If Ariel attended the wedding, Lucas might finally realize they weren’t meant for each other.

“Who do you think you are, ordering me around while acting all high and mighty?” Ariel asked, her voice

calm and indifferent.

Wendy’s expression darkened.

Ariel glanced at Wendy’s obvious baby bump. “Ms. Johnstone, no one can take from you what’s rightfully yours. And just because you want something doesn’t mean everyone else wants it too.”

Wendy had claimed she and Lucas had known each other for years, but blaming Ariel for how things

turned out was unreasonable.

“You said I was a hindrance. I’m curious–when did you two start seeing each other? Lucas was single

before he went to prison.”

Wendy’s expression tightened at Ariel’s remark; a flash of unease passed her eyes. She had visited Lucas and confirmed their relationship a month after his sentence. Wendy had vowed to wait for him, and he had promised not to let her down.

“What are you doing here?” Lucas demanded, clutching his stomach as he stepped up behind Wendy. His

face was cold.

His gaze locked on Ariel, scanning her from head to toe as if to see whether she was ill or injured.

Wendy snapped back to herself and clung to Lucas‘ arm.

Ariel glanced at Lucas‘ pale face, then took Janice’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Janice thought about how unlucky they were to run into the couple and started to walk away.

“Ariel, you’ll be coming to my wedding, right?” Lucas called, staring hard at Ariel’s retreating back, fists

clenched.

Ariel looked over her shoulder. “I’ll send my best wishes, Mr. Sanderson.”

There was no warmth, no hesitation–only distance. Lucas felt as though he might explode. They had always cared for one another growing up. How had it ended like this? He couldn’t understand how Ariel could treat him like a stranger when he believed she was the one at fault.

“Lucas? We should go see the doctor now.” Wendy’s voice was tight as she gripped his arm.

Lucas had been drinking heavily lately; he hadn’t hidden the reason either. Wendy suspected it was because of Ariel, but she kept that thought to herself–she wouldn’t appear weak.

Lucas slowly gathered himself. The tempest in his eyes subsided. He straightened and said quietly,”

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Chapter 643

+15 BONUS

Wendy, we should reconsider getting married.”

He couldn’t keep pretending.

His expectations for Ariel’s reaction were completely wrong, and he lost all patience for the plan.

Wendy’s face hardened. She forced a smile. “Stop joking, Lucas. I waited for you for three years. Look how far along I am. Take back what you just said.”

Lucas felt raw frustration. All he could picture was Ariel’s cold, distant expression. He couldn’t accept

that she might not want him.

“I never asked for this child,” he said. “You were the one who said you wanted a child even if we didn’t

marry. You can’t use it as an excuse to force me.

“When I took over Jadeon Technologies, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy–hundreds of millions in debt. Your father wanted to test me by handing the company over. I’ve revived it; I’ve proved myself.”

Wendy’s face was drained of color. Her eyes bore into Lucas.

“You want to call off the wedding now after we’ve already sent the invitations? Lucas Sanderson, areyou

planning to go back to Ariel? Do you think she’s some innocent woman? Nancy’s life is ruined because of

her. Don’t you see how wicked she is?” Wendy spat.

Lucas frowned, still feeling unwell from the hangover. “I don’t need your opinion on who she is. I think

we’re done here.”

He turned to leave.

Exasperated, Wendy shouted after him. “Lucas! If you go back to her, I won’t let Ariel off. I’ll drag her

down with me!”

Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed Wendy’s lower abdomen. She stiffened. “Lucas…”

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