Dead at Heart novel

Chapter 847 Ariel quickly adjusted to the demanding environment of Bluum Corp Tower on her first day, determined to prove herself despite her inexperience. Meanwhile, Jayson, a senior executive, was distracted by his thoughts as he reviewed a report, concerned about Ariel's ability to survive and grow in the competitive corporate world. When informed about the PR team's response strategies to negative public sentiment about their autonomous driving division, Jayson decided to bypass the usual protocol and visit the PR department in person.

His unexpected arrival surprised the PR team, especially Larry Rosario, the manager, who nervously presented the three response plans to Jayson. The atmosphere was tense as Jayson listened silently for nearly forty minutes, making the team anxious about his reaction. Finally, Jayson chose the second plan and left abruptly, signaling to Arthur to hold the team in place. Jayson then noticed Ariel heading to the pantry, visibly tired and hungry, only to find it poorly stocked.

Observing her fatigue, he ordered Arthur to improve the pantry's supplies and ensure employees, especially new ones like Ariel, were not overworked. Despite having assigned Ariel to the PR department himself, Jayson's concern revealed a deeper worry about the team's management and well-being. Watching Ariel from a distance, Jayson was caught off guard when she noticed him. Embarrassed, he hid behind the frosted glass, realizing how odd his behavior must seem. This moment highlighted his internal conflict and concern for Ariel's welfare in the challenging corporate environment.

Ariel quickly grasped the unspoken expectations that governed her new workplace. From the moment she stepped into Bluum Corp Tower on her first day, she adapted swiftly to the series of tasks assigned to her. The corporate world was a far cry from her university life, but she was determined to prove herself. Meanwhile, on the top floor, Jayson sat behind his sleek desk, idly twirling a pen between his fingers. His eyes were fixed on the ring glinting on his finger, but his mind was elsewhere, lost in a maze of thoughts. The report laid out before him barely registered.

Ariel was fresh out of college, young and inexperienced. Could she really survive-and thrive-in such a cutthroat environment? Jayson wanted her to gain valuable experience, and the PR department seemed like the ideal place for that. But despite his intentions, a nagging worry lingered in his mind. "Mr. Larkin, the public sentiment regarding our autonomous driving division has been skewed by competitors. The PR team has prepared three response strategies. Would you like to review them?" a voice interrupted his reverie. Jayson looked up sharply.

"The PR department?" he repeated, then stood abruptly. "No need for that. I'll speak with Larry directly." The executives around him exchanged surprised glances. "In person?" someone murmured. Was such a move really necessary? Ignoring their questions, Jayson strode purposefully down the stairs. Bluum Corp Tower was composed of two interconnected towers, linked by a striking double-helix bridge. The PR department was housed in the opposite tower. Jayson's unexpected arrival caught everyone off guard.

Larry Rosario, the PR manager, spotted him immediately and hurried out to greet him, a mix of surprise and nervousness evident on his face. A small crowd of employees trailed behind Jayson, their curiosity piqued. Jayson's gaze casually swept across the workspace until it landed on a figure hunched over a desk at the far end-Ariel, deeply engrossed in organizing a stack of documents. Larry led Jayson into his office, where the one-way glass allowed them to see out but concealed the inside from the rest of the team.

From this vantage point, all Jayson could make out was the top of Ariel's head as she continued her work in the distance. "Mr. Larkin, do you have any feedback on these response plans?" Larry asked, his voice tight with anxiety. This was an unusual scene for him. Jayson had never come down personally before, and Larry feared the worst-that the plans had been rejected and that Jayson intended to reprimand him. Despite the gravity of the situation, Jayson remained silent, his eyes fixed on the distant figure of Ariel. "No," he finally said.

"Walk me through each plan in detail." Larry wiped the cold sweat from his brow and summoned his team to begin the presentation. The atmosphere in the office grew thick with tension. Every person present felt the weight of Jayson's scrutiny, afraid that a single misstep might cost them their jobs. For nearly forty minutes, they delivered the report without interruption. Jayson said nothing, only occasionally glancing up at them, his expression unreadable. When it was over, Larry was left uncertain-was Jayson satisfied or displeased? He felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes.

When had Jayson ever lingered this long on the floor before? Finally, Jayson rose from his chair. "Go with the second version," he said curtly, then turned and exited swiftly, his long strides almost resembling a run. Arthur, arriving at that moment, quickly followed him and signaled Larry's team to hold their positions. Jayson's attention shifted as he noticed Ariel standing and heading toward the exit. He followed quietly behind her. Through the glass panes, he watched her enter the small pantry. She rubbed her stiff shoulders and neck, her posture betraying fatigue.

Hungry and sleepy, she hoped to find something to eat and a cup of coffee, but the pantry was nearly bare. Resigned, she sat back down at a nearby table, returning to her paperwork with a weary sigh. Seeing this, Jayson's brow furrowed deeply. He turned to Arthur and said sharply, "Make sure there are plenty of snacks and cookies available. We have our own coffee brand-bring a good supply. Tell Larry to ensure everyone eats on time and that new employees aren't working overtime. Does he even understand how to manage a team properly?" Arthur was left speechless.

Wasn't it Jayson himself who had assigned Ariel to the PR department to gain experience? He didn't dare voice his thoughts aloud. Instead, he simply nodded and hurried off to carry out the orders. Jayson remained where he was, watching Ariel from a distance. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on find~novel~net Sensing someone's eyes on her, Ariel glanced up, catching his gaze. Startled, Jayson bent sharply to hide behind the frosted glass, adopting a posture that hardly suited a man of his stature. Still crouched, he suddenly realized how absurd he must look.

Pressing his lips together, he closed his eyes briefly and chastised himself silently. What on earth was wrong with him? The chapter closes on a quiet yet profound moment of vulnerability and unspoken concern. Ariel, though immersed in the demanding world of Bluum Corp, reveals the human cost of ambition and adaptation-fatigue and solitude amid the corporate hustle. Meanwhile, Jayson's internal struggle surfaces, highlighting his protective instincts and the weight of responsibility he carries for those under his watch, even if his methods appear stern or unyielding.

This interplay between the two characters underscores the delicate balance between expectation and empathy in a high-pressure environment. The silent exchange of glances and Jayson's awkward retreat behind the glass symbolize the tentative steps toward understanding and care that transcend formal roles. It is a reminder that beneath the polished exterior of corporate life, genuine human connections quietly persist, shaping the emotional landscape of this unfolding story.

The atmosphere within the PR department is charged with apprehension, and the decisions made under Jayson's watchful gaze could have lasting repercussions for those involved. As the company grapples with external pressures and internal expectations, the characters will face challenges that test their resolve and reveal hidden facets of their personalities. Readers can anticipate a nuanced exploration of ambition, vulnerability, and the delicate balance of power in the corporate world.