Chapter 11

As Nancy stepped out of Jayson's office, the secretaries in the office approached her with great respect.

"Ms. Stanton, Mr. Larkin is waiting for you in the restaurant. He said the driver will take you there as soon as you're ready."

Another secretary said, "This is the coffee Mr. Larkin prepared for you to enjoy on your way."

Nancy smiled gently, her expression calm and composed as she accepted the attention bestowed upon her.

Confident and poised, she was the perfect picture of grace. To everyone, she was already seen as the future lady of the company.

Ariel was taken aback.

Jayson's office, a place full of confidential files, was essentially his private domain. Yet, he allowed Nancy to treat it like a lounge. How attentive and considerate.

At home, however, even his study had been off-limits to Ariel for the past three years.

Love and indifference were so obvious that no confirmation was needed.

"Ms. Walker, please step aside. You're blocking Ms. Stanton's way," Colton remarked disdainfully, annoyed at Ariel for not being more considerate.

Ariel pressed her lips together. Even though she no longer cared, the blatant difference in how she and Nancy were treated still stung. It reminded her of the three years she had spent unnoticed despite everything she had given.

She lowered her head and stepped aside. Glancing at Colton, she said, "When Jayson is free, could you remind him to sign the div—"

"Jayson?"

It seemed like Nancy, who was walking toward the elevator, only noticed Ariel when she spoke. Her expression was calm as she asked, "Is she also an employee here?"

Ariel frowned. Nancy knew who she was, but it was possible she wasn't aware of her position at Bluum Corp.

Colton stepped forward. "Yes, she's the manager of the PR department."

Nancy's gaze flicked away. "No wonder."

It now made perfect sense why the PR department had been so reluctant to address her reputation crisis. With Ariel as the manager, their inaction was understandable.

Nancy smiled faintly. "The work atmosphere at Bluum Corp seems to be quite relaxed. Employees can just call the boss by his first name."

She didn't even look at Ariel when she said that.

Colton's expression darkened.

Nancy stepped into the elevator, not giving the matter a second thought.

But as the doors closed, Colton turned back to Ariel. "Don't you know the rules, Ms. Walker? Bluum Corp is not some small business. Stop playing games, calling Mr. Larkin by his first name. Do you want the rest of the staff thinking you have some special relationship with him?

"From now on, it's Mr. Larkin. And if you don't want to end up getting fired, I suggest you follow the rules!"

Ariel frowned. She had always been willing to do anything for Jayson.

Was that why when she actually mentioned resigning, neither he nor his circle took it seriously? They all thought she was just trying to get Jayson's attention.

As for Nancy, she hadn't even bothered to acknowledge Ariel, and she certainly didn't fear the exposure of their relationship. Why?

The reason was simple—it was the confidence that came from being loved.

Even if Ariel made a scene, it would only be embarrassing for her. After all, she was the one who had "forced" Jayson into marriage and "broken up" a couple.

That afternoon, Ariel packed her things. She didn't want to wait for Jayson's approval any longer.

She arrived at the Drone Flight Control Invitational before 5:00 pm.

Thanks to Janice's invitation, she was granted easy access to the event.

Luck seemed to be on her side, as she immediately bumped into Chad, who was surrounded by a circle of people.

The moment he saw her, his expression hardened. He acted as if he hadn't seen her, continuing his conversation with the others.

Ariel hesitated, unsure how to approach. In the end, she decided not to disturb him.

She wandered around instead. The event was large, with many notable figures from the industry present.

Chad, as the youngest rising star in innovative technology, was drawing a lot of attention.

Ariel couldn't help but feel happy for him.

After nearly half an hour, Ariel started to feel her stamina waning. She reluctantly sat down to catch her breath.

Just then, a pair of polished shoes appeared in front of her. When she looked up, it was Chad, glaring at her with a frown. "Well, well. Not a housewife anymore, huh? Have you decided to change careers?"