Chapter <b>668 </b>


    Liam caught the trace of self–mockery and defeat in Jayson’s face. For a man like him to look that way, <b>it </b>


    was obvious that….


    Jayson’s throat bobbed as he clenched his fists and lowered his head. The weight of exhaustion and shock seemed to crush him. Every breath burned in his chest like shards of ss.


    He lowered his gaze, his lips curving into a silent, self–mocking smile. His eyes held the hollow pain of a man whose hope had burned out, yet he didn’t say another word.


    His whole presence radiated a sharp, suffocating intensity, one that nearly stole the air from the room.


    Meanwhile, Janice’s mind was racing.


    She didn’t exin anything to Jayson. Instead, she turned straight to Liam. Jayson was lost in his own storm, oblivious to everything else.


    “Dr. Spencer, could you…” Janice met Liam’s eyes, making her meaning clear.


    Liam understood. She didn’t want him telling Jayson anything about Ariel’s condition.


    He gave a small nod.


    This was Ariel’s private matter, after all. He had no intention of interfering in her personal life.


    ncing at his watch, he said, “I’ve got another surgery to get to. Once Ariel’s awake, you cane find me anytime.”


    The syringe he had removed from her earlier was already disposed of after its contents were identified. It was highly dangerous for a pregnant woman.


    He would have to talk to Ariel once she was stable.


    He still didn’t know what had happened in the consultation room, but he had already reported the incident to the hospital. Now, all he could do was wait for the results.


    “Okay. Thank you.” Janice’s feelings wereplicated.


    This surgery wasn’t even supposed to happen today. It was really an ident.


    Liam hurried off.


    When Janice turned back, she saw Jayson standing there in silence. His features were clouded with grief <b>so </b>raw it almost seemed broken.


    Ariel’s choice had clearly struck him hard.


    The surgery dragged on far longer than expected.


    Janice was a wreck with worry. By all ounts, the procedure should have taken less than half an hour.


    Jayson, on the other hand<b>, </b>satpletely still. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking. <fn54a6> Readplete version only at f?ndnovel</fn54a6>


    By the time the surgery ended, nearly 90 minutes had passed.


    Two foreign doctors emerged, masks still on. Jayson snapped back from his daze instantly and rushed


    toward them.


    Their eyes found him right away. One of them spoke first. “Everything went smoothly.”


    Jayson didn’t reply. His eyes, bloodshot and raw, were fixed on Ariel as she was wheeled out.


    He dragged his heavy steps forward. Staring at her with her eyes still shut, he couldn’t describe what he was feeling.


    Was it more pain or more helplessness?


    Janice’s heart pounded painfully as she stepped forward. “The baby…”


    One doctor nced at her. “We’ll take care of it.”


    There was no need to spell it out further.


    Janice’s eyes stung red.


    She was grieving for Ariel. Only she knew just how much Ariel had suffered and how painful it had been.


    Jayson’s Adam’s apple moved as he mechanically followed the gurney toward the ward.


    Once Ariel was settled, he sat at the bedside and never looked away from her face.


    Janice could see the bitter irony etched on his face.


    She drew in a long breath, then said firmly, “Jayson, don’t look at her like that, and don’t you dare me her. You’re the reason things havee to this. Of all people, you’re thest one with the right to me


    her.”


    <b>It </b>needed to be said.


    Without waiting for a reaction, she turned and walked out.