Ariel was momentarily speechless and rubbed her temple. She knew she had no real leverage here, so she said, “If you’re busy, just forget it.

    After all, the SX alloy deal was a long–term y. She couldn’t finalize anything overnight.

    If Jayson didn’t want to talk, she couldn’t exactly force him.

    Just as she was about to hang up, he said, “Bluum Corp. I’ll be waiting.”

    Jayson seemed to anticipate her move. After saying that casually, he ended the call before she could.

    With that confirmation, Ariel didn’t bother revisiting their previous conversation. She turned her car toward Bluum Corp.

    It had been a long time since she hadst been there. Walking into the building now, she noticed more than a few eyes following her, almost like the crowd moved with her.

    The front desk greeted her with utmost respect. “Mrs. Larkin, please use Mr. Larkin’s private elevator.”

    Ariel remained rtivelyposed. She nodded in thanks and stepped into the elevator.

    With her status now clear, the friendliness around her was more noticeable than ever.

    She arrived on the CEO’s floor.

    As she passed the secretarial department, the busy secretaries caught sight of her. Their expressions shifted one after another, betraying a mix of emotions.

    Ariel had once been Bluum Corp’s PR manager. Back then, she and Jayson barely interacted. Few could have imagined that such a low–profile figure was actually Jayson’s wife.

    Now, everyone instinctively went over their past interactions in their minds, wondering if they had ever

    offended her.

    Ariel didn’t care what they were thinking. She headed straight to Jayson’s office instead.

    Arthur and Colton weren’t around, so she knocked and let herself in.

    As she pushed the door open, Jayson happened to look up from behind his desk. He removed the frameless reading sses from his nose and asked, “Have you eaten yet? Want to eat together?”

    “No, thanks. I’m here to discuss work.” Ariel moved to the couch and sat, keeping things strictly

    professional.

    Jayson studied her expression, then rose and sat at an angle beside her. “I’m listening.”

    b“/bYou know why I’m here.” Ariel finally understood. That night at dinner, he had heard them talking about

    SX alloy but said nothing. Was he waiting for the right offer?

    Jayson’s gaze flicked to her. “They sent you here to y the rtionship card?”

    “Do we have anything between us?” Ariel quipped, then quickly shifted the topic. “Mr. Larkin, feel free to

    state any requests or conditions you have.”

    Jayson said nothing. It was unclear what he was thinking about. 3

    Ariel didn’t rush. She waited quietly.

    Finally, he replied coolly, “I do have a condition.”

    “About the price? Or the contract length? How do you n to structure it?” she asked.

    After all, once this deal went through, it wouldn’t be a small sum. It would be used continuously over the next ten years, often running into tens of billions. That wasn’t trivial.

    b“/bYou have to stay at home for two months.” 5

    The office went silent.

    Ariel thought she must have misheard. Her brows knitted together. “What?”

    Jayson’s eyes remained steady as he repeated himself, “You have to stay at home for two months.” 7

    Ariel couldn’t believe it. Was he serious? They were talking about a deal worth ten billion dors, critical to national research. Every step required meticulous coordination. And his main point was for her to go.

    home?

    “What is that supposed to mean?”

    “It’s the condition.”

    “Have you been listening? The priority here is whether yourpany in Ulyndor wants to work with Croinia. Such a partnership could risk sanctions from Merinia, potentially limiting the market and causing losses-” (19

    “That is my concern. If you agree, I’ll meet the higher–ups tomorrow.” Jayson’s tone stayed calm throughout, as if they were discussing anything but a deal that could drive countless people wild. (5)