bChapter /bb598 /b

    Samson’s carefree attitude caught Ariel off guard for a moment.

    He didn’t lower his voice when he said that, meaning the people at the table could easily hear him.

    Even Gary couldn’t help but look up. After a moment’s consideration, he finally said, “Samson, you and Ariel seem pretty close.”

    He didn’t know much about these younger folks‘ personal lives, but Samson’s tone did sound intimate.

    Jayson’s eyes stayed on Ariel, calm as ever. He tilted his head slightly and said to Gary, “Yeager Group has business dealings with Faye Tech.”

    Gary blinked, realization dawning.

    Samson nced at Jayson, then chuckled, as if btedly realizing what he had done. “Yeah, Yeager Group and Faye Tech do interact a lot. Being around the same age, we naturally grew closer over time.”

    Ariel didn’t really understand why Samson had called her “Ari“. But given the special asion today, if she chose to sit with Samson, people would naturally wonder why she and Jayson seemed so distant as a

    couple.

    After all, a spot was clearly left open right next to him.

    But she didn’t want to sit with Jayson either. After what happenedst night, she didn’t have the energy

    to put on an act.

    “Wow, the sunset over there makes the clouds look gorgeous! Mr. Pryce, you have such great taste. Come on. Let’s go take a look.” Janice linked her arm with Ariel’s and headed in the direction Samson had

    pointed.

    She knew what Ariel was likely thinking and took the initiative to defuse any questions her choice might

    raise. By showing herself as yful and easygoing, nobody would specte about Ariel.

    In her view, Ariel’s marriage was over, so there was no need to make her feel ufortable next to

    Jayson.

    Ariel didn’t argue. She just went with Janice and sat down. She ended up to Gary’s right.

    After settling Ariel into that seat, Janice ran over to the floor–to–ceiling windows to look outside.

    When Samson came over, the spot to Ariel’s right was empty. He nced at her and pointed to the seat,

    silently asking.

    Ariel couldn’t possibly refuse, so she nodded.

    Elsie also found a ce to sit.

    Jayson, to Gary’s left, remained in that same posture. With one hand resting on the table, he idly caressed the warm teacup. He seemed rxed and entirely unbothered.

    Garyb, /bsandwiched between the couple, wasn’t oblivious. Not one to fuss over formalities, he spoke

    directly to Jayson. “Mr. Larkin, why don’t we switch seats? I’ll feel ufortable sitting here.”

    Ariel was surprised by Gary’s suggestion. Easygoing leaders like him were rare. (1)

    Jayson smiled. “It’s fine. No need to trouble yourself.”

    Gary shook his head with a smile. “I’m old but not blind. I can’t force myself into the middle.”

    Jayson rose. “Well then, thank you, Commander Quinton.”

    And just like that, they swapped seats. Jayson moved to Ariel’s left.

    Suddenly, she found herself sitting between the two men. She was rendered speechless.

    Ariel really couldn’t figure out why she ended up in such an awkward spot.

    Jayson’s eyes drifted over her, but Ariel didn’t return a nce.

    Samson looked at Jayson. “Mr. Larkin, I didn’t get a chance to greet you properly earlier. I hope you don’t

    mind.b” /b

    Jayson offered a faint smile and poured a cup of tea for Ariel. b“/bIt’s nothing.”

    Gary introduced Ariel to two higher–ups from the aerospace agency, Kaiden Roth and Maurice Knight; she would be working frequently with them.

    These were high–profile figures most people wouldn’t even get a chance to meet. Ariel had anticipated some unexpected faces, so she handled it calmly.

    Gary had heard a few things recently, but seeing Ariel’s and Jayson’s demeanor, he still couldn’t quite figure out what was really going on.

    Carlos had said they were getting divorced, but recent events suggested otherwise. There were some twists and surprises, but in the end, it seemed their rtionship was still intact.

    After all, which man would go to such lengths for his ex–wife? 1