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Chapter 48
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Dead at Heart Chapter 49
Ariel couldn't quite describe how she was feeling. It wasn't disappointment, just irony.But as she thought about it, it made sense. How could Jayson possibly deny the woman he loved a proper title?Lucas had led her to the parking lot by the entrance, while she calmly pulled her hand away and asked, "What are you trying to say?"Leaning against the car door, Lucas knew Ariel was furious right now. The people who'd stabbed her in the back were her father, husband, sister, and maybe even him.But he knew that his place in Ariel's heart had always been above the rest. She'd listen to whatever he said."You know Jayson would never get involved with Lori. It's obvious to everyone how much he cares about Nancy," he said, lighting a cigarette. Ariel froze. Right, that was what everyone thought.His voice was relaxed, and his gaze was serious as he continued, "As for Lori, she's my sister. I can't just stand by and do nothing."Ariel had thought she could brush off what happened toda
Dead at Heart Chapter 50
Leonard still looked frail. Chemotherapy had taken a visible toll, and he always wore a knitted beanie.When Ariel arrived, he was sitting on the balcony and basking in the winter sun.She couldn't help but be reminded of how she looked when her chemotherapy began. The thought sent her zoning out before she handed over two carefully wrapped gifts."Happy birthday, Uncle Leo. These are from me and Jayson."She'd chosen a rare set of books on physics as his gift. It'd taken her quite some time to find them.Leonard was a physics professor and once a prominent name in academia, loved by generations of students. He'd devoted his entire life to physics.If not for what happened back then, perhaps he would be mentioned in the same breath as Carlos by now.As for Jayson's gift, she picked out a luxury foundation pen, worth over ten thousand dollars. It was a practical gift for Leonard and fitting for Jayson's style."Mr. Larkin's busy?" Leonard casually asked as he accepted the gifts
Dead at Heart Chapter 51
Ariel had no interest in Jayson and Nancy's sweet routines, but even if she'd given up on him after three years of marriage, she couldn't act indifferent however she wanted to.What cut deepest was witnessing Jayson doing with Nancy all the things she'd once longed for but never had.A mocking smile tugged at Ariel's lips. Then, a dull ache tugged in her chest, and her abdomen, which had been quiet for days, began to throb.Setting her phone down, she hunched over the table, one hand pressed against her stomach. A faint tremor ran through her slender body and the sharp lines of her shoulder blades.After a few minutes, she staggered to her bag and fished out a bottle of painkillers. By then, she was drenched in cold sweat from the pain.Too drained to keep working, she typed a reply to Chad, "Who knows, you might be on the guest list for their wedding."Chad replied, "I'd rather watch a circus and see monkeys perform."But Ariel just popped another pill and curled up in bed to s
Dead at Heart Chapter 52
When Ariel noticed Perry standing not far away, her expression remained calm. She simply gave a polite nod as a greeting and did nothing more.Perry could feel her indifference. At this point, he no longer believed she was playing hard to get. Back then, he might have assumed she was using new tactics to win over Jayson's friends, but now, he wasn't so naïve to think that way.Ariel genuinely couldn't care less about currying favor with him.Perry frowned slightly at that realization as a strange emotion stirred in his heart."Perry! Why did you come so early?" Still immersed in the world of knowledge Ariel had just opened to her, Freya could barely hide her excitement when talking to Perry.Perry gave Ariel another glance before saying, "Don't you know why? Did you bring your inhaler?"Freya guiltily mumbled, "Ugh… You're so naggy…"Ariel got up and said, "I'm leaving now."Perry nodded. "Alright."Ariel gave Freya a gentle smile before leaving, while the latter stared afte
Dead at Heart Chapter 53
It was obvious that Jayson and the others had come here with Perry for the New Year. Ariel finally understood why he'd turned down Betty's suggestion to celebrate the New Year with her. It seemed he had plans with Nancy.In his world, Nancy came before everything else, and Ariel knew that better than anyone.Hearing the hostility in Renee's tone, Chad glanced at Jayson and said, "What a coincidence, Mr. Larkin. We're here for team-building and didn't expect you to be here too."He casually made it clear that Ariel wasn't following anyone. They were on a team-building event, and running into someone else shouldn't be turned into a crime.Jayson looked up and said, "We decided to come on the last minute too. What a coincidence indeed.""Who knows if Ariel dragged the whole team here just as an excuse…" Renee muttered under her breath.Matt chuckled. "You're too sharp and putting her in a tough spot, Renee."His words subtly cast doubt on Chad's explanation.Nancy remained unbot
Dead at Heart Chapter 54
Ariel didn't mind. Throughout the meal, Chad was attentive to her needs by handing her skewers, slicing grilled meat for her with scissors, and passing her a napkin the moment she needed one.All the meticulous care didn't go unnoticed by those around them. Even Nancy frowned slightly and glanced at Chad before looking at Ariel again.What did Ariel do to deserve such treatment from Chad?Of course, most of the people at the table noticed the dynamic, while Jayson's cold features betrayed no emotion. It seemed as if he hadn't seen a thing.Matt took a sip of beer and scoffed. Then, he leaned in to the group around Jayson and muttered in a low voice, "Ariel's playing it smart. She's obviously using Mr. Hockney to get Jayson's attention."She's probably trying to show that she's got men wrapped around her finger and pull every last tactic to win him back." He sneered mockingly.Nancy gave a small, almost imperceptible laugh as if she were amused.No one knew whether Jayson heard
Dead at Heart Chapter 55
"Oh? Sounds like you really admire the developer of U.N2," Chad said, giving Matt a meaningful look.Matt replied, "Who wouldn't? I'm sure everyone admires a genius developer like you."His words were half genuine admiration and half strategic flattery, a veiled attempt to initiate a partnership. Faye Technologies was the rising star in the technological industry. His father had reminded them that getting on good terms with Chad was sure to guarantee a profit.Ariel stayed silent and calm the whole time. After all, ambition and opportunism were part of human nature.Her hand moved toward a napkin at the same moment a larger, bony hand approached from the opposite direction. Their fingers brushed briefly, a warm, surprising touch that sparked through her like static electricity, prompting an immediate upward glance.Jayson was watching her, though he remained composed. When her eyes, wide with surprise, met his, his expression didn't even flicker.Then, he pulled his hand back as
Dead at Heart Chapter 56
Silence fell over the scene. Ariel gave Matt a cool glance, while Perry eyed her and stepped in to say, "I don't think Ms. Walker needs to handle something like that."This was something the waiters should be doing.Both Chad and Ariel immediately understood what Matt was implying. He'd just praised Nancy as a top elite bound for a clear future, and now he was asking Ariel to do something menial. His words sent a clear message that she was not on the same level as Nancy.Ariel knew that the bed-climbing and forced-marriage scandal had incited the group's hatred for her. To them, she was someone who needed to atone for her sins.Matt patted his forehead and said, "Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. I thought that since Ms. Walker was a housewife for three years, she'd be more used to doing that."Ariel couldn't help but glance at Jayson. He had to know how little regard his people had for her, but he'd never cared about her feelings. Just like now, he was indifferently watching
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Dead at Heart Chapter 100
Ariel held Janice back. She calmly looked at Frederick. "We're here representing Mr. Hockney.""Since when has Mr. Hockney become so negligent, so much so that he'd send the likes of you to attend an event like this, which is vital for networking?" Frederick frowned, clearly puzzled.He knew Janice's character. She was only interested in the pleasures of life. As her friend, how could Ariel be any better than her?Ariel knew Frederick was prejudiced against her. She didn't explain herself. Instead, she tugged Janice along and went to another exhibition hall.In doing so, she passed by a man who was walking in their direction.When Zach Quinton laid eyes on her, he couldn't help but gaze at her for several seconds.Frederick followed his gaze and stepped forward. "Mr. Quinton, that's my younger sister. She has always been unruly. I must keep an eye on them so they won't do anything inappropriate.""Are they both your sisters?" Zach asked with an eyebrow raised.Frederick was jus
Dead at Heart Chapter 99
Noticing Betty's enthusiasm, Ariel thought that seemed peculiar. "He… had already left."She wasn't sure when Jayson left in the night. Judging by how neat the bed was, she was certain he didn't stay the night.Betty's expression changed. "He left? It's only 7:30 am. I woke up at 6:00 am, but I never saw him leave."Ariel realized that something was not right with Betty. She soothed her and asked, "Grandma, did something happen?"Seeing that she was curious, Betty sighed heavily. "The concoction I had him drink last night wasn't a supplement. It was… an aphrodisiac."The field of alternative medicine was extensive and profound. She purposely asked Albert to prepare the concoction, but evidently, it didn't help! Ariel didn't look like someone who'd had a passionate night.Ariel froze. Pressing her lips together, she fell silent. No wonder she thought Jayson's voice sounded raspy last night. As for when he left…"Grandma, tell the kitchen staff not to prepare breakfast for Jayson.
Dead at Heart Chapter 98
Jayson calmly withdrew his hand and glanced at Betty. "Happy now?"Betty was reassured, but she still told the household staff to bring Jayson a bowl of concoction. "Take this supplement. It's good for you."Seeing that she insisted, Jayson decided to go along with her. He didn't even ask what it was for as he downed the entire bowl.Betty smiled, pleased. She then turned toward Ariel, who was deep in thought. "Ari? Come here. Let Mr. Ward examine you."Jayson leisurely turned to look at her too.Ariel clenched her fists. She felt a lump in her throat. "I…"She couldn't let Albert examine her.A skilled alternative doctor could definitely identify any health conditions that one had. Albert had been looking after Betty for the past few years. He was one of the best alternative doctors in the country. He could certainly identify Ariel's condition."What's wrong, Ari?" Betty stepped closer to her.Ariel's lips were drained of color. "Grandma, I'm feeling fine. There's really no n
Dead at Heart Chapter 97
Ariel's gaze flickered, and she unknowingly tightened her grip on her utensils.Renee took in her reaction in that fleeting moment, and her grin broadened. She shoved her phone nearer to Jayson, demanding a response. "Jayson, do you like it or not?"Jayson's cold gaze fell on the screen. The calmness on his face was impeccable. He cast Renee a warning glare.Intimidated, Renee withdrew her hand. She knew the relationship between Jayson and Nancy was supposed to be a secret for now, but she wanted to see how Ariel would react. That was why she did it. She never wanted to anger Jayson."What's wrong?" Betty noticed the atmosphere was tense and looked up from her food."It's nothing, Grandma." Renee leaned closer to her gleefully. She continued, "I was just showing Jayson something he'd be very interested in."Betty didn't know what they were talking about. She patted Renee's head and stopped probing.Ariel kept her head hung low, her expression as calm as quiet waters.She was so
Dead at Heart Chapter 96
Ariel also had a bit more peace of mind.She accompanied Leonard for lunch. At the same time, she recovered from the discomfort she felt from the radiation therapy. Then, she returned to Faye Tech to wrap things up.Jayson never contacted her again.The next day, before Ariel got off work, Betty called her. "Ari, what time are you getting off work today?""I'm just about to," Ariel answered as she shut down her computer."Great timing! I told Jayson to pick you up. Come to the manor with him. There's something I want to do, and I need you both to be present."Ariel was caught off guard. "Grandma, but I have another—""He's arrived outside your company. You'll see him when you go down."Ariel kneaded her throbbing temples. If it weren't for Betty's orders, Jayson would never come to pick her up.She simply gathered her things before heading out. Indeed, a Bentley Mulsanne was parked outside.A window rolled down. Jayson looked out at her and said, "Hop on."That was new to A
Dead at Heart Chapter 95
Jayson spoke in a business-like tone.Ariel's gaze wavered slightly.She was very uptight. Because of the radiation therapy she just had, she felt lightheaded. She had to secretly hold onto the nursing counter to stop herself from falling.Ariel took in a deep breath. "There are many better rooms they can choose from, yet they specifically want my uncle's room. What are they after?"Jayson gazed at her calmly. "It's important for the patient to stay in a good mood. I can arrange for your uncle to have the best room and pay the full year's fee upfront."Not even bothering to elaborate further, he went straight to business.He'd really go to great lengths just to make Sarah happy.Ever since Leonard fell ill, Jayson had never helped out even a little, let alone pay for anything. Yet now he agreed to pay the VIP room fee for Leonard for the entire year, which amounted to millions of dollars, just for Nancy and her family.Ariel had once thought of relocating Leonard to a better ro
Dead at Heart Chapter 94
The nursing facility was right behind the department she was in. It was quite near.When Ariel arrived, she paid a lump sum of 200 thousand dollars.After she signed the bill, the nurse asked her, "Ms. Walker, would you be okay if we relocate Mr. Walker to another room?"Ariel was stunned. "What do you mean?"The nurse explained, "Here's what happened. Someone has expressed their interest in your uncle's current room. They'd like to discuss this matter with you because they want to use that room. In return, they'll be happy to meet all of your requests."It was a private nursing facility. They would usually encourage negotiation if any requests were made.Ariel frowned. "Please tell them we refuse to relocate."Over the years, when Leonard had been sick, they'd spent a great sum on his treatment. Katie barely gained any income from her hotel due to its poor management. Ariel had always been the one paying the fees. She used up almost all of the income she earned from working as
Dead at Heart Chapter 93
Janice had just taken a dosage of oral solution, grimacing in pain as she did. She turned toward Ariel."I'm sure there are a good number of them. Various organizations of different natures will collect paintings from various means for resale." Confused, she asked, "Why?"Ariel kneaded her brow. "One of my mom's paintings went missing back then. It was still on her mind even before she passed. I'm thinking that since it's going to be her third death anniversary soon, I can at least fulfill her wish if I track it down for her."Katie once brought that matter up. The other half of that painting was apparently Elena's graduation project. Something happened in the process, and she eventually didn't submit it.Upon graduating, however, Elena had gone back to Eldoria.Besides, paintings would circulate in different locations. Eldoria was home to numerous channels to acquire paintings; she might hear something about it there.Janice mulled over it. "I'll ask around. Wait for my update."
Dead at Heart Chapter 92
However, Betty's appetite was much better. She even took an extra helping.The oatmeal Ariel prepared was almost finished.Even Jayson took a big portion. Ariel wasn't surprised at all. Jayson had always enjoyed her cooking.After dinner, Jayson went out to answer a phone call. Ariel waited for several minutes before going out after him.On a covered walkway, she found him smoking. Pulling her coat tighter around herself, she walked up to him. "Have a minute to spare?"She wanted to talk to him about attending Elena's third death anniversary.As she approached, Jayson moved the cigarette away from his lips and put it out."How long have you been there?" he asked, eyeing her.Ariel took some time to realize the meaning behind that question. Was he on the phone with Nancy just now?""Just now," she replied coolly, her chest still heaving. "After you ended the call."Jayson then arched an eyebrow at her. With one hand stuck into his pocket, he abruptly said, "I was drunk."Arie
