Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 587

Chapter 587

Jayson had attended this public event with the intention of making some clarifications.

He lowered his gaze and glanced at Ariel. “Since we’re already here… aside from your personal donation, why don’t we make a joint one?”

Ariel met his gaze, her expression betraying nothing. “You can do as you see fit.”

“Alright.” Jayson lifted his gaze and looked at the charity event’s organizer standing nearby. His voice was calm and composed as he addressed the audience.

“This is probably our first time attending an event as a married couple. There have been some negative opinions and speculation about my wife on certain online platforms. She isn’t the type to be bothered by

gossip, but I know those rumors have affected her.

“Tonight, I’m donating 99 million dollars under both our names. I hope it brings as much good energy to

our marriage as it does to this cause.”

Ariel blinked in surprise, startled by the staggering amount. She looked at Jayson in disbelief.

Cecilia’s brows knitted as she stared at Jayson’s impassive face, a storm of mixed emotions flashing

through her eyes.

The guests were stunned.

With their sharp instincts, most of them quickly understood Jayson’s intentions.

If anyone else had faced such slander, they might have lashed out in anger or sought revenge. But Jayson’s method was far more strategic. Not only did his announcement serve as a warning to those gossiping about Ariel, it also made their closeness undeniable. From now on, few would dare speak ill of

her.

Cecilia could see exactly what he was doing.

If Jayson had wanted to, he could have silenced every mention of the article entirely. He had the means to wipe the web of any trace of it. But he chose not to. Instead, he took a route that best protected Ariel’s

reputation.

Yet, Cecilia couldn’t understand it. The article’s claims about that past incident were true. Why was

Jayson defending Ariel now?

“You’re very generous, Mr. Larkin…” Cecilia said at last, snapping out of her daze. She smiled, but her eyes

held no warmth.

Jayson glanced at her. “The best way to fight against cheap, dirty tricks is to expose them for what they

are.”

1/3

Chapter 587

+15 BONUS

Cecilia smiled slightly. “You’re right. That’s very wise of you, Mr. Larkin.”

Her attention shifted to Ariel, who had remained utterly composed throughout the exchange. Cecilia smiled sweetly. “Ariel, you must be very happy, being married to a man like him.”

Ariel’s expression didn’t change. Her tone was steady, though there was a hint of irony in her words. “You

shouldn’t lower your standards too much when choosing a partner, Ms. Pryce.”

Moments ago, Cecilia had criticized Jayson for favoring Nancy over Ariel. Now she was implying Ariel

should be happy with her marriage. The contradiction in her words was glaring.

Cecilia’s gaze flicked to Jayson before she chuckled lightly. “You’re right. I was just touched, that’s all.

Few men would go as far as Mr. Larkin has.”

The charity’s organizer was delighted. Jayson and Ariel had just made the largest donation of the evening.

Typically, guests donated a few million dollars–enough to maintain a positive image for their companies

or brands. But Jayson’s 99 million was a shock even to top enterprises.

Almost instantly, rumors that Ariel had forced Jayson into marriage or that their relationship was

stormy were silenced.

Jayson’s move was clever. He didn’t need to waste manpower or resources to shut down the gossip directly. And in doing so, he also gained favor by supporting a good cause.

Just then, Ariel’s phone chimed with a notification.

She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Janice containing a link.

“What’s this? Bluum Corp has just issued a statement! Jayson said that he…”

Ariel frowned and clicked the link to find out what it was.