Chapter17
Arielclenched her fists and replied calmly,“Noone exactly enjoys stumblinguponsomething likethat,justsoyouknow.”
Shedidn’tfeelthe needtoexplain further.
Jayson fixed an intense gaze on her, his expression unreadable.
“You’rejust making excuses. You would’ve never admitted it if I hadn’t caught you!” Renee stared atherwith anaccusatorygaze. “How annoying. This is a guesthouse, everything’s taken care of. We don’t even need you here, so whydidyoufollow
meup?”
Forthe past three years, she often went to Jayson’s place whenever she wanted to escape Evelyn’s naggingonweekends orduringholidays. Ariel would always look after her like a dutiful mother.
Having gotten used to that dynamic, Renee instinctively thought Ariel was using the excuse of looking after hertodeliberately pick fights with everyone.
“What’s goingon?”Wendy and Lucas also steppedoutone after the other.
He glanced at Ariel, who was left fending for herself, and chuckled. “Why is the mood so tense, Mr. Larkin?”
Although Renee was young, she knew how to read the room. Upon realizing that Lucas was technically Ariel’s brother,she pouted but kept quiet.
However, Ariel could tell that Lucas was giving them a wayoutto move on from this situation.
Nancy didn’t comment but turned to Wendy. “Let’s go grab a bite.”
Wendy,uninterested in the drama, left with Nancy.
Lucas smiled lazily, as if he did not notice how awkward it was for Ariel. “You can handle your family matters first,Mr.Larkin. I’ll go accompany my girlfriend for now.”
He didn’t even mind that Jayson was parading around with his mistress, choosing to stay outof itlike an outsider.
Renee was about to comment more when Jayson cast a brief glance over. Frightened,she immediatelysetoff. 1
Ariel’s gaze remained trained on Lucas‘ back.
“What are you looking at?” Jayson’s indifferent tone snapped her back into reality.She lookedupandmethis emotionless gaze. He said, “Let’s talk.”
“Iwasn’tspying,” Ariel calmly said.
“Okay.Givemeyourphone.”Jayson seemed to believe her.
Arielfrowned.“Whatfor?”
Jaysonbriefly glanced at her before reachingouttotake her phone from herhand.Hetappedonthecamera icon andwentintoherphotogallery.
Ariel’s face fell. Evenhertonewasshakywhen sheaskedinsurprise,“YoususpectedIwassecretlytakingphotosofyou?”
Shecouldn’thelpbutwonderifJaysonwastryingtoinsult her.
He madesuretherewasn’tanythingsuspiciousinthegallerybeforereturningthephonetoAriel. He coldlylookedather andspokeinatonethatleftnoroomforargument.“Youevenhiredpaparazzitotakephotosofus inbedthreeyearsago.Whoknowswhatelseyou’ddo,Mrs.Larkin?”
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Chapter 17
+25BONUS
She knew that Jayson was still bitter about what had happened three years ago. He always believed that she was the one who had shamelessly climbed into his bed while he was drunk, bringing in the paparazzi to expose that incident and pressuring him into marriage.
No matter how Ariel tried to explain, it all felt futile. She had no evidence to convince him otherwise.
“I’m surprised you’re still concerned that your relationship with Nancy would become even more high–profile,” she said after
calming down gradually.
Jayson glanced at her and replied, “She’s different. Her reputation would be tarnished if such photos got leaked.”
It was clear that he was drawing a comparison between Ariel and Nancy. Ariel had hired paparazzi to capturetheirintimate
moments while he would protect Nancy’s reputation.
Jayson had no intention of listening to her explanations. He cast a brief glance at her before turning to leave.
Ariel chuckled bitterly: As she rounded the corner, she saw Lucas leaning against the wall, smoking. She wonderedifhe had
overheard much.
He looked up and asked, “Were you wronged?”
Surprised, Ariel suddenly felt as if the old Lucas was back.
He flicked the ash from his cigarette and casually chatted with herforthe first time since getting outofprison.“I’ve taken over the branch of Wendy’s father’s company. Lately,I’ve been working on a project with Jayson’s company.”
“So?”Ariel suddenly asked calmly.
Lucas watched her closely, finding that she had changed. She had once been soft and meek, but now she was sharp and
assertive.
“Don’tupset him,” he replied nonchalantly. 1