bChapter /bb587 /b

    Jayson had attended this public event with the intention of making some rifications.

    He lowered his gaze and nced at Ariel. “Since we’re already here… aside from your personal donation, why don’t we make a joint one?”

    Ariel met his gaze, her expression betraying nothing. “You can do as you see fit.”

    “Alright.” Jayson lifted his gaze and looked at the charity event’s organizer standing nearby. His voice was calm andposed as he addressed the audience.

    “This is probably our first time attending an event as a married couple. There have been some negative opinions and spection about my wife on certain online tforms. She isn’t the type to be bothered by

    gossip, but I know those rumors have affected her.

    “Tonight, I’m donating 99 million dors under both our names. I hope it brings as much good energy to

    our marriage as it does to this cause.”

    Ariel blinked in surprise, startled by the staggering amount. She looked at Jayson in disbelief.

    Cecilia’s brows knitted as she stared at Jayson’s impassive face, a storm of mixed emotions shing

    through her eyes.

    The guests were stunned.

    With their sharp instincts, most of them quickly understood Jayson’s intentions.

    If anyone else had faced such nder, they might haveshed out in anger or sought revenge. But Jayson’s method was far more strategic. Not only did his announcement serve as a warning to those gossiping about Ariel, it also made their closeness undeniable. From now on, few would dare speak ill of

    her.

    Cecilia could isee /iexactly what he was doing.

    If Jayson had wanted to, he could have silenced every mention of the article entirely. He had the means to wipe the web of any trace iof /iit. But he chose not to. Instead, he took a route that best protected Ariel’s

    reputation.

    iYet/ii, /iCecilia couldn’t understand it. The article’s ims about that past incident were true. Why was

    Jayson defending Ariel now?

    “You’re very generous, Mr. Larkin…” Cecilia said atstb, /bsnapping out of her daze. She smiled, but her eyes

    held no warmth.

    Jayson nced at her. “The best way to fight against cheap, dirty tricks is to expose them for what they

    are.”

    +15 bBONUS /b

    Cecilia smiled slightlyb. /b“You’re right. That’s very wise of you, Mr. Larkin.”

    Her attention shifted to Ariel, who had remained utterlyposed throughout the exchange. Cecilia smiled sweetly. “Ariel, you must be very happy, being married to a man like him.”

    Ariel’s expression didn’t change. Her tone was steady, though there was a hint of irony in her words. b“/bbYou /b

    shouldn’t lower your standards too much when choosing a partner, Ms. Pryce.”

    Moments ago, Cecilia had criticized Jayson for favoring Nancy over Ariel. Now she was implying Ariel

    should be happy with her marriage. The contradiction in her words was ring.

    Cecilia’s gaze flicked to Jayson before she chuckled lightly. “You’re right. I was just touched, that’s all.

    Few men would go as far as Mr. Larkin has.”

    The charity’s organizer was delighted. Jayson and Ariel had just made thergest donation of the evening.

    Typically, guests donated a few million dors–enough to maintain a positive image for theirpanies

    or brands. But Jayson’s 99 million was a shock even to top enterprises.

    Almost instantly, rumors that Ariel had forced Jayson into marriage or that their rtionship was

    stormy were silenced.

    Jayson’s move was clever. He didn’t need to waste manpower or resources to shut down the gossip directly. And in doing so, he also gained favor by supporting a good cause.

    Just then, Ariel’s phone chimed with a notification.

    She nced at the screen and saw a message from Janice containing a link.

    “What’s this? Bluum Corp has just issued a statement! Jayson said that he…”

    Ariel frowned and clicked the link to find out what it was.