Gary knew that Zach had attended the birthday party hosted by the Spencer family. However, Zach might not have gotten a chance to meet Ariel that day
With them helping with the introductions, it could be a good opportunity for Zach and Ariel to get to know each other.
Gary reckoned it would be nice if those two could become friends. He would leave it to fate whether their relationship could develop into something more.
Zach was rather picky when it came to choosing his partner Moreover, he was someone who was honest and upright at his core.
Carlos was rendered speechless.
After a brief pause, Stanley gave a little cough. “A lot of factors come into play when we’re dealing with matters like our children’s marriage. What’s the point in you trying to rush things here?”
“You’re not feeling rushed, of course! Your son’s so young. He still has a long way to go before he has to settle down and have kids,” Gary grumbled.
Carlos knocked on the surface of the table. “Ariel’s situation is quite complicated. Also, the non–disclosure agreement she has signed is still in effect. Whether it’s about her identity as the U.N2 developer or her husband, you guys should just keep it to yourselves.”
Gary and Stanley understood what Carlos meant by those words. He didn’t have to remind them. Both men were usually so occupied with work that they wouldn’t have the time to meddle in these affairs.
Gary was also aware that the decision was ultimately up to Zach and Ariel, even if he wished to pair them up. All he could do was offer Zach some tips and advice from the sidelines.
After resolving the technical issues, Ariel spoke to Chad about the tender that Stanley had mentioned to her.
Chad had heard Carlos talk about Stanley before. For someone like him to make time to meet Ariel personally, Stanley must have high expectations for Faye Technologies,
The two of them searched for the tender’s information and found that it would be happening next week.
They would be able to further expand the market for Faye Technologies if they successfully make a bid.
Chad was all for it, naturally. He even felt that they should give it their best shot for the tender this time.
“Still, they’re inviting tenders from any local companies that are interested in taking up the project. We’ll be competing with numerous top–tier companies in our country. The chances of us securing the project are quite slim.”
Chad analyzed the situation with a frown on his forehead.
Ariel agreed with his opinion as well. If they could secure the project, the support and publicity they would be receiving from the Department of Defense would surely help improve Faye Technologies‘ business and reputation. They should not miss a chance like this.
Since it rained the night before, the weather was cold and humid on Wednesday morning.
They had already entered the final stage of the collaborative project with the Nexura Solutions team. The date for their product launch had also been decided.
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Still, they needed to repeat some tests to verify certain data and functions of the product, ensuring they had not overlooked any defects or issues.
As the project lead, Ariel needed to visit Nexura Solutions‘ effice with Chad to follow up on the matter and conclude this part of the project.
As they entered Nexura Tower, Chad lowered his head and said teasingly, “You are now low–key a major shareholder of Nexura Solutions. You need to be hoping that their business continues to prosper instead.”
After all, Ariel currently owned a major portion of Nexura Solutions‘ shares. If there were ever an instance where they had to make an important decision for the company, the number of shares and power Ariel possessed would become extremely crucial.
Yes, Jayson had poached one of their employees. But hoping he’d go under? That couldn’t seriously be their endgame.
Soon enough, Tom came downstairs to the lobby. He needed to discuss the subsequent steps in their project with Chad.
Ariel decided to head over to Nexura Solutions‘ 3D sample room first. She had to leave the main building and walk over to the opposite building to get there.
A gust of wind swept through her as soon as she came out of the main entrance. Ariel could almost feel the chill penetrating her skin and reaching her core. She tugged on her collars.
Ariel was about to take another step forward when she saw a Rolls–Royce pulling over in the distance.
Jayson got out of the car. He spotted Ariel, who stood by the entrance, right away. His expression remained unchanged. There was a cold, indifferent look in his eyes.
Ariel thought Jayson would just ignore her and head straight into the building. To her surprise, he walked toward
her.
A slight frown creased her forehead.
Jayson looked at her and asked nonchalantly, “You just got here?”
Ariel could not understand why he had bothered coming over to greet her.
Ariel hummed frigidly in response as she did not expect him to approach her first.
Jayson stared at her pale complexion and glanced at the coat she was wearing. “Isn’t it cold? You’re not wearing. enough layers.”
This time, Ariel could not help knitting her brows and glaring at Jayson. She couldn’t understand exactly what he was trying to do. Was this his way of expressing his concern?
Feeling bewildered, Ariel decided to continue on her way.
Jayson seemed to have sensed what she was about to do. Paying no mind to Ariel’s cold detachment, he lifted the jacket from his arm and settled it gently across her shoulders.
“Put this on. The temperature will probably continue to drop later.”
Ariel hadn’t expected he would do something so considerate for her. She didn’t even have the time to refuse his help.
By the time she had processed what had happened, the jacket bearing Jayson’s warmth had already been draped over her shoulders.
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Still, they needed to repeat some tests to verify certain data and functions of the product, ensuring they had not overlooked any defects or issues.
As the project lead, Ariel needed to visit Nexura Solutions‘ office with Chad to follow up on the matter and conclude this part of the project.
As they entered Nexura Tower, Chad lowered his head and said teasingly, “You are now low–key a major shareholder of Nexura Solutions. You need to be hoping that their business continues to prosper instead.”
After all, Ariel currently owned a major portion of Nexura Solutions‘ shares. If there were ever an instance where they had to make an important decision for the company, the number of shares and power Ariel possessed would become extremely crucial.
Yes, Jayson had poached one of their employees. But hoping he’d go under? That couldn’t seriously be their endgame.
Soon enough, Tom came downstairs to the lobby. He needed to discuss the subsequent steps in their project with
Chad.
Ariel decided to head over to Nexura Solutions‘ 3D sample room first. She had to leave the main building and walk over to the opposite building to get there.
A gust of wind swept through her as soon as she came out of the main entrance. Ariel could almost feel the chill penetrating her skin and reaching her core. She tugged on her collars.
Ariel was about to take another step forward when she saw a Rolls–Royce pulling over in the distance.
Jayson got out of the car. He spotted Ariel, who stood by the entrance, right away. His expression remained unchanged. There was a cold, indifferent look in his eyes.
Ariel thought Jayson would just ignore her and head straight into the building. To her surprise, he walked toward
her.
A slight frown creased her forehead.
Jayson looked at her and asked nonchalantly, “You just got here?”
Ariel could not understand why he had bothered coming over to greet her.
Ariel hummed frigidly in response as she did not expect him to approach her first.
Jayson stared at her pale complexion and glanced at the coat she was wearing. “Isn’t it cold? You’re not wearing enough layers.”
This time, Ariel could not help knitting her brows and glaring at Jayson. She couldn’t understand exactly what he was trying to do. Was this his way of expressing his concern?
Feeling bewildered, Ariel decided to continue on her way.
Jayson seemed to have sensed what she was about to do. Paying no mind to Ariel’s cold detachment, he lifted the jacket from his arm and settled it gently across her shoulders.
“Put this on. The temperature will probably continue to drop later.”
Ariel hadn’t expected he would do something so considerate for her. She didn’t even have the time to refuse his help.
By the time she had processed what had happened, the jacket bearing Jayson’s warmth had already been draped over her shoulders.
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Other than the best of the Trapan Jayson normally use wiel also detected a subtle scent of faries‘ perfume from the jacket. It was Blady that a woman had woth or come into close contart with the packet earlier
Ariel’s expression grew colder. Without the slightest hint hesitation, she grabbed the jacket and hurled it back into Jayson’s arms.
hanks, but I won’t need it”
Ariel moved so swiftly. She didn’t even try to hide her disdain and repulsion
Jayson didn’t seem upset or aggravated. It was as though he had expected this reaction from her. He calmly draped his jacket over his arm again.
He didn’t seem to mind Ariel’s attitude toward him. Jayson said unhurriedly, “Will Faye Tech be participating in the tender put out by the Department of Defense?”
Ariel paused momentarily. It seemed that Jayson had also learned about the tender.
While Ariel remained silent, Jayson continued, “I think your team understands how fierce the competition will get during the tender. You’ll only end up losing unless you have what it takes to secure the project.”
“What is it that you’re trying to say, Mr. Larkin?” Ariel calmly cut him off.
Jayson stared at her impassive face. He curled his lips.
“We should do a joint bidding. Faye Tech can consider collaborating with Veyo Solutions, whereby the two companies will submit a single bid for the project. Faye Tech excels in developing innovative technologies, whereas Veyo Solutions possesses the necessary manpower and technical support. Veyo Solutions is also backed by Nexura Solutions.
“Both parties will be able to get what they want from this collaboration. It’s the best solution for everyone.”
Ariel had a sudden realization.
It explained why Jayson had suddenly approached her and even offered her his jacket, seemingly concerned.
It turned out he was doing all that with an ulterior motive. Jayson had something that he wanted from Faye Technologies‘ side.
Joint bidding sounded like a decent plan. However, Jayson was merely using the opportunity to help Veyo Solutions make a name for itself.
Ariel said nothing. She simply walked past Jayson and headed for the 3D sample room.
Nevertheless, she was giving Jayson’s suggestion some serious thought.
Doing a joint bidding was indeed a much safer option, which offered them a higher chance of securing the project. Jayson was being a lot more thorough by coming up with this plan.
Moreover, there was not much time left. They wouldn’t have enough time to look for another suitable partner to do a joint bidding with anyway.
They would have to discuss the terms and contracts with the other party first. Furthermore, they would have to assess if the other party was a reliable partner.
Jayson had made the proposition with perfect timing.
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Ariel didn’t dwell on the issue for too long. She was not the sole owner of Faye Technologies. Naturally, she wouldn’t just go ahead and decide things on her own. She would have to discuss the matter with her partners first.
After stopping by the sample room, Ariel met up with Chad again. She noticed Jayson and Nancy were there as well.
Both parties acted as if they didn’t have any conflicts recently. No one brought up the incident regarding Jayson’s side poaching a Faye Technologies employee.
When Nancy saw Ariel coming over, she figured the latter must have been away to take care of some errands.
She didn’t spare Ariel another glance. Nancy looked at Chad and said in an earnest tone, “After having spoken to Mr. Carlos last time, I feel even more determined to become his student. I’ll try my best to pass the tests.
“I’ve been working on writing a paper recently. Mr. Chad, would it be possible for me to ask for your help in getting Mr. Carlos to review my paper? It’s fine if that’s too much trouble.”
Nancy seemed sincere and eager to learn more, as evidenced by her meek request for the favor.
Chad raised his brows. He was quite surprised to see Nancy demonstrating this level of determination. She was still trying to seek Carlos‘ advice and guidance for her paper.
“Where do you plan to submit your paper to, Ms. Stanton?”
Nancy beamed. She did not sound overly proud or conceited. “The SCI Aerospace Section Two Journals.”
Nancy was aware that Chad had published a paper in the SCI Aerospace Section One Journals when he was still doing his postgraduate studies.
Four sections had been created to help rank journals and papers of varying levels of knowledge and expertise.
Papers published in the Section One Journals were of the finest academic writing. They were mostly written by widely acclaimed experts or top geniuses who had conducted years of research.
Papers released in the Section Two Journals were deemed one par lower than those in the Section One Journals. Still, only a handful of people in their field of study had managed to get their papers accepted for that category.
Nancy figured it wasn’t surprising that Chad–Carlos‘ son had published in the Section One Journals. He’d likely had his father’s guidance.
With Carlos‘ advice and some hard work, Nancy felt that she might be able to publish her paper in the Section One Journals as well.
Chad was amused after hearing Nancy’s request. He subconsciously glanced at Ariel, who had come up to them but stayed silent.
He had previously published a paper in the SCI Aerospace Section One Journals. However, Ariel had published two papers in that category at the time. Even then, she was already on a different level than he was.
For a moment, there was a look of mischief in his eyes. Then, Chad said, “So, you want to publish your paper in the SCI Aerospace Section Two Journals… Perhaps you could ask Ari to help review your paper.”
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