was emotional. He lightly tapped the back of her head.” You should sit at the kids‘ tableter.”


    Though Ariel kept her expressionposed, a sharp pang of sorrow cut through her chest. She felt a dull, throbbing ache in her lower abdomen, as if the scar left there would never fully heal.


    She drew in a deep breath, suppressing her emotions.


    Just then, Betty waved at her. “Ari,e join us for a chat.”


    Janice tagged along, worried about Evelyn, Ariel’s demanding mother–inw, who was also there. She was ready to defend Ariel the moment Evelyn tried to scold or criticize her.


    Ariel still cared about keeping up appearances for the Larkins, but Janice didn’t. Since Ariel and Jayson were separating anyway, why should Ariel continue suffering such treatment? 1


    Ariel made her way toward Betty and the others. Shane and his parents were nowhere to be seen, either because they hadn’t arrived yet or were busy greeting other guests.


    Betty sped Ariel’s hands warmly–only for a voice to cut in abruptly. “Mrs. Larkin Senior, you look so happy and radiant today.”


    At the sound of that voice, Ariel instinctively clenched her fists. She cast a frosty nce at the neer.


    Cecilia had dressed in a demure, elegant outfit that elders would surely approve of. Carrying an expensive gift<b>, </b>she approached Betty with a bright smile.


    She instantly stole the spotlight from Ariel.


    Betty recognized her at once. “Ms. Pryce?”


    Cecilia beamed. “I’m so d you remember me. I came today to wish you a happy birthday. I wish you good health and endless happiness.”