Once Shane secured a position at Bluum Corp's headquarters, he would undoubtedly try to challenge Jayson for control of the company.
Some board members would likely shift their support to Shane, posing a serious threat and creating more trouble for Jayson in the future.
Ariel couldn't allow that to happen. She was determined to resolve the crisis in Jayson's stead.
Meanwhile, Evelyn watched Ariel with mixed emotions. She noticed blood flowing into the IV line attached to Ariel's hand resting on the table. Ariel was swaying slightly, clearly weakened, yet she stood her ground with unwavering resolve.
Evelyn could tell Ariel was pushing herself to the limit. This was a side of Ariel she had never seen before.
Ariel had made a bold promise to negotiate with government officials and secure the project. Opposing her now would only expose one's allegiance and risk retaliation once Jayson returned.
Everyone in the room understood that.
The board members exchanged quiet glances.
Eventually, one of the directors Evelyn had spoken to earlier broke the silence. "Since Ms. Walker has given her word, I have no objections."
The others quickly weighed the risks and benefits. In the end, they reached a consensus. "Let Ms. Walker handle the matter first. If her approach doesn't work, we can consider alternatives."
The tide had turned.
Anyone with sense knew which side to choose. With tensions rising within the Larkin family, getting caught in the crossfire would be a costly mistake.
The board's decision was effectively made.
Shane clenched his jaw and shot Ariel a cold look. "You and Jayson are so alike, Ari."
Ariel smiled faintly. "Thanks for the compliment."
Kyle, visibly furious, slammed his hand on the table and stormed out.
Shane hadn't expected Ariel to show up and derail his plans. She had ruined everything before he could capitalize on Jayson's hospitalization.
If things had gone his way, Shane would already be part of headquarters, slowly stripping Jayson of his resources and authority, waiting for the right moment to seize control.
Now, his plan had collapsed.
Ariel was taken back to the hospital. However, she didn't return to her ward. She learned that Jayson had been transferred out of the ICU.
She asked the doctor to remove her IV cannula, as the fluid bag was nearly empty. After asking Arthur to send Cassidy home, Ariel slowly made her way to Jayson's ward.
She sat on the edge of his bed, studying his pale face. "Don't worry. I did a pretty good job protecting your company."
Her gaze fell to his hand. She gently brushed her fingers over the IV cannula and the veins beneath. "When will you wake up?"
Sadly, there was no response from him.
Ariel lowered her head and sniffled. "Jayson, you need to wake up. We have a lot to talk about."
Just then, the door opened. Liam had come after hearing the news.
Ariel lifted her head.
Liam could see that her reddened eyes were filled with tenderness and powerlessness. He paused, then spoke gently. "Your condition is getting worse, Ariel. Tomorrow is the day we've scheduled your surgery."

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....