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Chapter 65
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Dead at Heart Chapter 66
Ariel wasn't surprised as she sat down and began sorting through the documents. "Even if I say no, Jayson will find another way."Chad frowned. "What's so special about that woman anyway? He's head over heels for her!"Ariel shook her head. "Love was never supposed to make sense."If she were being fair, Nancy did have the allure that could captivate a man.Nancy and Jayson hadn't known each other long, and it'd been three months at most. Yet even that short time far outweighed the three years Ariel had poured her heart into.Chad looked at her and felt indignant on her behalf. He couldn't help but mutter childlishly, "Maybe I should whisper in my dad's ear and get him to blacklist the two of them."Ariel shook had head and said, "Jayson protects Nancy. If he finds out what you did, he'll come after Faye Tech. "Frankly, Faye Tech isn't in a position to go head-to-head with Bluum Corp. There's no point in stirring trouble over something personal."There were plenty of top-tier
Dead at Heart Chapter 67
At 4:00 pm, the sky was gloomy with a biting cold wind rushing through the air. Ariel received another call from Katie. "Grandma, what's wrong?"Katie rarely called during working hours, unless it was something urgent.Katie hesitated for a moment before saying, "Ari, remember I mentioned wanting to sell the family home a while back? You wouldn't let me, so I listed your mother's closed-down art gallery. It's just sitting there collecting dust, so I figured it'd be better to turn it into cash for you…"She felt she had to let Ariel know. The latter hadn't had it easy in the Larkin family, and Betty couldn't bear to see her only granddaughter being looked down upon. She believed that if Elena were still alive, she would have agreed too.Ariel's expression changed slightly. It seemed the call earlier hadn't been a scam."Grandma, you don't have to worry about my finances. I'm working now, and I'll get substantial dividends every year. There's no need to sell the art gallery."She
Dead at Heart Chapter 68
After Sarah's divorce, she might have walked away with a few tens of millions at most, but they were still a far cry compared to true elite families.Nancy frowned slightly, and Matt agreed that Ariel's words were sharp. "We were having a civil conversation; what's with the personal attacks?"It was clear that Ariel wasn't willing to sell the gallery the moment she saw it was Nancy. But no matter how she kicked up a fuss, she'd most likely end up compromising just for Jayson's sake.This jealous and bitter behavior was starting to look a little pathetic."No room for discussion?" Jayson finally spoke calmly and met Ariel's gaze, but his response made it clear that he'd give Nancy whatever she wanted. He was the source of Nancy's confidence.Ariel's face paled. Was Jayson going to pay for Nancy? Was he going to support Nancy even if she was trying to snatch something that belonged to Ariel and Elena?No matter the time or place, to him, Nancy would always come first.Ariel met hi
Dead at Heart Chapter 69
When Ariel woke up, her body felt weak and limp. As she stirred slightly, Freya's delighted voice rang out beside her."Ms. Walker, you're awake! Are you still feeling unwell?"Ariel turned. "Why are you…"Freya helped her up and explained, "Perry and I brought you to the hospital, and he left to print your test results. We were worried something might have happened to you, so we decided to check everything just in case.""What floor is he on?" Ariel's expression shifted slightly as she lifted the covers and got out of bed.Freya seemed startled. "This floor."Ariel didn't have time to care about her discomfort as she rushed out and headed straight for the self-service printing station on the same floor.Sure enough, Perry was standing in front of the machine as it printed out a stack of reports.Ariel ran up and snatched the papers from him before gripping them tightly in her hand.He seemed taken aback. "You're awake? Why did you leave your ward?"Ariel's heart was still po
Dead at Heart Chapter 70
Perry had already registered that Ariel wasn't well, so seeing her faint again only amplified his worry. He wondered if Jayson knew.…Ariel didn't sleep a wink that night and was in a terrible condition when she woke up that morning. The issue of the art gallery loomed over like a weight constantly pressing on her.She couldn't shake it off and knew this wasn't over.After thinking it over, Ariel decided to make the first move.She called Jayson, but he didn't pick up. She didn't care whether he was genuinely busy or ignoring her on purpose; she went straight to Bluum Corp.She'd worked there for three years, and the receptionist recognized her. When Ariel called Colton, his tone was lukewarm as he said, "Mr. Larkin is busy, Ms. Walker. You'll have to wait."She went upstairs to the conference room, where Colton saw her and didn't bother greeting her. Instead, he turned and walked off. But the others in the secretarial department remembered her well.Back when Ariel had trie
Dead at Heart Chapter 71
When Ariel had rushed over to the nursing home, she found Jayson standing outside, along a corridor, smoking a cigarette. His tall figure seemed to exude a frosty, hostile presence.Ariel could feel her heart beating erratically in her chest. She had a grim look on her face.Jayson had always been very smart and meticulous. He often knew the best way to attack one's weak spot. Ariel could tell that he was trying to use Leonard to make her yield.She went up to him. "Can we talk for a bit?"Jayson turned around slowly and gazed at her. "Why do you look so tense and anxious?"Ariel was rendered speechless.She was fully aware that she did not have the upper hand. Ariel softened her tone. "My mom dedicated her entire life to art. She was in conflict with Sarah back then as well. We can't sell the art gallery no matter what. Can you please not…"Ariel had probably run to get here as fast as she could. She was panting for breath as she spoke.Jayson looked at her indifferently. "Sar
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Leonard responded, "Alright. Be careful on your way home."Ariel did not explain to Leonard how she and Jayson were leaving separately. Jayson was most likely on his way to meet Nancy. He would never sacrifice his time with Nancy to give Ariel a lift home.…For the next two days, Ariel heard nothing from Nancy's side. Jayson had not contacted her either.Ariel was not sure if they had given up on the plan regarding the art gallery. Even though she was busy with many things, Ariel could not help feeling restless.On Friday, she received another call from Jayson. He said monotonously, "Renee is suffering from an allergic reaction. She wouldn't let the maids apply the ointment for her. She said that it didn't hurt when you did it for her previously. Can you drop by home and check on her?"Ariel pursed her lips. "Sure."She could have said no since she couldn't be bothered with what happened to Renee. However, this could be considered a demand or a condition from Jayson. He would h
Dead at Heart Chapter 73
Ariel turned her eyes to him. While Jayson was still holding Betty's hand, Ariel spotted a faint lipstick stain on the collar of his white shirt. She swiftly averted her gaze.Ariel could not help wondering if he and Nancy had kissed or gotten a lot more intimate after their shopping trip before Jayson got here.That explained why he seemed to be in a good mood. Jayson was most probably enjoying a delightful time not too long ago."You two should stand close to each other. Ari, you should link arms with Jayson." Betty's voice snapped Ariel out of her reverie.Ariel did not ask Jayson about the lipstick stain, since she would be the only one to suffer scorn and humiliation if she did. Therefore, she acted as if she hadn't seen it.When she lifted her head, Ariel noticed Betty was pointing her phone's camera at them. She was visibly pleased to see how Jayson and Ariel looked like a lovely couple. "I'll take a few photos and send them to Marie."Ariel never expected they would be ha
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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.
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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
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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
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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
