While Frederick grasped what Chad was implying, he disapproved of his tendency to jump to conclusions. His gaze fell contemptuously on Ariel, whom Cedric had so obviously brushed off.
“Ms. Stanton has just submitted a research paper for the category of the SCI Aerospace Section One Journals recently. It ought to be someone else who should be putting in some hard work.”
Although he didn’t specify who that person was, it was clear to everyone whom Frederick was referring to.
Zach leaned against the wall, a slight frown on his face as he watched Frederick. Frederick’s extreme protectiveness of Nancy made him wonder if they’d always been that close.
Frederick’s subtle hint wasn’t lost on Nancy either. Within moments, Cedric and Frederick had both, in their own ways, highlighted Ariel’s lesser standing compared to her. And Ariel, for her part, couldn’t say a word against it, given it was the undeniable truth.
Ariel, on the other hand, saw no point in arguing with petty narrow–minded individuals. She remained expressionless as she turned and walked away, not bothering to respond to any of Frederick’s taunts.
Chad shook his head. “You published two research papers in that category within a short span five years ago. You wouldn’t be submitting your third paper only recently if you hadn’t had to drop your studies and research work for the past few years. Yet, those people are boasting about submitting just one paper for review.”
Coincidentally, Ariel had also just submitted her third research paper for review. Chad figured this was Nancy’s chance to realize she stood no chance against Ariel’s significant lead. Furthermore, Nancy likely received help with her paper from Cedric, while Ariel, who wrote hers independently, was on a completely different level.
It was probable that Nancy couldn’t fully comprehend Ariel’s papers from five years ago. She likely wouldn’t even fully understand Ariel’s newest paper, especially with how much Ariel had evolved since then.
Ariel wasn’t particularly angry or upset. Everyone was bound to make some wrong decisions in life, and she had no regrets about the past few years, nor did she feel the need to dwell on or punish herself for what had occurred.
Giving her all to what she genuinely loved was good, but continuing to do so when it was clearly a waste of effort would be wrong. Ariel was simply glad she was now doing what she was truly passionate about.
Ariel noticed that even government officials were present at the summit. The Yeager Group’s events, unlike those of regular companies, were always on a much grander scale Still, she couldn’t quite figure out why Cedric was there.
Jayson’s presence drew a steady stream of people, each coming to greet him and engage in business discussions.
Seeing people cluster around Jayson, Nancy, finding herself with a moment, walked over to Zach when she noticed him. “Mr. Quinton,” she began, “I truly apologize for what occurred. My failure to realize my subordinates ‘misconduct sooner was entirely my fault, and it almost jeopardized Vireon.”
Her apology for the past incident was conveyed with a seemingly earnest expression.
Zach fixed his gaze on her. To claim he was entirely unaffected by the incident would be a lie; a company faced enormous losses once deemed a high–risk partner. He understood Nancy was merely a victim in the whole affair. Yet…
“What matters is that the issue’s been resolved now. Regardless, we have no choice but to terminate our partnership this time.”
With the pressure from Faye Technologies, there was no way Zach would insist on proceeding with their partnership with Veyo Solutions. He would be crazy to do something like that.
Chapter 409
+25 BONUS
Additionally, Zach had been pondering why Liam had warned him to keep some distance from Nancy and her company. Liam had rarely meddled in these matters, except for when he felt it was absolutely necessary.
Nancy could understand Zach’s decision to terminate their partnership. After all, he didn’t have much of a choice since Vireon had purchased the patent license from Faye Technologies.
She nodded and calmly responded, “Okay. Hopefully, we’ll get another opportunity to work together again without the interference from a third party.”
Nancy figured that should be enough to make her point.
Turning, Nancy spotted Samson entering the hall. He began scanning his surroundings the moment he stepped inside, seemingly looking for someone.
After a moment of thought, Nancy felt this was the opportune time to pose some questions to Samson, so she walked over to him.
Samson, meanwhile, smirked as his gaze landed on something. He was about to move when Nancy intercepted him.
“Mr. Pryce.”
Samson had no choice but to pause and look at Nancy.
A cheery mood settled over Nancy as she saw Samson lower his head at the sound of her voice, causing her eyes to
crinkle with mirth.
