Chapter 607.

    bChapter /b607

    +15 bBONUS /b

    Ariel couldn’t understand Jayson’s reasoning, but she pressed her lips together. “Sorry, that’s a different matter. And besides, that’s not my home.”

    They had been living apart for so long. What was the point of asking her to go backb? /b

    Her answer didn’t surprise him. If anything, he took it calmly. “Alright, then I’lle to your ce.”

    Ariel’s gaze turned cold. What was wrong with him?

    Jayson lowered his eyes, his thumb brushing the wedding ring on his finger. “Grandma came by yesterday. She noticed there’s no sign of you living with me anymore. I didn’t know how to exin it.”

    The movement drew Ariel’s attention to his hand. The ring was still there. It seemed like he had no ns to take it off.

    But that wasn’t the point. She looked at him steadily, her expression unchanged. “Mr. Larkin, I’m here to talk business. Whether it’s your ce or mine, my answer is the same. No.”

    When she drew the line, she wouldn’t budge. Jayson knew this well.

    He didn’t press. He never liked forcing her anyway. “Fine.”

    “And the deal?”

    b“/bI’ll negotiate with them.”

    That went smoother than she expected. Ariel thought it was odd. She had been ready for Jayson to give

    her a hard time.

    “Just like that?” A little spark of excitement broke through inside her.

    His lips tilted in a smirk. “Well, do you want to start from the top again?”

    Absolutely not.

    Ariel rose to her feet without hesitation.

    “Thank you. I won’t disturb you any longerb. /bNo need to walk me out.” She didn’t linger a second longer. With Jayson’s unexpected agreement in hand, she left right away without a flicker of hesitation.

    Of course, Jayson noticed.

    He stood at the doorway for a long moment, then lowered his gaze to the ring on his finger before pulling out his phone and calling Arthur.

    With Jayson set to meet with the higher–ups himself, Ariel no longer had to worry. Even so, she was still reeling at how quietly he had pulled off something that big

    But since it was something that could push Croínia forward, she couldn’t help but feel pleased, it also meant her own research projects would run more smoothly.

    In a good mood, she even felt like cooking, On her way home that evening, she picked up fresh fruit and vegetables.

    When she got upstairs, she noticed signs that someone had moved in across the hall. There were new scuff marks by the door, along with some unopened boxes.

    The upscale apartment she lived in wasn’t small. The building had two units per floor. For as long as she had been here, the one across from her had always been empty, (2)

    She gave it only a nce before unlocking her own door.

    The moment she stepped inside, her phone rang.

    It was a call from Carlos, informing her that he had spoken with Gary and her political review would be put on a fast track. He also told her she would be allowed to make an exception and start work early.

    This was good news.

    Before hanging up, Carlos added, “Jayson’s an interesting guy. He’s full of surprises.”

    He had caught wind of the SX alloy matter.

    Jayson was now highly praised in government circles. Among the younger generation, only he and Ariel

    stood out.

    Even she hadn’t known what he was up to, which said a lot about how shocked everyone else must have

    been.

    Thankfully, Carlos didn’t pry further. He just reminded her to stop by before her reporting date, then ended the call.

    After changing clothes, Ariel was about to start making dinner.

    She had just finished tying up her hair when heavy knocks rattled her front door. The noise made her

    jump

    She had lived here for over eight months in total peace and quiet. Never once had someonee knocking thiste. Since she was living alone, her nerves tensed

    She moved to the door and peered through the peephole. The figure outside made her frown.

    It wasn’t danger after all, and her nerves eased a little.

    When she opened the door, the person outside nearly lost their bnce.

    “What is it?” she asked.