The call still wouldn't go through. It wasn't what Ariel had expected.
Samson met her eyes, then glanced at the phone in her hand. "It didn't go through? Maybe the signal's still down in most areas. You can try again later."
Ariel felt a sudden sting in her chest—a feeling she couldn't quite describe. She stayed silent.
Samson checked his watch. "You must be hungry. I'll have something prepared for you."
He stood and continued, "Just stay put for now. In a foreign country, there's no such thing as a truly good person. But here, with me, you're safe."
It was meant to sound comforting.
Ariel said nothing. Her eyes drifted toward the window.
Outside, armed guards were stationed in plain view. Clearly, this wasn't somewhere she could come and go freely.
Although she knew Samson had a point, she didn't trust him fully.
Samson's order was carried out quickly.
Ariel glanced at the table. It was filled with Croinian dishes.
She asked, "Where are the people who came here with me?"
Samson ladled soup into a bowl for her and replied calmly, "They're resting elsewhere. I'll have them escorted out later."
Even though he hadn't shown any open hostility, something in his demeanor felt off.
Ariel decided not to confront him. She needed to stay alert and wait for an opening.
Samson didn't eat. He just sat there, watching her.
She was still the same, calm and composed as ever. There wasn't the slightest trace of emotion toward him.
But that very calmness wasn't what he wanted. He had shown his interest in Ariel for so long, but she had never wavered.
He wondered why she didn't like him. He wasn't any worse than Jayson in family background or ability.
"If you're bored, just tell me. I can do whatever you want with you." He leaned back in his chair. His eyes were clouded with emotions even he couldn't quite read.
Ariel looked at him calmly. "That won't be necessary. I just want to leave as soon as possible."
Samson's smile faded slightly, but he didn't show it. With an easy air, he poured Ariel a glass of juice. "Enjoy the food first."


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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....