Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 680

Shane had been the first in the Larkin family to truly realize just how much Jayson valued Ariel.

"Now that you're back, what's your plan?" Jayson asked as if nothing had ever happened. His tone was calm and unreadable.

Sometimes, Shane hated that about him. He was always so composed, but every move of his was ruthless.

"Why? Nervous about me coming back?" Shane chuckled, throwing the question out as a joke.

Jayson's gaze slid lazily his way. "I'm glad that you don't hold a grudge. Back then, it was a real blow to your pride. Now that you're back, people will still gossip. You'll probably feel uneasy for a while."

The words might as well have slapped a "loser" label across Shane's face.

Shane's smile didn't waver, but he knew the truth. He had lost badly, and plenty of people had enjoyed watching the spectacle. Despite being a year older, he had still ended up shoved overseas.

"How could I? We're family in the end. Family doesn't hold grudges," Shane answered smoothly.

Jayson didn't bother humoring such empty lines.

He had expected Shane and his family's return. When he had forced them abroad, he had known it was only a matter of time. After all, no one would willingly accept being cast out and exiled.

Shane patted Jayson's shoulder and turned back toward the living room.

Jayson didn't follow immediately. He lingered in the quiet corridor, his thoughts heavy.

Back then, he was overwhelmed, with too many things crashing down on him at once.

Ariel's accident was pure misfortune. Before Jayson rose to power, the hidden battles were endless, with every dirty trick in play.

Shane knew well that Ariel was his weak spot. He wouldn't stay abroad forever or accept being under his thumb. Returning to Croinia was inevitable, and he would probably use Ariel against him from time to time.

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