+15 bBONUS /b

    Ariel’s calm response made Cecilia’s lips twitch. In the end, she just smiled. “That’s good to hear. I just didn’t want you thinking I was keeping things from you. Wouldn’t want it to mess with our friendship.” 3

    Ariel gave a faint, gentle smile, betraying nothing.

    Cecilia had a sharp edge, one she released asionally, but having grown up around high–stakes situations, she could keep herposure.

    However, she found herself thinking of things Nancy had once said. Had Nancy twisted some detailsb? /b

    During the dinner, Ariel found out from Gary that their team would be attending a meeting at a confidential facility three dayster. The attendee list was finalized, and Samson was included.

    She still felt that Samson should strengthen his standing at Yeager Group. The higher–ups there were all schemers, and even as Kristen’s son, he wouldn’t get far without real influence. Joining the national research engineering team seemed out of ce for him. After all, it wasn’t the main path for his career.

    Gary and the other officials quietly left first.

    Janice found a dish particrly delicious and excitedly went to have a portion packed to take back for

    Chad to tryb. /b

    By nowb, /bnight had fallen.

    Cecilia, still in high spirits, turned to Ariel and Jayson. “It’s still early. How about a second round? I know a bar with a great vibe. Let’s go together.”

    Samson looked at Ariel as well.

    Jayson spoke first. “Maybe not. We’re visiting Ari’s sick uncleter, so we won’t have time.”

    Ariel knew it was an excuse, but she nodded slightly and added, “Have fun, you two.”

    Cecilia looked disappointed as she nced at Jayson. “Alright, next time then.” 1

    Samson didn’t care what Cecilia thought. Smiling, he turned to Ariel. “See you in three days.”

    Taken on its own, those words carried a certain weight. The enthusiasm behind “looking forward to our next meeting” was obvious. And Samson said that right in front of Jayson.

    Thetter observed Samson calmly without much expression. He didn’t overreact to such signals.

    Since Samson was stating a fact, Ariel gave a slight nod.

    Ignoring Cecilia, Samson walked ahead. Cecilia didn’t linger either.

    Jayson checked the time. It was almost 8:00 pm. “Want to ride with me?”

    Ariel texted Janice without looking up. “No need. We’ve got our car.”

    Jayson stayed put, watching her for a moment.

    His gaze was so intense that Ariel looked up, frowning. “Mr. Larkin, is there something else you want to

    say?”

    “Remember what I told you?” His tone softened slightly. “Of course, I’m not here to interfere with your

    friendships.”

    This was the second time he had said something like this. The first had been regarding Samson’s ”

    reminder“.

    What about this time? Was it about Samson or Cecilia?

    Ariel raised her head. His business was none of hers, but since he spoke, she replied coldly, “I have no habit of befriending your admirer or sitting down with her to chat about you over wine.” 2

    Only then did Jayson slowly raise his brows.

    At that moment, Janice returned with the takeout box.

    Ariel followed her into the car, uninterested in Jayson’s reaction.

    Jayson nced at her retreating back, then got in his own car. Arthur drove steadily, keeping a measured

    distance behind the Range Rover in front.

    Ariel didn’t notice the car behind them.

    Tonight was a social engagement.

    She needed to take her medication half an hour after dinner. The pills Liam had prescribed were always

    in her bag.

    While Janice was driving, she took out her pill case from her bag. She popped a pill–one with minimal

    side effects–into her mouth and swallowed it with water from her thermal sk.

    Janice nced over. “What’s that?”

    Ariel closed the lid and replied casually, “Just my daily vitamin C.”

    Janice held out her palm. “I want some too.”

    Ariel hadn’t even responded when a sudden wave of nausea hit her. She covered her mouth and patted her chest lightlyb. /b5

    Noticing that, Janice mmed on the brakes and turned on the hazard lights.

    Ariel flung open the door and crouched by the roadside, pale and gagging.

    Behind them, Jayson’s car quickly pulled up.