Ultimately, the key to resolving the situationy with Jayson. All he had to do was issue a statement denying the rumors. A single sentence from him would be enough to rify everything–he could simply say none of what the article imed was true.

    Ariel pressed her lips together, then shook her head and said matter–of–factly, “I’d understand if he doesn’t want to help me, considering what happened back then. I’ll figure out what to do after I return

    from the charity event.”

    The charity event was being held in Eastgate, so Ariel drove herself there.

    Despite the rumors swirling around her, she knew staying out of sight would do more harm than good. After parking her car, Ariel encountered a few familiar faces near the entrance. Most people treated her

    the same as always, with some even greeting her politely.

    After all, the scandal hadn’t been verified, and Ariel had gained significant attention recently for her

    achievements.

    “Ms. Walker, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is Mr. Larkin not attending tonight’s event with you?” A senior executive from a materials productionpany

    approached her with a broad smile.

    Ariel responded calmly, “He’s busy with work. We hope you understand.”

    The man merely grinned and let the matter drop.

    As she entered the hall, Ariel could hear hushed whispers around her.

    “They’re not even trying to hide how bad their rtionship is. Maybe the rumors aren’t entirely false. I thought people in the research sector were supposed to be honest and conscientious… Guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

    Ariel paused briefly but ignored thements and kept walking. She soon spotted Cecilia heading her

    wayb. /b

    “Arielb? /bYou’re here!” Cecilia beamed and waved before walking over to cling to Ariel’s arm. “Are byou /b

    alright?”

    She had a concerned look on her face. “I heard the rumors. Some of thements were so harsh. Has it

    caused you a lot of trouble?”

    She studied Ariel’s face carefully. “You should be receiving praise and admiration right now, yet you’ve been dragged into a scandal instead. That article isn’t true, is it?”

    Even after Nancy had been arrested, new rumors about Ariel and Jayson continued to circte. Some people felt quite bad for the couple. Still, a majority of people were also left curious about the true state of

    their rtionship.

    Ariel nced at Cecilia’s hand on her arm, her expression calm. “I suppose that depends on what people

    choose to believe.”

    That was all she said.

    Cecilia looked startled. She examined Ariel closely. “You’re joking about this? This could have serious consequences. If the authorities investigate and you don’t have a proper exnation… What will you do?” (2

    She let out a sharp hiss, her toneced with irritation. “And why hasn’t Mr. Larkin said anything? He hasn’t even tried to defend you. It’s really cold of him to just ignore your crisis.”

    Half a day had passed since the article was published online. Yet, Jayson made no move toment or

    rify.

    Gently pulling her hand away from Cecilia, Ariel turned and took a ss of fruit juice from the table. “bYou /b

    seem angrier than I am, Ms. Pryce.”

    She gave Cecilia a faint smile.

    Cecilia crossed her arms and shrugged. “I just can’t help feeling bad for you. Honestly, Mr. Larkin’s behavior is disappointing. He probably showed Nancy more care and concern than he’s shown you…” (1)

    She trailed off as if she’d said too much. “I’m sorry. I can be a little blunt sometimes. I hope you don’t

    mind.”

    But deep down, Cecilia believed Jayson’s silence was a tacit acknowledgment of the article’s ims. A man like him wasn’t known for forgiving those who had wronged him.

    Ariel’s lips curved slightly. “Of course not.”

    Just then, someone whispered something in Cecilia’s ear. She frowned slightly, pulled out her phone, and began checking it.

    From a distance, a slightly surprised voice suddenly called, b“/bMr. Larkin?b” /b

    Ariel froze momentarily and turned her head toward the sound.

    Even Cecilia looked startled, though she quickly spotted Jayson.

    Ariel watched as Jayson entered through the door. His gaze found her almost instantly. He acknowledged those around him with a polite nod, then strode toward her.

    Some people followed behind him.

    Eventuallyb, /bJayson stopped before Ariel.

    Ariel looked confused, surprised to see him there.

    Cecilia quickly put away her phone and smiled. “Mr. Larkin, we weren’t told you’d be attending tonight’s

    event.”

    Jayson’s gaze met Ariel’s, but she quickly looked away and noticed the wedding ring on his ring finger, which he hadn’t worn for a long time. 1

    A flicker of confusion crossed her face.

    Then, in a voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, Jayson said evenly, “I’m here to apany my

    wife.” 2