Inside 18_Dead at Heart

Chapter 18 

 So this was Lucas‘ real concern. He wasn’t worried about Ariel because of their past but because of the uing

 coboration with Bluum Corp.

 To him, she was still Jayson’s wife. If she didn’t know her ce, Jayson’s anger could have a significant impact.

 Ariel stared at him mutedly. “Is this the only thing you want to talk to me about?”

 “No.” Lucas stubbed out his cigarette and looked at her. “Wendy doesn’t know what happened between us in the past. You

 should try and get along with her.”

 Was he trying to tell her not to speak out of turn?

 Ariel suddenly felt likeughing. Everything that had happened today made her feel a tightness in her chest.

 “Lucas,” she called him indifferently. “If she’s curious how you became my brother, I can chat with her about it. But is there anything else between us?” 

 Lucas furrowed his brows but quickly smiled. He said meaningfully, “You’ve really grown up, Ari. You know how to keep your once openly–known feelings to yourself now.”

 Back then, Everyone in the Sanderson family was aware of how much Ariel liked him. But now he appreciated her maturity

 for hiding her feelings toward him.

 “As for Jayson-“Lucas added, “It’s normal for men to fool around outside. Wendy doesn’t know you’re his wife, so you 

 shouldn’t make a scene out of it. It’ll only make things harder for Nancy.”

 “Is this Jayson’s idea?” Ariel looked up, but he left without exining.

 She stood in the hallway as the cold wind hit her. She took a deep breath before letting out a mocking smile.

 Lucas, who once swore no man would ever mistreat or hurt Ariel, was now watching her sink deeper into trouble. He even told her not to make things difficult for Wendy and Nancy now.

 Jayson and the others were chatting when Lucas returned. Clearly, they weren’t paying any mind to what had happened

 earlier.

 Lucas nced over to Jayson and Nancy.

 In fact, his encounter with Jayson at Quin’s Peak was purely coincidental. He only learned that Nancy and Wendy were

 friends after that, and thus they had dinner togetherst night.

 “How lucky of you to have such a beauty by your side, Mr. Larkin. Have you thought of getting married soon?” Lucas asked

 with a thoughtful smile.

 Nancy was aware of the adoptive sibling rtionship between him and Ariel. She observed his attitude for a moment before smiling slightly.

 Clearly, Lucas was aware of Jayson and Ariel’s marital status, but he didn’t care. Instead, he congratted Nancy and Jayson- which showed that the two would eventually divorce

 After all, no one understood a man better than another man

 “Compared to me, you’re the one who’s probably getting married soon, Mr. Sanderson.” Jayson set his cup down and leisurely said, “I should be the one congratting you in advance.” 

 Wendy burst outughing. “Indeed, my dad has been rushing us-” 

 Lucas paused for a moment, suddenly thinking about Ariel. After some hesitation, he said, “If it happens, I’ll be sure to let you

 know first, Mr. Larkin.”

 However, Renee, who was beside them, grew worried. She whispered to Jayson, “Jay, Ariel won’t go tell Grandma about what

 happened here, right? Otherwise, wouldn’t you and Nancy-” 

 She was worried that Ariel, being a maniptive person, might exaggerate things to Betty and get her to break them

 Jayson’s gaze darkened as he replied in a cold yet determined tone, “She won’t.”

 Indeed, Ariel wasn’t about to do that. She had gotten into the car arranged by the guesthouse and headed down the mountain.

 Since they were already getting a divorce, whatever Jayson did no longer had anything to do with her.

 Taking advantage of thest day of the weekend, Arial decided to visit Katie.

 When Katie saw that only Ariel showed up, she hesitated but eventually asked nothing. Instead, she busied herself preparing

 a full spread.

 As she watched Ariel eat, she suddenly frowned and asked, “You’ve lost a lot of weight recently. Are you feeling unwell?” 

 6

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Inside 18