Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 704

Evelyn also instructed a staff member to prepare the lounge.

After that, the group headed over. Most of them were still confused about what they had just heard and needed clarification.

Upon noticing what was happening, Janice hurriedly wiped her tears and pulled free from Chad's grip. "I'm going too."

The Larkins were clearly going to blame and judge Ariel for everything.

This time, Chad didn't try to stop her.

Since Ariel and Jayson had decided to end their relationship, there was no longer any need for Chad and Janice to be courteous or sensitive about the matter.

Ariel didn't have much backing to begin with. Chad and Janice were the only ones left who could stand by her.

Jayson held Ariel's wrist silently. She could feel how cold his fingers were.

Just as Ariel's group was leaving the hall, Matt and the others noticed their movements. They watched from a distance, confused.

Before Matt could think further, Lucas arrived at the hall. He had stopped by because he knew Ariel would be here today. Spotting Matt, Lucas went up to greet him. "Mr. Crosby, aren't Mr. Larkin and Ariel here yet?"

Matt glanced at him, then pointed toward a corridor. "They just went that way. Looks like they're tied up with something."

Lucas followed his line of sight.

He hadn't told Wendy he would be here today. He figured he should settle matters one at a time and have a proper conversation with Ariel first.

…

Meanwhile, inside the lounge, everyone turned their eyes toward Ariel. Several voices rang out at once.

"Ari, what's wrong with your health?"

Jayson's gaze lingered on her. He could feel the tension in her clenched fist, yet her back remained straight. She looked like someone who had endured countless hardships but still refused to bow.

Her eyes, slightly reddened, held a calm determination. Jayson subconsciously held his breath, a heavy sense of foreboding settling over him.

He stared at Ariel—at once fragile like a child and yet stubbornly strong—as she looked at Katie and Leonard.

"I… have cancer. And I've known about it for quite some time."

The room fell into a suffocating silence.

Jayson felt as if a heavy blow had struck his head. His expression froze, his face drained of color. It was as though thousands of needles pierced his body all at once, the pain sharp and unbearable.

His ears rang. His heart felt like it might stop beating altogether. For a fleeting moment, Jayson desperately wished he had heard her wrong.