Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 823

The baby the couple brought home instantly filled the room with shock and suspense.

Before approaching, Katie had a deep frown on her face. However, when she stopped beside Jayson and took a closer look at the baby, her expression shifted to one of surprise and contemplation.

Then, Katie turned her gaze toward Ariel, who appeared completely calm and composed.

Others might not notice, but Katie had practically watched Ariel grow up. The baby bore an uncanny resemblance to a young Ariel—especially those eyes.

But that couldn't be right.

The discovery left Katie feeling even more confused.

As soon as she got close enough, Betty smacked Jayson hard on the back. She shouted furiously, not even bothering to look at the child first.

"Jayson, you'd better explain yourself! How on earth did you find this child?

"If they're really the child you had with another woman, I'll never acknowledge them as part of the Larkin family! I won't allow anyone with questionable backgrounds or intentions to join our family!"

Betty was genuinely upset.

Jayson and Ariel had been married for several years but never had children. Recently, Ariel had undergone a hysterectomy to treat her cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence.

So how could Betty possibly accept this child who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere? How was she supposed to face Katie afterward if she did?

Jayson winced—Betty hadn't held back when she hit him. He glanced at Ariel, who clearly had no intention of helping him explain the truth. She simply watched with faint amusement.

With a small smile on her lips, Ariel met Jayson's gaze calmly.

He could tell she was deliberately keeping silent while everyone else scolded him.

Sensing something off, Evelyn stepped forward. She took Claire from Jayson's arms and examined her closely.

A year ago, Jayson had been seeing Nancy. But Nancy was never pregnant. Could Jayson have been seeing someone else at the same time? If that were true, Leonard would insist that Ariel cut ties with Jayson for good.

Seeing that even someone as gentle as Leonard was upset, Ariel finally spoke up. "All of you have misunderstood Jayson. I am the mother of this child."

Katie froze in shock. She was the only one who had noticed how much the baby resembled Ariel, but she had no idea when Ariel could've had the baby, or when she'd given birth.

Renee stared at Ariel, eyes wide, her brows drawn tightly together. "Ariel, don't let love blind you. Even if you've accepted this child, the Larkin family won't.

"You could always adopt a baby and raise them as your own. Or wait a few years, and I'll let you adopt one of my children. But this? What are you doing—an act of charity?"

Renee simply couldn't understand. She even wondered if Ariel had lost her mind. Why would she accept the child Jayson had with another woman?

Betty didn't even want to look at the baby in Evelyn's arms. She quickly grabbed Ariel's hands.

"Ari, you don't have to force yourself to accept this. We can talk about children later. I never said anything about rushing you two into making a decision, nor was I ever going to be upset about it. You…"