Inside 13_Dead at Heart

Chapter 13 

 Nancy had a drone pilot certification, so controlling it was effortless for her.

 She won round after round of cheers. She was really confident and outstanding.

 No wonder Jayson had fallen for her at first sight. A woman like her certainly had the charm to captivate men.

 Objectively speaking, Ariel had to admit that Nancy had a certain charm. She was gentle, poised, and had been raised with

 care since childhood.

 Being smart, ambitious, and undeniably beautiful, she naturally became the center of attention wherever she went.

 But everything Nancy had was stolen.

 Nancy’s mother, Sarah Moore, had once been friends with Elena. Sarah hade from an underprivileged background. Back then, Elena had paid her tuition and helped her through graduate school.

 But in the end, Sarah had stolen the academic paper Elena had spent two years painstakingly researching and published it under her own name.

 She had trampled over Elena to climb the ranks and change her social status. After getting pregnant, she moved abroad and married a wealthy man there.

 Now, Nancy was dazzling and untouchable. She didn’t have to lift a finger, and everything meant for Ariel was effortlessly

 hers.

 Ariel’s gaze darkened, a bitter sense of irony settling over her.

 Nancy’s performance was impressive. As soon as she stepped off the stage, reporters swarmed in, eager to interview her and

 Jayson.

 Ariel happened to be standing in the middle of the crowd. As the reporters rushed past, she was shoved multiple times.

 A nobody like her didn’t even have the chance to step aside. Stumbling, she felt a sharp pain in her ankle but managed to steady herself.

 Then he heard a reporter ask, “The vibe between you two feels different. Are wedding bells around the corner?” 

 Ariel instinctively looked up.

 Jayson had his arm protectively around Nancy, shielding her from the press. His sharp features held an unmistakable authority. “Please don’t touch her.”

 The female reporters practically swooned.

 “Mr. Larkin, you treat Ms. Stanton so well! Are you two nning to get married? You’re a perfect match!” 

 For a moment, Ariel thought Jayson’s gaze flickered toward her.

 She wasn’t sure what it meant. Was he warning her to stay in her ce? 

 Ariel clenched her teeth against the sharp pain in her ankle. A dull ache spread through her abdomen as well, making her stomach feel tight and heavy. She bit her lip and forced herself to stand, ready to leave.

 Just then, a hand grabbed her arm.

 She looked up and met Perry’s wary eyes.

 “What do you think you’re doing? You better not make a scene. It’s just an interview. Don’t go smearing Nancy’s name and

 making things awkward for everyone.”

 Ariel froze. Then, realization dawned.

 Did he really think she’d rush over, break them up, and start spouting nonsense in front of the cameras?

 Her pale face turned cold, and she yanked her arm free with force. Her eyes were icy, sharp enough to pierce through him.

 She didn’t even bother to say a single word to Perry. She just turned and walked away. Her slender figure looked stubborn.

 Perry stood there, stunned.

 He watched her leave for a long moment, then nced down at his hand that she had just pped away.

 The softness of her skin remained on his skin, making his throat inexplicably dry.

 But that look in Ariel’s eyes was pure disgust.

 For the past three years, Ariel had always been amodating to Jayson’s friends. She had been easygoing and eager to please.

 But now? For a split second, he felt like he didn’t know her at all.

 Was he seeing things? Or had Ariel finally lost her mind?

 “What are you staring at? You lookpletely entranced.” Matt walked over and gave him a pat.

 Perry shook himself out of his daze, furrowing his brows. He clenched his fingers slightly. “Nothing. Let’s go.”

 That was probably just Ariel’s new trick.

 Ariel retrieved a small bottle of unmarked pills from her bag and swallowed one dry. The bitter taste made her frown.

 As the pain in her lower abdomen intensified, she could only curl up slowly to endure it.

 Thankfully, she hadn’t driven today. She sent Chad a quick message before leaving the venue.

 The domestic medication was losing its effectiveness on her. She needed targeted drugs from abroad to stabilize her condition.

 After confirming her prescription with her doctor, she took another painkiller and buried herself under the nkets.

 She slept through the night and into the next afternoon.

 What finally woke her was the urgent ringing of her phone. 

 She nced at the screen and saw Betty calling. After making sure her voice didn’t sound weak, she answered, “Yes, Grandma?” 

 Betty sounded cheerful. “Ari, how was your day at Quin’s Peak with Jayson?” 

 “Quin’s Peak?” Ariel was confused.

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Inside 13