Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 699

Shane's expression stiffened the moment he saw the latest developments online.

He had already arranged for the victim's wife and daughter to be taken to a hidden location. So how had Jayson's men managed to secure them? Those two were supposed to be under their control.

And yet, Jayson had even brought the wife out to make a public statement.

If that was the case, Samson's plan had likely fallen through as well.

From the start, Shane had orchestrated the incident to help Samson gain control of the Croinia market and sell his materials. But now…

"Do you think I handled the incident properly, Shane?" Jayson asked with a faint smile. His eyes, however, were devoid of warmth.

Shane quickly schooled his face into neutrality. The moment their gazes met, he knew Jayson had already figured everything out.

Jayson had returned to Larkin Manor at this hour for one reason only—to warn him.

Shane had never revealed his real identity to the deceased worker, and his wife would have had no way of knowing who he was either. But if Jayson had managed to track down the wife and daughter, then he must have discovered the truth.

"You're the only one capable of resolving these problems quickly and cost-effectively," Shane said with a wry smile, slipping his phone into his pocket. Still, he couldn't help worrying about Samson's side of things.

Ariel glanced furtively at Shane. She had remained silent the whole time, yet she could see how heavily surrounded Jayson was by enemies. It was only his cautious nature that allowed him to see through so many schemes and tricks.

"I thought it best to handle the matter carefully," Jayson said evenly. "One wrong step could mean the downfall of the entire Larkin family. I'm sure you understand that, Shane."

Shane forced a smile, though his temples throbbed with tension.

Just then, Betty came downstairs.

Spotting Ariel, she beamed and hurried over. "Ari, you're not busy with work today?"

Ariel didn't mention the eventful morning they had just endured. She nodded. "We're not too busy today. Since we'll be celebrating your birthday tomorrow, Jayson and I thought we'd visit today."

Betty's grin widened when she heard Ariel had remembered her birthday. "You two are so thoughtful. I've also sent invitations to your grandma and uncle. Tomorrow, have Jayson pick them up and drive them to the venue."

Ariel agreed with her suggestion.

Tomorrow was the final day anyway. Even if Katie or Leonard let slip about the divorce, it wouldn't matter.

Just then, Cecilia entered the room and noticed him staring absently at the object in his hand.

She strutted over in her heels. "What are you thinking about so deeply?"

Samson clenched his fist around the pearl and shoved it into his pocket before turning. "What are you doing here?"

Cecilia had already heard rumors about what happened at the base, particularly how Ariel and Jayson had worked seamlessly together to resolve the data issue. She frowned. "Your plan failed, didn't it? Looks like they've only grown closer."

Samson brushed past her. "So?"

"Didn't you promise me you'd drive them apart?" Cecilia mocked. "Yet you couldn't even manage to charm Ariel."

Samson froze mid-pour as he reached for the liquor. His gaze hardened.

"In any case," Cecilia continued with a smirk, "don't expect me to be much help if things between you and Jayson don't work out.

"You should focus on dealing with the materials first. It won't look good if Yeager Group loses its edge. As for Jayson and Ariel… I already have an idea of what to do."