Chapter <b>639 </b>


    It was impossible to tell what was really going through Jayson’s mind.


    Ariel had been through too much today. On top of that, she was hiding a heavy secret. Her expression remained nk. “I need you to leave.”


    Jayson met her gaze, unflinching. “That’s not one of the options I gave you.”


    “Jayson, what is it you want? I never said I needed you.” Ariel’s fists clenched tight.


    He looked straight into her eyes. “I need you.” He didn’t point out that she was just pretending to be


    strong.


    “Ariel, I need to keep you in my sight. You’re not the only one who was shaken today.<b>” </b>


    He didn’t hide the raw edge in his voice. Today’s incident had been a stark reminder that he needed to be


    better prepared for unexpected threats.


    But Ariel wasn’t swayed. She knew exactly what kind of man Jayson was. She had no interest in speaking to him. Besides, her mind was tangled elsewhere. Without a word, she turned,y down on the bed, and faced away from him, treating the famous Mr. Larkin as if he weren’t there.


    Jayson’s eyes narrowed as he stared at her back. The edge of her shirt slipped down slightly, revealing her shoulder, mottled with red and purple bruises. A dark glint flickered in his gaze.


    Ariel had expected to spend a restless night, still shaken from the day’s events and the doctor’s unsettling words. Yet to her surprise, she drifted into a deep sleep.


    When she woke the next morning, a strange pressure at her waist caught her attention. She nced


    down and froze–it was an arm.


    Her brows furrowed. She gently pried Jayson’s arm off and sat up.


    Jayson opened his eyes the instant she moved. There was no trace of drowsiness in his sharp gaze.


    “Don’t look at me like that. You’re the one who grabbed my hand in your sleep and wouldn’t let go. If I hadn’t gotten on the bed, I wouldn’t be able to use my arm today,”


    He turned the tables before she could use him.


    “You could have just woken me up. I’m nowhere near as strong as you,” Ariel said coldly, sliding out of


    bed.


    Jayson rubbed the bridge of his nose, then got up ahead of her. He nced over his shoulder. “You’re right. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.”


    Without another word, he disappeared into the bathroom.


    Ariel pressed her lips together. Jayson was always careful with his words, tailoring them to suit the moment. Unfortunately for him, sweet talk no longer worked on her.


    Jayson hadn’t slept a wink. He rinsed his face with cold water.


    When he stepped out of the bathroom, Ariel was gone. Her suitcase had vanished <i>too</i>. She had left without hesitation or ceremony. Her message was clear–she didn’t want to stay with him.


    Yet traces of her lingered. Jayson stood by the bed, lowering himself onto the side she had slept on. Her warmth still clung faintly to the sheets.


    He sat there for a long time, unmoving.


    Ariel had asked Chad to change to an earlier flight so that they could get back to Eldoria sooner.


    Janice, who had barely slept since hearing about the attack, arrived at the airport early to pick her up. The moment they saw each other, Janice scanned Ariel from head to toe. When she confirmed Ariel was


    unharmed, her face crumpled, tears welling.


    “That bastard should have abducted Jayson instead! What a cowardly way to get his revenge! Only a


    scumbag would target someone weaker than him!”


    “I’m fine now,” Ariel said softly, trying to calm her.


    Chad shook his head. “That’s enough. It’s a rtively straightforward case. Jayson’s men are already


    handling it. You should see Ari home. I’ve got work to take care of.”


    Janice grabbed Ariel’s suitcase and marched toward her car. “I’ll stay over at your ce tonight. No, <b>I </b>


    should stay there for a couple of days to keep youpany.<b>” </b>


    Ariel pinched her cheek, amused. “I’m fine. Besides, I’m back in Eldoria now. Everything’s alright.”


    “What do you mean?”


    Ariel merely smiled and said nothing.


    <b>It </b>was because Jayson was living right opposite her. That fact alone ensured her safety, and Ariel was well aware of it. (1)


    After getting into the car, Ariel put her phone in the center console and put on her seat belt.


    Her phone vibrated briefly.


    Thinking it was hers<b>, </b>Janice picked it up and nced at the screen. It was a message from Liam.


    “Ms. Walker, you’ve postponed your follow–up appointment twice. You muste in as soon as possible. You’ll also have to go for the subsequent chemotherapy sessions.”