Chapter b577 /b

    Nancy was a smart woman. Once love no longer clouded her judgment, everything became clear.

    Jayson had never simply wanted to see the Stantons fall. He had used her, pushing her deeper into ruin while paving the way for Ariel.

    Every scheme, every uproar she caused became a stepping stone that elevated Ariel’s name to global recognition. She was nothing more than a pawn.

    Had she not walked straight into each of Jayson’s traps, Ariel would never have risen so quickly. Without Nancy’s scandals drawing attention, Ariel might have remained an unknown researcher, quietly dedicating herself to her work.

    If not for his greater ns, Jayson could have eliminated Nancy long ago. Instead, he chose a path where Ariel would repeatedly triumph over her, gaining revenge while also reaping benefits.

    Even if Nancy had stayed abroad, Jayson had countless ways to make her suffer. But none would have been as effective as what he orchestrated now.

    Nancy and Sarah’s reputations were in ruins. Nancy had lost every chance of marrying into a wealthy family. Any hope of redemption was gone.

    Jayson had never cared for her. His time by her side had been nothing but a means to an end. He held everyone in the palm of his hand while quietly clearing obstacles for Ariel–guiding her dreams, giving her opportunities, ensuring her sess.

    A chill ran through Nancy. She sensed that what she had pieced together was only the tip of the iceberg. Jayson’s true motives were still beyond her grasp.

    She no longer even had the strength to hate him.

    Jayson didn’t spare her a nce.

    After speaking briefly with an officer from the federal investigative agency, he got into the car.

    Nancy watched as he left without hesitation. Her legs gave out, and she copsed onto the ground, defeated. In the end, no one could tell if the emotions in her eyes were resentment, sorrow, or something

    far moreplex.

    As more people arrived, Ariel realized Jayson had never intended to let Nancy escape. She also spotted Sarah being shoved into one of the cars. That vicious, calcting woman–who had sought revenge even when cornered–was finally being held ountable.

    The memory of what had just happened left Ariel shaken. If Jayson hadn’t shown up, she might have

    died.

    And as she thought carefully about the string of incidents, she began to see the truth–she had been receiving the benefits all along.

    Outside, chaos filled the air. But when Jayson closed the car door, the noise was shut out.

    Now it was just the two of them, enclosed in silence, unable to ignore each other’s presence. Ariel’s earlier thoughts lingered in her mind. She frowned, studying Jayson’s face with uncertainty.

    He nced at her but said nothing. Starting the engine, he rested one hand on the steering wheel. “bI’ll /bdrive you home.”

    Ariel sat quietly in her lounge wear. Looking at her now, no one would believe she had narrowly escaped

    death an hour ago.

    She lowered her gaze to her slippers. When Jayson had carried her into the car earlier, they had slipped off. He picked them up and slipped them back onto her feet without hesitation.

    He used to do small, thoughtful things like this when they had just married. But now, it felt strangely

    unfamiliar.

    Ariel turned her head away, listening to the faint wail of sirens outside. For the first time, she realized what Jayson looked like when he was truly angry.

    Or perhaps it wasn’t anger at all. Perhaps this was his true self–the cold, ruthless side she had never

    seen.

    All those years, even during their divorce proceedings or in one of their fights, he had never once spoken harshly to her.

    Momentster, as a police car drove past, Ariel broke the silence. Calmly, almost matter–of–factly, she

    said, “Thank you.”