Chapter 679
Chapter 680
Shane had been the first in the Larkin family to truly realize just how much Jayson valued Ariel.
“ Now that you’re back, what’s your plan? ” Jayson asked as if nothing had ever happened. His tone was
calm and unreadable.
Sometimes, Shane hated that about him. He was always so composed, but every move of his was ruthless.
“Why? Nervous about me coming back?” Shane chuckled, throwing the question out as a joke.
Jayson’s gaze slid lazily his way. “I’m glad that you don’t hold a grudge. Back then, it was a real blow to your pride. Now that you’re back, people will still gossip. You’ll probably feel uneasy for a while.”
The words might as well have slapped a “loser” label across Shane’s face.
Shane’s smile didn’t waver, but he knew the truth. He had lost badly, and plenty of people had enjoyed
watching the spectacle. Despite being a year older, he had still ended up shoved overseas.
“How could I? We’re family in the end. Family doesn’t hold grudges,” Shane answered smoothly.
Jayson didn’t bother humoring such empty lines.
He had expected Shane and his family’s return. When he had forced them abroad, he had known it was only a matter of time. After all, no one would willingly accept being cast out and exiled.
Shane patted Jayson’s shoulder and turned back toward the living room.
Jayson didn’t follow immediately. He lingered in the quiet corridor, his thoughts heavy.
Back then, he was overwhelmed, with too many things crashing down on him at once.
Ariel’s accident was pure misfortune. Before Jayson rose to power, the hidden battles were endless, with every dirty trick in play.
Shane knew well that Ariel was his weak spot. He wouldn’t stay abroad forever or accept being under his thumb. Returning to Croinia was inevitable, and he would probably use Ariel against him from time to
time.
From that moment on, Jayson had thought it through. Ariel needed to grow strong on her own before
then, instead of living forever under his protection.
Once Ariel’s abilities caught the attention of the government, Shane would have to think twice before
making a move against her. He wouldn’t act rashly.
After fighting tooth and nail with Shane for the position and just after forcing him out, Jayson had also discovered Ariel’s computer. Plus, there was Cecilia, a ticking time bomb with her unpredictable actions.
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Chapter 680
+15 BONUS
With pressure coming at him from every direction, Jayson had been utterly drained.
The truth was, great families had no such thing as peace and harmony. Everyone had their own agenda, and betrayal came all too easily.
Back then, he had to juggle the power struggle at Bluum Corp, fend off Shane’s schemes, and protect Ariel. On top of that, Lucas‘ matter nearly drove him to the brink.
Looking back, those days had been hell.
Now that Shane and his family were back, it meant vigilance once again.
Jayson rubbed at his brow, then finally stepped into the living room. Ariel was still inside, after all.
Betty had urged Ariel to find Jayson, and the two nearly collided in the doorway.
Jayson instinctively reached out to hold her waist before letting go.
Ariel met his calm eyes.
Not once had he lashed out at her for refusing to keep the baby. The issue had simply been left unspoken.
Both of them tacitly avoided it.
Ariel didn’t think much of him ignoring her today. After glancing around to make sure no one was
watching, she asked softly, “When do you plan on telling Grandma about us? Today might be the right
time. I came here intending to bring it up. But since you’re here too, I thought I should ask about your
plan.
They had already decided on divorce. Some groundwork needed to be laid.
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