บททั้งหมดของ Dead at Heart: บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

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

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

"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

"Thank goodness you were fast to react, Jayson. Nancy almost got burned." Matt noticed the detail and exhaled in relief.All eyes turned to Nancy. She'd indeed been quite close to the grill.Seeing everyone's concern, Nancy smiled and said, "It's okay. I'm fine."The culprit of the accident, Renee, anxiously rushed over. She cradled Nancy's hand and blew on it with distress. "I didn't mean it, Nancy. That was close!"Nancy ruffled her hair. "It's alright."A subtle clenching of Ariel's fingers accompanied the chilling clarity that she had been reading too much into the situation—Jayson hadn't rushed to save her from the flames. He'd been in such a panic because they had nearly reached Nancy.That shook his usual composure and made him risk burning himself without hesitation. Only Nancy could make the detached Jayson lose his cool.After making sure Ariel was unharmed, Perry relaxed back into his seat.Freya asked in concern, "Ms. Walker, are you sure you're okay? Let me see."

Colton's surprise was absolute as Ariel swept past him, her eyes fixed straight ahead, offering him no acknowledgment whatsoever.What had gotten into her? It was obvious she'd seen him, yet she hadn't even offered a polite greeting."Mr. Zeller, what's going on?" someone called out to him.Colton snapped out of it and said, "It's nothing. I'll report the details to Mr. Larkin."Before leaving, he frowned again in Ariel's direction. What exactly was she playing at?…At Bluum Corp Tower, Jayson had just ended a meeting. As he walked, he skimmed over the report Colton had handed him. The latter dismissed the rest of the secretaries and followed Jayson into the office."Mr. Larkin, GildSynergy has offered a small concession. They seem sincere, so please take a look."Jayson flipped through the file and signed his name. "Good work."Without looking up, he asked, "How's the contact with Mr. Hockney coming along?"Nancy had always wanted to meet Carlos, and Jayson had been trying