Making this decision wasn’t easy for Ariel. For a long time, she had deliberately avoided confronting the topic of
treatment.
But now, with a clearer goal and a more definite path, she had no choice but to face it.
It took a while before Lesley replied, “Ms. Walker, given your current condition, we still need a detailed treatment plan. Preoperative chemotherapy is essential. But I still hope you’ll think this through.”
Ariel quietly stared at the message.
Lesley had explained that a more conservative approach might be viable, aside from the necessary removal surgery. But compared to a full hysterectomy, it worked more slowly and was much more unstable.
The only real advantage of the conservative route was that it could temporarily preserve her fertility.
Ariel took a deep breath. She had thought about this.
With the treatment timeline extended, the outcome remained uncertain. It was possible that in the end, all the conservative treatment would amount to was needless suffering.
She didn’t want to risk everything on an outcome full of uncertainty.
After a long silence, Ariel decisively replied, “It’s okay. Let’s start with the preoperative chemotherapy. Please schedule the surgery.”
Better to make a clean decision than waste away in daily fear.
Noticing her determination, Lesley responded, “The surgery can only be scheduled after chemotherapy. You’ll need three sessions first.”
Ariel did the math and felt everything lined up well.
The military project Carlos had mentioned wouldn’t start until the second half of the year.
Each round of chemotherapy was spaced three weeks apart, and even factoring in the post–surgery recovery, it all fit neatly into her schedule.
It didn’t seem like a major issue.
Having made up her mind, Ariel let out a long breath.
Then, she sent Carlos a message. “If everything goes smoothly, I should be available in the second half of the year.
If her treatment went as planned, she could join the military project.
After a long while, Carlos replied, “I’ll arrange for you to meet the folks at the Department of Defense when you’re free.”
Ariel didn’t waste much emotion on this matter.
This trip to Sorenta had been an eye–opener. She was already planning for Faye Technologies to explore a deep partnership with new energy sectors and kick off an innovative R&D direction.
Over lunch, she talked it through with Chad.
He clapped his hands excitedly. “Yes, absolutely! New energy is the future. We’ve got to ride the wave while it’s
hot.”
Chapter 236
+25 BONUS
After lunch, Ariel didn’t forget her appointment with Freyal
They had agreed to meet at a trendy dessert spot near the World Trade Center. Plenty of people came here for dates, meetings, and remote work.
When Ariel arrived, Freya was already waiting with drinks on the table.
Seeing Ariel, she waved cheerfully. “Ms. Walker!”
Ariel walked over. “Have you been waiting long?”
Smiling, Freya slid a yogurt drink across the table. “Not at all! I thought I’d get here early and order for us to save some time.”
Ariel had always liked Freya. She was sweet, polite, and naturally thoughtful.
“So,” she asked, “do you already have a major in mind?”
Freya nodded quickly. “I want to work in drones or aircraft manufacturing. Do you have any advice, Ms. Walker?” Ariel thought for a moment before replying, “There are many paths within that field. Aerospace engineering is one, but there’s also mechanical engineering, materials science, and even computer science.
“It depends on whether you want to focus on building and design or if you’re more interested in developing aircraft systems.”
Freya’s eyes sparkled as she listened. “What did you major in?”
Ariel looked up, a faint smile on her lips. “I majored in physics.”
Freya blinked, taken aback. Then her eyes widened in realization. “Wait, you’re a double major?”
Ariel didn’t deny it. She had indeed pursued a dual degree, majoring in physics and minoring in aerospace engineering.
