Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 688

Ariel nodded. "I'm fine, as you can see."

Samson paused for a moment. "I'm sure you're aware this incident will affect Mr. Larkin as well. The higher-ups are very concerned about the issue. There's no telling whether they'll continue to trust him and move forward with the partnership."

Ariel had thought of that too. She wouldn't be the only one affected by the data incident.

Samson studied her and asked, "Did you and Mr. Larkin have a fallout or an argument recently? You told me the other day you had a miscarriage, yet you didn't seem all that sad about it. Was it because Mr. Larkin had hurt you deeply in the past? Is that why you…"

Ariel wasn't surprised that others might think this way. After all, she and Jayson had never been seen as the picture-perfect, loving couple—especially back when Nancy was still around.

Some people still suspected their marriage wasn't truly happy.

She could easily guess what Samson was trying to imply with his questions.

"Are you wondering if I impulsively set a trap for Jayson while handling the project?" Ariel asked bluntly.

Samson pursed his lips. "I believe you wouldn't do something like that. However… I can't say the same for Mr. Larkin."

Ariel knew that anyone aware of her less-than-harmonious marriage with Jayson might think the same. After all, this was one of the rare chances she could truly damage his business.

Ariel had her own achievements as the U.N2 developer. With Carlos' support, she could always join similar projects in the future.

But it was different for Jayson.

Samson continued, "If even someone like me—an outsider—had these fleeting doubts, then Mr. Larkin might have them too. After all, the two of you know the most about your relationship issues. I wanted to meet you because I was worried about you."

He sounded as though he was analyzing the situation for her.

For a moment, Ariel was at a loss for words.

Samson's words carried heavy suspicion toward Jayson. After all, Jayson's top priority should be securing the partnership. No sane person would want to lose the chance at such enormous profit.

But Ariel hadn't heard anything about this supposed evidence. Jayson hadn't told her a thing. As for the possibility that he might sacrifice her, she calmly took a sip of milk and replied without hesitation, "He wouldn't."

Her voice was steady and firm. There wasn't the slightest hint of doubt.

Samson's hand, which was holding his cup of iced black coffee, stiffened.

He fixed his gaze on her. "You trust him that much?"

Ariel answered evenly, "I can't speak for other things. But Jayson would never do anything to harm me. You don't need to worry about that, Mr. Pryce."

Samson could tell she wasn't blindly trusting Jayson—she was truly confident in him.