Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 11

As Nancy stepped out of Jayson's office, the secretaries in the office approached her with great respect.

"Ms. Stanton, Mr. Larkin is waiting for you in the restaurant. He said the driver will take you there as soon as you're ready."

Another secretary said, "This is the coffee Mr. Larkin prepared for you to enjoy on your way."

Nancy smiled gently, her expression calm and composed as she accepted the attention bestowed upon her.

Confident and poised, she was the perfect picture of grace. To everyone, she was already seen as the future lady of the company.

Ariel was taken aback.

Jayson's office, a place full of confidential files, was essentially his private domain. Yet, he allowed Nancy to treat it like a lounge. How attentive and considerate.

At home, however, even his study had been off-limits to Ariel for the past three years.

Love and indifference were so obvious that no confirmation was needed.

"Ms. Walker, please step aside. You're blocking Ms. Stanton's way," Colton remarked disdainfully, annoyed at Ariel for not being more considerate.

Ariel pressed her lips together. Even though she no longer cared, the blatant difference in how she and Nancy were treated still stung. It reminded her of the three years she had spent unnoticed despite everything she had given.

She lowered her head and stepped aside. Glancing at Colton, she said, "When Jayson is free, could you remind him to sign the div—"

"Jayson?"

It seemed like Nancy, who was walking toward the elevator, only noticed Ariel when she spoke. Her expression was calm as she asked, "Is she also an employee here?"

Ariel frowned. Nancy knew who she was, but it was possible she wasn't aware of her position at Bluum Corp.

Colton stepped forward. "Yes, she's the manager of the PR department."

Nancy's gaze flicked away. "No wonder."

It now made perfect sense why the PR department had been so reluctant to address her reputation crisis. With Ariel as the manager, their inaction was understandable.

Nancy smiled faintly. "The work atmosphere at Bluum Corp seems to be quite relaxed. Employees can just call the boss by his first name."

She didn't even look at Ariel when she said that.

Thanks to Janice's invitation, she was granted easy access to the event.

Luck seemed to be on her side, as she immediately bumped into Chad, who was surrounded by a circle of people.

The moment he saw her, his expression hardened. He acted as if he hadn't seen her, continuing his conversation with the others.

Ariel hesitated, unsure how to approach. In the end, she decided not to disturb him.

She wandered around instead. The event was large, with many notable figures from the industry present.

Chad, as the youngest rising star in innovative technology, was drawing a lot of attention.

Ariel couldn't help but feel happy for him.

After nearly half an hour, Ariel started to feel her stamina waning. She reluctantly sat down to catch her breath.

Just then, a pair of polished shoes appeared in front of her. When she looked up, it was Chad, glaring at her with a frown. "Well, well. Not a housewife anymore, huh? Have you decided to change careers?"