For a moment, the room fell into complete silence.
A few board members chuckled quietly, likely thinking they had just heard something absurd.
Shane raised his brows. "Ari, you're going to take responsibility? How exactly do you plan to resolve the issue? I understand your concern, but there's no need to worry.
"I'm not trying to take over Jayson's position. I'm simply stepping in to address the current situation. We were just discussing which role I should assume."
Ariel shot him a cold glance. "Have you forgotten what I do for a living, and who I regularly meet at work?"
Shane's expression stiffened at her words.
Evelyn glanced at Ariel discreetly.
Despite her tall frame, Ariel looked so frail it seemed a gust of wind could sweep her away. Yet she stood firm, facing a room full of seasoned, calculating businessmen without flinching.
"I can assure you right now that I'm capable of negotiating with the relevant government officials to secure their approval. My background and status provide all the connections we need.
"I've already contacted Commander Quinton from the Department of Defense and my mentor, Mr. Hockney. They'll help connect me with the officials involved. I even have influence over certain terms and conditions of the deal. So tell me—do you still doubt my capabilities or the resources I bring to the table?"
Her tone was calm and composed, but her words carried undeniable weight. No one in the room could refute her.
Most of the board members had been in the industry for years. They knew the stature Carlos and Gary held in their respective fields.
With just a word, those two men could open doors to anyone. And Ariel was likely Carlos' successor, poised to inherit his legacy and influence.
A tense silence settled over the room.
He intended to quickly solidify his return to Bluum Corp's headquarters and take charge of the major project. But Ariel had anticipated his move. She responded swiftly, leveraging her connections and even offering Nexura Solutions as collateral.
Those were powerful cards to play.
Despite her pale complexion, Ariel remained calm and composed. "I'm confident because I know I have the upper hand. So tell me, Shane—what will you offer as collateral?"
Shane's face twisted into a scowl. Kyle, meanwhile, grew visibly uneasy. His cold gaze swept across the board members.
Ariel didn't give them time to respond. "Ladies and gentlemen, once you choose a side, there's no turning back. Jayson has the support of the Cavell family. I have extensive connections.
"A poor decision is like investing in a business destined to fail. You may not be able to bear the consequences. So choose wisely."
Though her tone remained even, Ariel exuded a commanding presence. Her message was clear—anyone considering switching sides to support Shane had better think twice. She knew exactly what Shane was planning.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson)
Can you give me more chapters? I was hoping for a happy ending with Ariel and Jayson. Janice with Wade, and if not, put her with Chad, Matt, or even Liam....
Nice and amazing story with gripping turns, but can you give more chapters? And please we need more romance as readers, it has been dragging on a lot, maybe romance, happy ending and end it soon....
Nice and amazing story with gripping turns, but can you give more chapters? And please we need more romance as readers, it has been dragging on a lot, maybe romance, happy ending and end it soon....