Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189

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 world, untouched by what was happening around them.

They didn’t even blink at the awkwardness Ariel faced under Frederick’s sarcasm, let alone try to mediate.

Zach realized then that even if Ariel had feelings for Jayson, the latter remained utterly unmoved, only treating her like thin air.

Chad, on the other hand, frowned for a second, then chuckled. “Mr. Swanson, this isn’t how you catch a woman’s attention. You’re a bit rusty. Maybe you should ask Mr. Larkin to give you a few tips.”

Frederick nearly choked. He instinctively looked toward Ariel.

Catch a woman’s attention? Was he trying to get Ariel’s attention?

As Chad spoke, he tilted his head toward the composed and refined Jayson, then praised, “Look at Mr. Larkin. He’s got a beauty by his side. He must be quite the romantic. Surely it wasn’t Ms. Stanton who had pursued him, right?”

Nancy had just raised her glass when her hand froze mid–air.

She turned to Chad. He was still smiling and looked completely unthreatening, but those words felt vaguely off.

Jayson finally glanced over without much expression. He replied flatly, “Mr. Hockney, you must be joking.”

Chad laughed heartily. “Yeah, it’s just a joke. Don’t take it seriously.”

Ariel arched a brow at Chad.

+25 BONUS

If Mr. Carlos really is backing their new project, that says a lot.”

Zach and Frederick both raised their brows in surprise.

If Chad had dinner with Carlos, it would’ve just been a family matter. But bringing Ariel along? That either meant something was going on between them or it was business.

Nancy pressed her lips together and nodded. “If Mr. Carlos is supporting Faye Tech’s project, we should take a closer look at it.”

Zach immediately fell into thought. His mother, Serena, had warned him before to build a good relationship with Chad and aim to secure manufacturing partnerships.

The domestic smart tech industry was far from saturated. If Faye Technologies was really innovating, backing the right bet on them could lead to unimaginable long–term returns.

If what Nancy said was true, that this new project had Carlos‘ involvement…

Jayson could see right through what Nancy was thinking. He leaned closer and asked, “Are you interested?”

Nancy smiled lightly and said openly, “If Mr. Carlos is truly behind it, then yes. I think there’s a lot to learn.”

Jayson nodded in acknowledgment.

Nancy then turned and looked toward Chad, offering him a composed smile. “Mr. Hockney, since Faye Tech is now bringing in funding, you must be in a critical stage to look for talent to build a strong team.”