All Chapters of Dead at Heart: Chapter 421 - Chapter 430

They were actually discussing Ariel's research paper from years ago.Chad leaned over and said in a low voice, "That paper you wrote five years ago is still ahead of its time. A lot of people could really learn something from it."That was what set Ariel apart.Otherwise, Carlos wouldn't have sworn off taking on students the moment Ariel walked away from academia to get married.And now here they were. Her paper was being used as a case study in a high-level international academic conference like this.Ariel looked up at the screen, listening as the scholars around her began exchanging thoughts on the paper.Up front, Jayson looked up at the paper being featured—one recognized in the field as significant enough to be discussed.Next to him, Steven Pollard was chatting with a few others. "This one was published a few years ago, wasn't it? It's really ahead of its time. I'd love to meet the author someday.""I read it back then too," another added. "I was really curious about who

Chad had already agreed to attend Steven's wedding, and now Jayson and Nancy would be there too. Ariel didn't bother with them. She simply bid Steven farewell, then left with Chad ahead of the others.Sure, it was Steven's fourth wedding, but etiquette was still etiquette. Ariel and Chad decided to pick out a wedding gift for him.…The next day, Ariel and Chad arrived by cab at the wedding venue. It was an outdoor ceremony, styled more like a casual garden party.Despite his age, Steven was open-minded. His new bride was actually a former student of his.When he saw Ariel and Chad arrive, he greeted them warmly, with none of the arrogance people might expect from someone of his academic stature.Ariel handed over the gift. "Congratulations, Professor Pollard."Steven looked touched. "Thank you. Are you and Chad..."Ariel gave a faint smile. "He's my senior. We went to the same university. We're business partners now. Nothing more than that.""She's also my father's student. H

Jayson frowned as he glanced in the direction behind Ariel, then slowly looked down at her. "Are you okay?"His arm still circled her waist. The heat of his skin seeped right through the fabric, sinking into her like a pulse. His cologne wrapped around her, thick and inescapable.For a split second, Ariel felt suffocated, as if she had been thrown right back into those three years they were married.She could hear the guests cheering around them. Someone even started chanting, "Get married! Get married!"Ariel pressed her lips into a tight line.At that moment, she straightened up quickly and planted her hand against Jayson's chest with more force than necessary.They broke apart in an instant.Her expression stayed composed. Even if irritation brewed deep inside her, she wasn't about to ruin Steven's beautiful wedding by making a scene.The bouquet was in her hand. Still on the phone, Ariel looked straight at Jayson, then tossed the bouquet into his chest. "If you want it, you

Betty was in her study, glasses perched on her nose as she practiced calligraphy.Jayson noticed she was in good spirits. "Did you take your medication already?"Betty paused mid-stroke when she spotted him. "On time, as always. What brings you back?"With his blazer in one hand, he leaned against the door and chuckled. "So you're saying you don't need me to come visit anymore? Should I start asking for permission before I come back, then?"Betty huffed. "You're pretty witty, huh?"Then she added, "Your birthday's coming up. Have you and Ari figured out how you're spending it? It's once a year. Take the chance to relax."Jayson replied, "Not yet."Betty set her brush down. "You two are always busy. Why not take a little trip? Ari used to say she wanted to visit Nouburgh, but you never took her. It's a good time to visit now. Or as you young people say, kind of romantic."Snow season was over, but springtime there had its own charm.Jayson didn't respond to the suggestion. He j

Ariel had no intention of giving Samson any room for misinterpretation. She spoke plainly, cutting straight to the point.But Samson wasn't surprised. After spending time around her, he had gotten a sense of the kind of person Ariel was.Still, he wasn't the type to quietly pine from the sidelines. And getting turned down didn't rattle him. Liking someone meant also respecting their choice, whether it led somewhere or not.So…Samson's eyes softened with a quiet smile. "I know. A confession doesn't guarantee an outcome. That's not how relationships work. If I can't show enough sincerity, why should you accept me?"Ariel gave it some thought. "Mr. Pryce, I'm not testing you. I just genuinely have no interest in dating anyone right now."Samson could tell that Ariel genuinely didn't want to waste his time. Even her rejection left no room for misunderstanding.But that, in itself, was part of what made her so precious.He didn't feel discouraged at all. Instead, he gave her a know