Even Jayson had fallen silent for a moment.

    He tapped his finger lightly on the steering wheel before turning his head to study Ariel’s expression. There was no trace of emotion on her face when she spoke those words.

    “Are you venting your resentment at me,” Jayson asked, “or just teasing me?”

    Ariel couldn’t understand why he was asking that. She leaned against the car window, her tone calm and steady. “I’m simply stating the truth.”

    Once again, Jayson was left speechless by her response.

    The car fell into another stretch of silence. When he made a turn, Jayson finally said, “Do you feel nothing

    at all when talking about those things?”

    “People who weren’t directly involved often express disdain or scorn when discussing such matters.” Ariel’s voice was icy. “What kind of emotion do you expect me to feel?”

    An ufortable quiet settled over them once more.

    Then, from Jayson’s chest came a sound so soft it was barely audible. It almost sounded like a chuckle.

    b“/bYou’ve got a sharp tongue,” Jayson said suddenly. “That’s good. It means you won’t let anyone take

    advantage of you.”

    Jayson was suddenly praising her. Ariel couldn’t fathom his thoughts. She turned back to the window, quietly admiring the night view.

    As far as she was concerned, she hadn’t said anything wrong.

    Jayson was entitled to his own views. He had never felt ashamed of what he’d done in the past, and a few remarks from her now certainly wouldn’t change that.

    Soon, they arrived at Crescent Point. The yard lights were on.

    From a distance, they could see people moving around. When Jayson drove into the yard, they realized several workers were busy with different tasks.

    Jayson stepped out of the car, walked over, and opened the door for Ariel. “Grandma brought some men over to fix and install a few things,” he exined.

    Ariel offered noment. This was Jayson’s house, and it was up to the Larkins to decide what they

    wanted done with it.

    As soon as they stepped inside, Betty came toward them from the living room. She looked a little displeased, but she still sped Ariel’s hands warmly and tried tofort her.

    +15 bBONUS /b

    “These days, the onlinemunity is full of negativity. People vent their frustrations by attacking others. Jayson will deal with those spitefulments. You shouldn’t let them get to byou/b.”

    Ariel could tell Betty was truly worried about her. She took Betty’s hands in hers. b“/bbI /bknow. I bdon’t /bbeven /bhave the energy bto /bcare about thements and opinions of those who don’t even matter bto /bme. It bwon’t /b

    bother me.”

    Ariel was often preupied with work. Public opinion didn’t matter much to her, but she wanted bto /bsilence the rumors before they damaged her career and reputation.

    Still, Betty was unsettled. What had happened in the past wasn’t something they could openly discuss, and she feared mentioning it would only cause more friction between Ariel and Jayson.

    However, she had seen thetest statement from Bluum Corp’s official social media ount and was overjoyed. Betty had never imagined she would live to see Jayson and Ariel publicly acknowledging their rtionship.

    She believed their feelings for each other would only deepen over time, and that brought herfort.

    Since neither Jayson nor Ariel seemed upset about the resurfaced rumors, Betty decided to drop the topic. Holding Ariel’s hand, she said, “I heard what happened to Nancy Stanton. She’ll pay for her actions in prison. It’s about time we were rid of that troublesome woman.”

    Betty felt deeply satisfied by Nancy’s downfall. Nancy’s misdeeds and poor choices had led her here–she

    had no one to me but herself.

    Ariel only smiled faintly. She didn’t tell Betty about her recent brush with death, and it was clear Jayson hadn’t mentioned it either. Betty’s heart wasn’t as strong as it used to be, and Ariel didn’t want to frighten her.

    “I brought some iof /iour maids from Larkin Manor here to cook some tasty dishes for you. I checked your fridge, and it was empty. You two are probably so busy that you don’t even have the time to cook most days. I’m going ito /imake sure you get all the nourishment you need today.b” /b

    Betty patted the back of Ariel’s hand and gestured toward the kitchen. “If there’s anything in particr byou’d /blikei, /ijust let them know.”

    She hadpletely ignored her grandson, who was standing behind her.

    bJayson /bsimply let Betty be. He slowly stepped away and poured himself a ss of water.

    bIt /bwas Ariel’s first time entering the kitchen since the renovations. Not much had changed.

    To her surprise, the light yellow refrigerator was still in its old spot, just as she remembered.

    She used to drink herbal soups regrly and would buy lots of dried fruits bto /bpair with them, balways /bstoring them in that cheerful yellow fridge.