Gary thought it was a shame. Zach had absolutely no chance now.

    “Ariel, Carlos and I have submitted the rmendation letter. We still have to go through the necessary procedures. Another round of political review is required as well.”

    Ariel understood that any government department would be exceptionally strict. The political review was an indispensable part of the process.

    She nodded. “Got it. I’ll submit everything on my end as soon as possible.”

    As Jayson listened to the talk about the political review, he tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. He knew this process was inevitable. If things moved fast, the results mighte as soon as next month.

    The others around them were clearly there for Ariel and Jayson. There was a bit of small talk over tea, mostly about what would happen next.

    By the time the dishes were mostly served, Gary had already had a couple of drinks. He nced at Jayson and said, “Mr. Larkin, you have such an amazing wife. You really need to cherish her. Don’t be half-

    hearted.”

    Gary had always favored Ariel. Back then, he had seen Nancy tagging along with Jayson to various events and knew there had been plenty of gossip. He didn’t want such a good woman to suffer.

    Upon hearing Gary’s words, Ariel paused mid–sip.

    Beside her, Jayson replied calmly, “I understand what you mean, and it’s my fault for not exining. My rtionship with Ms. Stanton is purely professional. There’s nothing beyond the normal interactions between men and women.”

    He understood exactly what Gary was hinting at.

    Ariel was surprised that he didn’t avoid the topic at all. He actually gave a straightforward exnation without any hesitation–there was no inappropriate rtionship between him and Nancy.

    Those were words he had never spoken before. She hadn’t expected to hear that in this setting.

    Gary blinked, realization dawning. “Oh… I see. Guess I overthought it.”

    Jayson shook his head. “I know you’re just looking out for Ari and me. I appreciate that.”

    After saying that, he turned to look at Ariel, his gaze open and straightforward.

    When Ariel met his gaze, she hesitated for a brief moment, then understood that that was just courtesy talk. With his status, he needed to maintain his image in public. There was no need to take his words to heart. 3

    +15 bBONUS /b

    Samson chuckled from the side. “Mr. Larkin, if you put it that way, it does seem like you’ve benefited the

    most. You had the elite returnee Ms. Stanton as your close friend, and now you have the universally

    admired Ms. Walker as your wife.”

    He had deliberately taken a jab at Jayson during Cecilia’s exhibition when she first returned. Now, this

    was another subtle dig, though framed as a joke.

    Ariel ignored their conversation, focusing on a piece of sweet and sour ribs. Her fingers brushed against

    some sauce.

    Jayson showed no sign of anger at Samson’s words. He pulled out a tissue and handed it to Ariel, then gave a faint smile. “It was my mistake in hiring the wrong person before, but Mr. Pryce, you really shouldn’tpare her with my wife.” (13)

    Ariel hadn’t expected him to be so quick. The tissue was in her hand the moment the sauce got on her

    fingers.

    Samson paused at Jayson’s words, then chuckled. “Fair enough. That kind of person doesn’t deserve it.”

    Janice happened to hear what Jayson said and couldn’t help but click her tongue in surprise.

    She texted Ariel under the table.

    Ariel nced at her phone and saw the text. “Jayson is slick. A man like him must be full of schemes.”

    She didn’t reply. She just used the tissue to clean her hand.

    Samson suddenly seemed to remember something. He raised his eyebrows at Jayson, his eyes openly

    challenging.

    “Ariel and I are friends, and we’ll be working together on research soon. Mr. Larkin, you know how demanding it is, especially with the government watching. Since you’re her husband, maybe you could give me a heads–up about what she likes or dislikes. I’ll do my best to keep her in good hands.”

    That loaded hint of rivalry, which only Jayson could sense, radiated off Samson.