Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 702

Janice scrunched up her face the instant she saw Cecilia. She whispered to Ariel, "She's acting as if she's Mrs. Larkin Senior's granddaughter-in-law instead. What's she doing coming over to the table reserved for the Larkins?"

Ariel pressed her lips into a thin line. She still hadn't found anything concrete about what had happened to her at the hospital.

Naturally, it was impossible for Ariel to treat Cecilia the same way she treated others.

Katie could tell at first glance that Cecilia wasn't as friendly or harmless as she appeared.

Jayson looked at Cecilia expressionlessly. He didn't make any effort to greet or welcome her.

Betty nodded. "Thank you for your kind words."

She motioned for a staff member to take the gift from Cecilia, but she didn't continue the conversation. Instead, she had Ariel sit down beside her and gently patted the back of her hand. Then she turned to Katie.

"I'm so glad I get to see all these lovely faces today. To tell you the truth, it doesn't matter to me anymore how much longer I have left in this life. My biggest wish is for Ari and Jayson to support each other and live a happy life together. And also…"

Betty's eyes crinkled as she smiled. "It would be wonderful if they could give me a great-grandchild this year. Wouldn't it be lovely to have a new member join our family?"

Cecilia sensed the lukewarm response from Betty. She wasn't anxious or flustered about it. With a polite smile on her face, she stood quietly to the side.

Katie didn't comment on Betty's words. It was pointless, especially now that Ariel had already divorced Jayson.

Evelyn stayed silent as well. With Betty present, it wasn't her place to say anything.

Suddenly, Cecilia exclaimed, "A new member in the family? Didn't Ms. Walker just have an abortion to remove the child she had with Mr. Larkin? Did none of you know about that?"

Cecilia didn't bother lowering her voice. Guests nearby immediately turned their heads toward her.

Evelyn's expression hardened. She scowled at Ariel, her voice sharp with fury. "What have you done? That was Jayson's child! Do you think you can handle the consequences if Betty suffers an attack because of your reckless decision? It's her birthday today!"

She twisted the situation, making it sound as though Ariel was the one who had ruined the joyous occasion with her actions.

"Mom, why are you believing the words of a stranger?" Jayson stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Ariel. Despite the frigid look on his face, it was clear he intended to defend her.

Betty clutched her chest. "Ari, please tell me it's not true."

Ariel's jaw ached from how tightly she was clenching it. She knew Betty needed an answer, but how could she bring herself to speak?

Janice could see they were all intent on branding Ariel a sinner and pinning the blame on her. Her eyes turned red as she rushed forward and slammed her hand on the table.

"None of you have the right to blame her! Do you think she wanted something like this to happen? She's sick! It's an illness that could cost her life!"