Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 677

Ariel checked the time. "I just got off work. I'm not really busy now."

Betty was clearly in a good mood. "Perfect. Since you're done, come to Larkin Manor today. Kyle and Jayda are back from overseas. They're planning to celebrate my 80th birthday with me. They just landed. You should join us for a family dinner."

Ariel thought of Betty's second son, Kyle Larkin.

After she and Jayson married, Kyle and his family had been stationed at the overseas company and hadn't come back much in the past three years.

When her identity became public, Kyle had even called Betty to congratulate her.

"Ari? Jayson said he can't make it. Since you've finished work, come back. I'll arrange for someone to pick you up. I want to hear your ideas for my birthday party too."

Ariel considered it. She and Jayson were not on good terms, yet the Larkins were unaware of their issues.

Now that the old agreement was void, she didn't actually need to hide the truth from Betty.

Perhaps it was best to speak to Betty face-to-face, test the waters, and decide how much to reveal.

Besides, with Betty's birthday approaching, it was impossible to avoid family gatherings. So this was a good opportunity to address the problem and try to sever lingering ties.

"Jayson's not going?" she asked, confirming.

"Yeah, he said so. You should talk some sense into him. Work doesn't come before family."

"Alright, I'll be there, Grandma."

Ariel agreed. She knew by now that Jayson likely had his own plans to talk to Betty.

…

By evening, Ariel arrived at Larkin Manor.

A maid greeted her at the door. Even from outside, she could hear laughter from the living room.

The moment she stepped inside, her eyes immediately fell on Jayson, sitting with his legs crossed on a single couch. He raised his gaze and looked over calmly.

"It's nothing. We're staying a while this time."

"Wait, didn't you see Shane when you came in just now?" Jayda asked.

At that moment, a deep voice came from the doorway. "Ari seemed preoccupied. I called her, but she didn't hear me."

Ariel turned and saw Shane Larkin striding toward her. He was Kyle's only son and was a year older than Jayson.

Ariel didn't know much about him. After her first year of marriage to Jayson, Kyle and his family had moved to Isbell. They had left rather abruptly.

Betty hadn't mentioned him, so Ariel hadn't expected to see him here.

Shane approached Ariel, sized her up, and held out his hand. "Ari, it's been a while. You haven't forgotten me, have you?"

It had been several days since her miscarriage, but she hadn't fully recovered and would sometimes zone out.

Before Ariel could respond, Jayson, who had been silent until now, suddenly stood up. He took her hand and pulled her slightly behind him before looking at Shane. "Shane, stop joking around with Ari."