Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 825

Ariel noticed how Renee was feeling rather awkward around her.

However, she had no intention of initiating that conversation with her. Renee was no longer a child. She was very much an adult now. It was time she learned to bear the consequences of her decisions and actions.

Renee still had a long way to go and much more to learn in life. It was imperative that she develop a strong sense of values and a positive outlook on life.

After dinner, Betty made the necessary arrangements for their rooms.

Ariel didn't want to be away from Claire for even a second. She carried the baby, who was already dozing off, and headed upstairs.

Just as she lulled Claire to sleep, a knock came at the door. Assuming it was Jayson, Ariel said, "Why bother knocking when it's your own room?"

The person outside hesitated for a few seconds before slowly pushing the door open.

Ariel was surprised to see Evelyn standing there.

Evelyn remained by the doorway, glancing briefly at Claire, who was sleeping soundly, before turning her gaze to Ariel. For a brief moment, the woman who had always seemed cold and calculating wore an awkward expression.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn met Ariel's eyes. "I can see now how serious Jayson is about you. When you went to Bluum Corp to resolve the crisis for him, despite how dire your condition was, my opinion of you completely changed.

"Frankly, I was both impressed and surprised. After all, Jayson and I weren't very kind to you before. Jayson should be grateful for your help that time. As his mother, I think I owe you my thanks."

Evelyn's words caught Ariel off guard.

Given Evelyn's background and upbringing, she had always been slightly conceited and materialistic. For someone like her, it couldn't have been easy to swallow her pride and say something like that.

After all, most people of high social status were reluctant to admit their flaws or mistakes.

A person's mindset was shaped by the environment they grew up in, and changing that was never easy.

She knew Evelyn didn't have to do this. As Jayson's mother, she was someone Ariel was supposed to respect as an elder. Many elders tended to downplay or gloss over actions that hurt their children's feelings, pretending as though nothing had happened.

It must have taken Evelyn considerable courage to take that step.

Ariel then returned to what she was doing, not making too big a deal of what had just happened. It was still too soon to tell how her relationship with Evelyn would develop after this. Ariel didn't want to rush to any conclusions just because Evelyn had apologized.

…

After helping Katie and Leonard settle into their rooms, Jayson quietly returned. He made sure not to make a sound; he didn't want to wake Claire.

Ariel had just finished bathing. When she turned her head, she saw Jayson leaning casually against the wall, one hand in his pocket, watching her.

Ariel gave him a glance as she adjusted the towel wrapped around her hair, then began taking out her skincare products. "Has Grandma already gone to bed?"