Evelyn also instructed a staff member to prepare the lounge.


    After that, the group headed over. Most of them were still confused about what they had just heard and needed rification.


    Upon noticing what was happening, Janice hurriedly wiped her tears and pulled free from Chad’s grip. “I’m going too.”


    The Larkins were clearly going to me and judge Ariel for everything.


    This time, Chad didn’t try to stop her.


    Since Ariel and Jayson had decided to end their rtionship, there was no longer any need for Chad and Janice to be courteous or sensitive about the matter.


    Ariel didn’t have much backing to begin with. Chad and Janice were the only ones left who could stand by her.


    Jayson held Ariel’s wrist silently. She could feel how cold his fingers were.


    Just as Ariel’s group was leaving the hall, Matt and the others noticed their movements. They watched from a distance, confused.


    Before Matt could think further, Lucas arrived at the hall. He had stopped by because he knew Ariel would be here today. Spotting Matt, Lucas went up to greet him. “Mr. Crosby, aren’t Mr. Larkin and Ariel here yet?”


    Matt nced at him, then pointed toward a corridor. “They just went that way. Looks like they’re tied up with something.”


    Lucas followed his line of sight.


    He hadn’t told Wendy he would be here today. He figured he should settle matters one at a time and have a proper conversation with Ariel first.


    Meanwhile, inside the lounge, everyone turned their eyes toward Ariel. Several voices rang out at once.


    “Ari, what’s wrong with your health?”


    “You should exin about the abortion now, right?” Evelyn pressed.


    “Ari, I’m not trying to me you. I just hope you’ll tell us what really happened,” Betty said. She had calmed down, but she was still deeply concerned since it involved the continuation of the Larkin family’s lineage.


    Jayson, however, had a different reaction. His temples throbbed as he finally lifted his head. “I hope all of you can be mindful of your tone. She’s not a tool whose only purpose is to produce an heir, nor does she have to exin herself about this.


    “If you’re only here to me and criticize her, then <b>it’s </b><b>best </b>you stop asking questions.” <fn8ab4> Find the newest release on find{n}ovel</fn8ab4>


    Ariel’s heart skipped a beat at his words. Even Janice was stunned. She had thought Jayson would at least let


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    Evelyn and Betty reproach Ariel, since he too must have been upset about losing their child. She never expected to hear these words from him instead.


    Though Jayson hadn’t mentioned names, Evelyn knew very well he was speaking to her.


    Her expression darkened, but there wasn’t much she could do. Jayson had always been blunt and straightforward.


    Ariel realized Jayson was giving her the chance not to speak. She wasn’t obligated to answer. But whether it was the physical pain or the mental burden, she had carried it alone for too long. It was impossible to keep the truth hidden forever.


    Ariel drew in a deep breath.


    Jayson’s gaze lingered on her. He could feel the tension in her clenched fist, yet her back remained straight. She looked like someone who had endured countless hardships but still refused to bow.


    Her eyes, slightly reddened, held a calm determination. Jayson subconsciously held his breath, a heavy sense of foreboding settling over him.


    He stared at Ariel–at once fragile like a child and yet stubbornly strong–as she looked at Katie and Leonard.


    “I… have cancer. And I’ve known about it for quite some time.”


    The room fell into a suffocating silence.


    Jayson felt as if a heavy blow had struck his head. His expression froze, his face drained of color. It was as though thousands of needles pierced his body all at once, the pain sharp and unbearable.


    His ears rang. His heart felt like it might stop beating altogether. For a fleeting moment, Jayson desperately wished he had heard her wrong.