Chapter <b>702 </b>


    Janice scrunched up her face the instant she saw Cecilia. She whispered to Ariel, “She’s acting as <b>if </b>she’s Mrs. Larkin Senior’s granddaughter–inw instead. What’s she doinging over to the table reserved for the Larkins<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Ariel pressed her lips into a thin line. She still hadn’t found anything concrete about what had happened to her at the hospital.


    Naturally, it was impossible for Ariel to treat Cecilia the same way she treated others.


    Katie could tell at first nce that Cecilia wasn’t as friendly or harmless as she appeared.


    Jayson looked at Cecilia expressionlessly. He didn’t make any effort to greet or wee her.


    Betty nodded. “Thank you for your kind words.”


    She motioned for a staff member to take the gift from Cecilia, but she didn’t continue the conversation. Instead, she had Ariel sit down beside her and gently patted the back of her hand. Then she turned to


    Katie.


    “I’m so d I get to see all these lovely faces today. To tell you the truth, it doesn’t matter to me anymore how much longer I have left in this life. My biggest wish is for Ari and Jayson to support each other and


    live a happy life together. And also…”


    Betty’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. “It would be wonderful if they could give me a great–grandchild this


    year. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a new member join our family?”


    Cecilia sensed the lukewarm response from Betty. She wasn’t anxious or flustered about it. With a polite smile on her face, she stood quietly to the side.


    Katie didn’tment on Betty’s words. It was pointless, especially now that Ariel had already divorced


    Jayson.


    Evelyn stayed silent as well. With Betty present, it wasn’t her ce to say anything.


    Suddenly, Cecilia eximed, “A new member in the family? Didn’t Ms. Walker just have an abortion to remove the child she had with Mr. Larkin? Did none of you know about that?”


    Cecilia didn’t bother lowering her voice. Guests nearby immediately turned their heads toward her.


    Jayson’s eyes went icy. Without hesitation, he gave his next instruction. “Call security. Have her escorted


    out.”


    Meanwhile, Ariel fixed Cecilia with an intense gaze. In that moment, she became certain Cecilia had yed a role in the incident that led to the abortion.


    Betty’s face twisted in shock. “What do you mean by that?”


    Evelyn shot to her feet. “What on earth happened<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Katie and Leonard widened their eyes in disbelief.


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Before the security guards arrived, Cecilia tilted her head at Jayson, who was clearly agitated. She turned to the crowd and replied in a feigned tone of surprise. “None of you knew? <b>It </b>seems Ms. Walker didn’t want to keep the child she conceived with Mr. Larkin. The Larkins were finally going to have a new member join the family after so long, yet Ms. Walker secretly terminated the pregnancy without telling


    anyone?”


    Betty’s breathing grew rapid and uneven from the shock.


    The guests whispered among themselves, stunned by Cecilia’s words.


    Evelyn’s expression hardened. She scowled at Ariel, her voice sharp with fury. “What have you done? That was Jayson’s child! Do you think you can handle the consequences if Betty suffers an attack because of your reckless decision? It’s her birthday today!”


    She twisted the situation, making it sound as though Ariel was the one who had ruined the joyous asion with her actions.


    “Mom, why are you believing the words of a stranger?” Jayson stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Ariel. Despite the frigid look on his face, it was clear he intended to defend her. <fnca19> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find?novel</fnca19>


    Betty clutched her chest. “Ari, please tell me it’s not true.”


    Ariel’s jaw ached from how tightly she was clenching it. She knew Betty needed an answer, but how could she bring herself to speak?


    Janice could see they were all intent on branding Ariel a sinner and pinning the me on her. Her eyes turned red as she rushed forward and mmed her hand on the table.


    “None of you have the right to me her! Do you think she wanted something like this to happen? She’s sick! It’s an illness that could cost her life!” 2