Dead at Heart novel

Chapter 821 Evelyn, Jayson's mother, feels a mix of hesitation and disappointment over her son's decision but knows she cannot change his mind. Renee, curious and anxious, breaks the silence by asking if the reason for the sudden gathering at Larkin Manor is to ask her brother Jayson and Ariel to get a divorce. This question unsettles everyone, especially Betty, who worries that Jayson might be ending the marriage due to Ariel's infertility. Evelyn urges patience to hear the full story when the couple arrives.

When Jayson and Ariel enter the room hand in hand, Renee eagerly asks if they have reconciled. The atmosphere shifts dramatically as Evelyn notices the baby Jayson is holding, leading to stunned silence. Evelyn quietly asks if they adopted a child while abroad, as no one had considered that possibility. Leonard expresses relief, believing that the couple has made up and is starting fresh despite past troubles. Renee then shocks the group by pointing out that the baby looks exactly like Jayson, suggesting the child might be Jayson's secret offspring from another woman.

This accusation brings tension, as questions arise about Ariel's acceptance of the child and how long Jayson might have been hiding this. The issue of illegitimacy is especially serious in their social circle, threatening family honor and inheritance, leaving everyone in the room anxiously awaiting an explanation. Chapter 822 Evelyn, Jayson's mother, felt a knot of hesitation and disappointment tightening in her chest as she contemplated the decision her son had made.

Despite her unease, she was well aware that trying to sway Jayson's mind was a futile effort-he was steadfast and resolute in his choices. Seated beside Evelyn, Renee's curiosity got the better of her. She glanced around the spacious living room of Larkin Manor, the air thick with unspoken tension, before finally breaking the silence. "Mrs. Walker Senior, did you and Mr. Walker come here today to ask my brother and Ariel to get a divorce?" Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the anxious speculation that had been building inside her.

To Renee, that seemed like the only logical reason for the sudden invitation extended to Katie and Leonard. Why else would they be summoned to the manor so abruptly? Her question shattered the fragile quiet that had enveloped the room, forcing everyone to confront the subject they had all been carefully avoiding. Betty's face darkened noticeably. She knew Jayson had orchestrated this gathering, but even she hadn't been privy to the details of his plan. Renee's words sent a ripple of unease through her-what if the girl was right?

What if Jayson intended to announce a divorce because he couldn't come to terms with Ariel's infertility? The mere thought drained the color from her cheeks, leaving her pale and unsettled. Evelyn's gaze sharpened as she responded, her voice steady but cautious. "That might not be the case. Let's wait and hear what they have to say when they arrive." Katie remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't know the full story of what had transpired between Ariel and Jayson, but the mere mention of divorce sent a chill down her spine.

Leonard reached over to gently pat Katie's shoulder, offering a comforting smile. "Let's hold off on jumping to conclusions until Ariel arrives." It was clear that the Larkins themselves were still in the dark. Katie nodded, trying to steady her nerves. Just then, a soft voice echoed from the entryway. "Welcome back, Mr. Larkin and Mrs. Larkin." Every head in the living room turned toward the door, the atmosphere thickening with anticipation. A tense hush fell over the group as they braced themselves for the arrival of the couple.

Renee's eyes widened in surprise when she spotted Jayson and Ariel entering hand in hand. Her excitement bubbled over as she sprang to her feet. "Have you two made up?" she asked eagerly, unable to hide the hope in her voice. Before anyone could reply, Evelyn abruptly rose, her attention fixed on the small bundle cradled in Jayson's arms. Disbelief flickered across her face as she took in the sight. The room fell into a stunned silence. All eyes were riveted on the unexpected scene unfolding before them. After a moment, Evelyn found her voice, though it trembled with uncertainty. "Did you...

adopt a child while you were abroad?" she asked, her words barely above a whisper. It was the only explanation that seemed to fit. Leonard studied the baby from a distance, then turned to Katie with a relieved expression. "Mom, it looks like Ari and Jayson have reconciled." Indeed, the two hadn't let go of each other's hands since stepping inside-and now, they had a child with them. None of the onlookers had considered the possibility that the baby might actually be Ariel's. Betty blinked, shaking herself out of her daze, and smiled softly.

"Have you decided to move past everything and start fresh?" She wasn't a woman to be narrow-minded. Jayson and Ariel had their whole lives ahead of them, while she was already in the twilight of hers. Even if she wanted to intervene, what good would it do? It would only make her seem overbearing and unreasonable. Renee was the first to close the distance, standing on tiptoe to get a better look at the infant in Jayson's arms. When her gaze met Claire's large, curious eyes, confusion flickered across her face. She quickly turned toward Evelyn, her voice rising in disbelief. "Mom!

This baby looks exactly like Jay! They're practically identical! Don't tell me Jay had a secret child with another woman and just brought them home? Are we really supposed to accept this child?" The idea was shocking. Ariel had been unable to have children before-so how could there suddenly be a baby who resembled Jayson so closely? To Renee, there was only one plausible explanation: the child was Jayson's illegitimate offspring. Her outburst sparked a flurry of whispers and murmurs. Everyone hurried closer to Jayson, eager to get a better look at the baby.

Turning to Ariel, Renee's tone was sharp and incredulous. "Are you seriously okay with this? Just accepting an illegitimate child as if it's nothing? How long has Jay been hiding this from you?" In their world, matters of illegitimacy were taken with utmost seriousness. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ fіndnovel.net Among prominent families, such children were rarely acknowledged. Doing so risked complicating inheritance rights and stirring internal strife. And if the mother's identity remained unknown, the resistance would be even fiercer.

The tension in the room was palpable as everyone awaited an explanation, the fragile peace hanging by a thread. The chapter closes on a moment of profound tension and unresolved questions, capturing the fragility of trust and the complexity of family dynamics. The arrival of the child, so closely resembling Jayson, challenges the assumptions and fears of those present, forcing them to confront the possibility that their understanding of the situation may be incomplete.

Amidst the swirling doubts and whispered speculations, the emotional currents of hope, suspicion, and the desire for reconciliation intermingle, highlighting the delicate balance between acceptance and judgment. In this charged atmosphere, the characters stand at a crossroads, each grappling with their own fears and hopes for the future. The chapter leaves the reader suspended in a moment of uncertainty, where love and loyalty are tested, and the true nature of family bonds remains to be revealed.