Evelyn was caught off guard.She stayed silent for a moment, trying to unpack the meaning behind Ariel's words.She knew Ariel's personality well—always good-tempered and considerate. If something was within Ariel's ability, she rarely said no to any of Evelyn's requests.So now, Ariel's sudden assertiveness made Evelyn instinctively wonder if she already had something else planned.After some hesitation, Evelyn asked, "What's going on? Why didn't you make them? You know perfectly well those ladies love your desserts. Didn't I tell you to remember this and prepare extras as gifts every year?"Those ladies in Evelyn's social circle would always exchange little holiday gifts. Their gatherings were about more than just tea; they were how power and relationships were maintained.And Ariel's baking had earned their approval.For the past few years, Evelyn had her make more than enough to be boxed up and gifted to each household.They were just small desserts—troublesome, yes—but was
From beginning to end, Perry had viewed Ariel through biased eyes.Now, as he looked at her, she looked so calm without any emotional fluctuation. Her gaze no longer held the old politeness or tolerance she once showed them. Instead, it was sharp and distant.Ariel had changed."Yeah, I came with my grandma," Ariel answered simply, refusing to explain anything more to Perry.Perry was slightly surprised but understood she didn't want to talk, and he knew why she was acting this way.Just then, the elevator reached Ariel's floor. She gave Perry a faint nod before leaving.Perry watched her walk until she disappeared around the corner. The elevator doors closed again.After a while, he rubbed his forehead and let out a small, wry smile.He felt like a freak. Even though Ariel barely acknowledged him, he found himself wanting to talk to her more. He just felt like he had never truly known the real Ariel.…Back in Katie and Leonard's suite, resort staff had already sent a delica
The resort was quite full for the holiday season. Most of the guests were wealthy or influential, and the service was top-tier, on par with a five-star experience.As soon as Ariel and her family arrived, resort staff stepped forward to help with their luggage.Katie had spent most holidays in hospitals with Leonard over the years. This year, the whole family was finally together. She smiled happily."The air here is so fresh. It's really lovely. Spending the holiday with so many people like this is a whole new experience for me."Ariel pushed Leonard's wheelchair and responded with a gentle smile, "As long as you like it. By the way, your suite with Uncle Leo is right next to my room.""A suite has a bunch of rooms, though. Why not just stay together?" Leonard asked.Ariel smiled lightly. "I might have an online meeting with Chad later. I didn't want to bother you two, so I booked separate rooms."She casually moved on from the subject.Her bag was packed with bottles of targe
Nancy didn't want Ariel's scent or any trace of her left on Jayson, his things, or in his personal space.Jayson didn't refuse.He glanced up through the rearview mirror and saw the slender figure who had just reached the bus stop.Ariel's body wobbled slightly—maybe low blood sugar—and she had to steady herself by leaning against the nearby billboard.She looked unwell.Jayson's eyes stayed cold and indifferent, but he said, "Stop."Nancy and Renee both turned to look.Renee was the first to notice Ariel's condition. Guessing what Jayson was thinking, she grumbled, "Jay, don't get tricked. She's just upset about being kicked out of the car and putting on an act. Don't pay attention. If you do, you're falling right into her trap."She hurriedly urged Jayson to leave.Nancy glanced back and smirked.Ariel's tricks just kept piling up. She couldn't achieve anything and kept desperately throwing herself at a man who didn't love her. It was honestly pretty pathetic.Jayson looke
Jayson picked up the call. His deep voice was unreadable. "What's up?"The car was cramped. Ariel couldn't help but hear Renee's coy tone from the other end. "Jay, you've left your house, right? Come pick me up."Jayson was never one to indulge Renee's demands. Usually, he was pretty blunt with her. He asked coldly, "Am I your driver?"Renee shrank back a little, pouting. "It's just on the way. Grandma said you'd have to go this way anyway, so why not give me a ride?"Jayson didn't bother arguing. "Wait there."He gave Toby an address, then glanced at Ariel. "I'm picking her up. Are you okay with that?"Ariel nodded. "It's fine. Just drop me off somewhere along the way."She hadn't really planned on riding with him anyway."It's on the way to Faye Tech. I'll drop you off afterward," Jayson said, checking his watch. His voice was low and emotionless.Ariel didn't say anything else.After Toby pulled up to Renee's spot, Ariel spotted Renee waiting by the curb. Next to her was N
The only issue was that her appetite had been poor lately. Any strong taste easily triggered nausea.But faced with Betty's concerned look, Ariel forced herself to hold back the wave of queasiness."Jayson, get Ari something sweet to wash down the bitterness," Betty instructed right away.That finally drew Jayson's attention. He didn't refuse, but instead of grabbing something himself, he turned to Georgia and said, "There's a jar of dried cranberries in the kitchen fridge. Bring it here."Georgia quickly returned with it and set it on the table.Ariel's eyes fell on the dried cranberries.She had a preference for sweet and tart flavors. While she rarely snacked, she would occasionally buy dried fruits and stash them in the small fridge in the kitchen.She hadn't expected Jayson to know about that.Not that it mattered anymore.After a moment's hesitation, she took a seat at the table.Seeing their interaction, Betty finally smiled with relief. At least they weren't fighting.