Nancy quickly composed herself and asked modestly, “What makes you say that, Commander Quinton?”
Gary set down his cup, genuinely surprised. “You’ve introduced so much about Veyo Solutions, Have I misunderstood? I thought you were speaking on behalf of Mr. Larkin as one of his employees.”
At that moment, Jayson finally looked up with a smile. “She’s not.”
He gave no further explanation about their relationship.
Ariel didn’t look over, but she knew exactly what Jayson was doing. He was paving the way for Nancy’s rise, probably aiming to push her deeper into the military sector
Quite the elaborate plan.
Just then, the door to the private room opened.
Zach arrived fashionably late.
His eyes quickly scanned the room and caught sight of Ariel sitting next to Gary. Even Chad was a seat away.
Everyone at the table greeted Zach.
Nancy had already moved on from what had just happened and gave Zach a polite nod.
Gary, pleased by the arrival, gestured toward the seat next to Chad. “Sit there.”
That was close enough to Ariel.
Zach didn’t object but couldn’t understand why this lunch was happening in the first place.
“Everyone here knows each other, right?” Gary asked.
Zach hesitated, stealing a glance at Ariel. “More or less.”
Ariel’s gaze remained steady. She was completely focused on listening. She didn’t even acknowledge Zach’s arrival.
That didn’t escape Zach’s notice. He frowned.
Was she deliberately giving him the cold shoulder?
Gary was oblivious to the strange vibe between them. As long as they could sit down and have a meal, it was a good enough start. If the first impression went well, the rest would follow.
The other company executives joined in the conversation, discussing major trends from recent years and exchanging ideas with Gary.
After staying up late last night at the Hockney residence debating aerospace topics and waking early today, Ariel- already with a fragile constitution–started to feel a headache creeping in. Her body ached all over.
Her health was becoming more fragile by the day.
Seeing that Gary and the others were deep in serious conversation, she didn’t want her current state to affect the mood.
She leaned in and whispered to Chad, “I’m going to step outside for some air.”
Noticing her pale complexion, Chad asked with a frown, “Want me to come with you?”
Ariel patted his shoulder. “No, you need to stay here.”
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Chapter 309
She quietly rose without interrupting the ongoing conversation.
However, her seat was deep inside, so she had to pass several people to leave.
She kept her presence low, trying not to disturb anyone as she made her way out.
Just then, the door opened again, and a waiter pushed in a cart carrying a steaming pot of soup.
He nearly ran into Ariel. He hadn’t expected anyone to be standing so close to the door.
The waiter gasped, “Watch out! I’m sorry.”
The space was cramped. Ariel quickly stepped aside, fearful that the hot pot might burn her.
In that split second, she accidentally slammed the side of her waist against the corner of the table.
The commotion caught the attention of those at the table.
+25 BONUS
But Ariel couldn’t care less. She clutched her abdomen in pain. Her face turned deathly pale as cold sweat broke out across her forehead.
The blow landed right on the affected area, sending unbearable pain flooding through her.
She couldn’t maintain her usual calm facade any longer. The world spun around her, and her consciousness slipped away.
Just as she was about to faint, a cold voice cut through the chaos. “Go start the car.”
A shadow moved swiftly, scooping her up just as she was about to collapse. Without hesitation, he carried her out of the private room.
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Chapter 310
