Chapter 39
When Ariel heard the words “Mr. Larkin’s girlfriend“, she paused for a moment.
So he was capable of acknowledging a relationship at work.
He could make his love known, let Nancy move freely within the company, and give her the security of being seen as someone official.
Tu In Jayson’s eyes, it seemed Nancy was the only one worthy of that.
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Janice gave a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Girlfriend? Oh, so you’re not an actual employee here?”
Nancy smiled graciously. “Jayson granted me permission to study on–site at Nexura Solutions. I’m not officially employed, but I help evaluate certain projects.“‘
So she had a say in today’s material inspection too?
Ariel frowned slightly.
Jayson had granted Nancy so many exceptions.
She wasn’t an employee, yet she could freely access the confidential sample room, view manufacturing processes and 3D modeling blueprints, and even participate in key production projects.
Tom quickly explained, “Don’t worry, Ms. Swanson, Ms. Stanton is more than capable. Mr. Larkin said she could be made aware of the details here. If anything goes wrong, he’ll take full responsibility.”
Janice almost laughed in disbelief. She was furious on Ariel’s behalf.
They hadn’t even officially divorced yet, and Jayson was already grooming and legitimizing the mistress.
Ariel stayed silent.
She was thinking. She used to believe Jayson was simply cold by nature and strict about rules and boundaries. That was why he never allowed her to cross the line.
He wouldn’t let her visit his office, greet him at work, disclose anything about their relationship, or have any part in Bluum Corp projects.
Now she understood. It wasn’t about rules and boundaries. It was because she wasn’t worth making exceptions for. Even if she had declared herself Mrs. Larkin, she still wouldn’t matter as much as Nancy, the one Jayson favored. “If we’re going to talk about parts in detail, you may need to wait a bit, Ms. Swanson. I need to check on the progress in the sample room first. Mr. Chapman will show you around in the meantime.” Nancy nodded politely and looked at Tom.
Tom immediately jumped in with a smile. “How about I show you both the 3D model blueprints first?”
Ariel could tell Tom took orders from Nancy. He was supposed to be the highest–ranking person here. Yet Nancy had more authority than he did.
Why? Because Jayson gave her that power.
Even in front of Ariel, Nancy showed no fear. That was what it looked like when someone had the confidence of
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being loved.
Janice had finally had enough. She was about to puke.
Nancy dared to act so high and mighty even in front of the real lady of Bluum Corp. Wasn’t that way too arrogant?
“I’m a shareholder at Faye Tech. Ms. Stanton, since you aren’t officially employed here, you don’t have the authority to keep us waiting. I expect someone of equal standing to speak with me. What’s your title exactly, Ms. Stanton? Are you qualified to meet with me?” Janice said sharply with a fake smile.
Jayson might have granted Nancy privileges, but she was still not part of the management team.
Nancy’s expression didn’t change as she looked at Janice.
She was surprised, though. She thought Janice, as one of Faye Technologies‘ major shareholders, would at least keep things professional.
And yet, she was also swayed in her judgment and actions by just a few words from Ariel.
The way Faye Technologies! management handled things wasn’t promising.
Moreover, it looked like Ariel had been poisoning people’s minds against her.
Otherwise, why would Chad and Janice both have such strong biases?
Nancy looked at Ariel and finally said, “Ms. Swanson, I hope we can keep things professional. If you’re uncomfortable, I can have Mr. Chapman discuss the matter with you directly. After all, the focus is on collaboration, isn’t it?
Janice scoffed.
Was that supposed to be her showing grace?
Caught in the middle, Tom looked nervous.
The tension in the room was thick. While he didn’t fully understand what had happened, Nancy was, after all, Jayson’s girlfriend. He had to show her some respect.
Ariel gently stopped Janice from firing back. She hadn’t forgotten the purpose of today’s visit. “Mr. Chapman, could we go over the next steps, please?”
Tom let out a quiet breath of relief and gave Ariel a grateful look.
Fortunately, she had diffused the situation. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have known which side to take.
Nancy didn’t seem bothered by Janice’s attitude. With poise, she simply said, “I’ll let you get back to it.”
With that, she turned to leave.
Janice sneered. “She really thinks she’s something!”
Ariel turned to Tom. “Let’s go check out the sample room.”
Tom now found Ariel far more composed and insightful than Janice. He couldn’t help but explain, “You might think Ms. Stanton doesn’t hold much authority, but that’s not the case. Mr. Larkin values her deeply.
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“The two of them are really close. I’d say it’s only a matter of time before they get married. So we’re really not disrespecting you. Having Ms. Stanton speak with you is the same as having the future Mrs. Larkin herself handle the meeting.”
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