Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 810

Samson found his subordinate's words absurd, especially since the baby was the key to his entire plan.

When he'd mentioned the child to Jayson, the man's anxious reaction had seemed genuine, as if he wanted to retrieve the baby immediately. That could only mean the child should have been there.

Samson's expression darkened as a thought struck him. What if Jayson had only pretended to be shocked and worried? What if it had all been an act?

The realization hit him like a jolt. Jayson must have been stalling for time because he'd discovered Samson was still hiding somewhere in the city.

Samson's face grew grim as the truth sank in. In that case, the sighting of Jayson boarding a plane had probably been staged as well.

He ended the call abruptly and dialed another number. "Get the plane ready. We're leaving Bellador right now!"

From behind a tall potted plant, Ariel had overheard everything.

Her heart pounded.

The baby wasn't at the medical institution. Samson's men hadn't found her. That meant the child was safe—beyond Samson's reach.

At that, relief and renewed strength coursed through Ariel's body.

Before Samson turned around, she quietly slipped away and hurried back to her room, forcing herself to think fast about her next move.

She still had a little time. Samson's men would need a while to prepare the plane.

About 40 minutes later, Samson opened the door again. His expression was calm, his tone even. "There's been a change of plans. We're leaving Bellador today. Let's go—our ride is ready."

He didn't explain further.

He couldn't tell Ariel the truth. All he needed was for her to contact Croinia's officials soon and confirm her resignation. Once they reached Durosaro, it wouldn't matter anymore, even if she discovered that Jayson and the baby were safe and sound.

Ariel maintained a neutral expression, pretending she knew nothing. She nodded calmly, having already slipped her hidden phone into her pocket.

Outside, she spotted a helicopter waiting on the lawn.

Its propellers thundered, whipping powerful gusts of wind across the yard.

Ariel intended to make her escape while Samson's men were distracted by treating his injury. She dared not stop to catch her breath, running so hard that she felt her heart was on the verge of bursting.

Clutching the helicopter door to steady himself, Samson had a hurt and dejected look in his eyes. "Bring her back. But ensure you don't hurt her."

Samson felt certain Ariel wouldn't escape. He had never mentioned the men positioned on all the surrounding streets.

Ariel was slowly losing strength in her legs. Her muscles screamed in protest, threatening to cramp. She wiped away the tears that streamed from the corners of her eyes.

Finally, Ariel, far more frail than an average person, collapsed heavily onto the lawn. Despite the throbbing pain across her body, she desperately tried to climb back to her feet and keep running.

Samson's men were closing in fast behind her. Ariel felt a wave of profound powerlessness, yet still refused to surrender.

Just as she struggled to push herself up, she heard the loud whirring of an aircraft propeller directly overhead.

She looked up and instantly recognized the familiar aircraft—a model she had personally helped design. For a moment, Ariel was left stunned and bewildered.