Lahat ng Kabanata ng Dead at Heart: Kabanata 181 - Kabanata 190

Ariel glanced at Chad's phone screen.It was an Instagram post from Matt. He posted nine photos showing a party at some upscale club with wine, champagne, and everyone clearly having a great time.The last photo caught her attention. In a corner, Jayson sat lazily in a chair while Nancy leaned in close, speaking to him with a gentle smile. They shared a look and a smile.The moment looked picture-perfect. Anyone looking at it could tell that there was definitely something going on between them.The boldest part, though, was Matt's caption. "Good days call for champagne! Mr. Larkin is picking up the tab for everyone tonight!"Ariel's eyes showed no reaction.But Janice slammed the table. "What the hell is this? They're celebrating now?"This felt like a blatant celebration of the divorce.On the very night the divorce paperwork was filed, Jayson was already throwing a party?"Jayson and Nancy sure look cozy," Chad muttered with a frown, then he scoffed. "Are they holding a prom

Jayson looked up, his gaze locking on Ariel.She looked surprisingly well. She was wearing light makeup and a tan-colored belted coat that flattered her graceful figure. She stood there calmly, with a serene expression in her eyes.Ariel noticed Jayson looking at her, but she didn't return the gaze. Instead, she glanced at her phone to check the time. They were right on schedule.Next to her, Chad raised his brows and smiled. "Well, what a coincidence, Mr. Larkin. Are you here for dinner?"Upon hearing his voice, Nancy finally looked up from adjusting her clothes. The moment she saw Ariel, her gentle features instantly frosted over.If she hadn't been waiting for Jayson to finalize the divorce, she would've already found a way to make Ariel spend a few days behind bars.Still, her hand resting in the crook of Jayson's arm remained there.Jayson nodded, then casually offered, "We're meeting some friends for dinner. Mr. Hockney, if you don't mind, why not join us?"He didn't seem

Ariel had thought this decision over carefully.She had given up on herself too early over the years, becoming a sacrifice for the Sanderson family, for Lucas, and later for Jayson. She'd never truly lived for herself.How could she not have dreams or ambitions?Now that she had finally woken up to that truth, time was more precious than gold to her. Whether or not she got accepted, whether or not she could continue research and advanced studies, she wanted to try again.Chad paused, looking at Ariel in surprise.Carlos took a moment before reacting, then pounded the table. "Of course! What's impossible about it? No matter how late in life, it's never too late to start over!"He couldn't hold back a smile but quickly masked it with a cold snort. "You don't become my graduate student just by saying so. Don't be overconfident!""Exactly, why not pick another professor? This old man hasn't taken on any students in three years. Who knows if he's even still good enough?" Chad teased,

Chad was an alumnus of Westcrest International School.As an honored graduate, he was invited back to give a speech to the soon-to-be high school graduates.Faye Technologies had a new project about to launch, and this stage required investment.Many influential figures from the investment world would attend the Westcrest event, so it was a great opportunity for publicity and fundraising.As a key team member, Ariel naturally accompanied Chad.Westcrest was a top-ranked international school in Eldoria. Its students were mostly wealthy or from affluent families.Although Ariel didn't graduate from there, she had been to the school twice to attend parent-teacher meetings for Renee.Chad's car pulled into the campus.They got out, and many senior students were already filing into the auditorium.As a respected figure in the aerospace academic circle, Chad was immediately greeted by people once he stepped out.Ariel quietly stood by the side.Just as she was about to climb the s

Though Frederick said it with a smile, the condescension in his tone was unmistakable. It left an unpleasant undercurrent—sharp, pointed, and impossible to ignore.Even bystander observers might think his remark was a little too much.Nancy glanced at Frederick. She knew part of the reason Frederick spoke up was because he'd witnessed how Faye Technologies had once brushed her off. That was why he was standing up for her now.Without saying anything, she lifted her glass, took a sip, and curved her lips into a graceful smile.Zach, meanwhile, looked around with some interest.His first instinct was to glance at Jayson, but he found out that Jayson was completely detached from the moment. He was focused on replying to messages on his phone, clearly unconcerned whether Ariel was embarrassed or not.Then Zach looked at Nancy. She was speaking quietly to Jayson. Whatever she said, it made the corners of his mouth lift ever so faintly.Those two seemed to live in their own little wor