Even Ariel was a bit surprised when she heard what Cecilia said.
Cecilia was still standing next to Ariel. She slowly directed her gaze to Nancy, who had a bewildered look on her
face.
“These aircraft represent our country’s pride and honor. It’s only right for us to be strict with granting anyone permission to use them. I’ve heard a great deal about you and your accomplishments, Ms. Stanton. I don’t think you’re qualified for this.”
Due to her background and upbringing, Cecilia was never one to hold back when expressing her opinions.
It was precisely because of the differences in their backgrounds and status that Nancy felt she wouldn’t be able to win this argument against Cecilia, especially when Jayson was not present.
Her expression hardened almost instantly. Nancy tried to suppress the anger rising within her. “Ms. Pryce, do you have some sort of prejudice against me?”
“Allow me to correct that. It’s not prejudice.” Cecilia didn’t try to skirt the issue. With her arms crossed, she scanned Nancy from head to toe. There was’a cold, scornful expression on her face.
“Please get one thing clear, Ms. Stanton. You can’t possibly expect everyone to find you likable. Just because someone refuses to go along with your wishes doesn’t mean they’re prejudiced against you. I would suggest shake off those assumptions first before having this conversation with me.”
The look on Nancy’s face grew far more tense at that point.
Cecilia turned her eyes to Gary. “Uncle Gary, a person’s skills and capabilities are important. However, their integrity and moral standards are equally important too. I think we should exclude those with low moral standards.”
Nancy stiffened. She swiftly directed her gaze toward Gary.
Gary didn’t let his real thoughts and opinions show like these young people. He would still follow the rules and protocols when carrying out his duties.
He replied, “Of course, we’ve made sure to carry out the assessments and evaluation in a fair and transparent way.
11
Cecilia tilted her head and beamed. “I thought so.”
Then, she turned her head and winked at Ariel. “I’m going to keep an eye on her. I’ll stop her at once if she tries to board the aircraft.”
Nancy had noticed Cecilia’s attitude toward her as well.
While she had managed to stop herself from flying into a temper, Nancy could still feel her cheeks burning.
She couldn’t figure out why Cecilia had taken a liking to Ariel. Cecilia had done this specifically to help Ariel, and Nancy wondered if she had even thought about how Samson would feel about it. 1
Nancy took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She knew that clashing with Cecilia would only lead to trouble. Even if Jayson could take care of the aftermath, she didn’t want to agitate Cecilia and make Jayson deal with the
mess.
In the end, Nancy was unable to board the aircraft. She had no choice but to give up on adding that achievement to her résumé.
1/2
Chapter 461
+15 BONUS
Instead, she sent another engineer from their company to record the data on the aircraft.
Ariel could see how Cecilia had Nancy completely under her thumb.
Nancy was a smart person who knew when to yield. Naturally, she would not recklessly pick a fight with Cecilia.
Ariel wasn’t exactly that excited since she had seen or worked with these aircraft a few years ago. Besides, she would be working on developing one soon. Therefore, she remained relatively calm.
When their work there was over, Cecilia‘ and Ariel headed out together.
After being mocked and humiliated by Cecilia today, Nancy had a stony expression on her face as she exited the building.
As Ariel and Cecilia reached the entrance, they saw a Bentley parked in the distance. Jayson was leaning against one of the car doors.
He opened the door for Nancy when the latter got there. Nancy’s face brightened a little. Before getting into the car, she cast Ariel a mocking glance.
So what if Ariel had Cecilia siding with her? Jayson still wouldn’t pay Ariel any attention anyway.
Jayson spotted Ariel and Cecilia as well. However, he merely gave a slight nod. Then, he got into the car and drove off. He didn’t even bother trying to act like he and Ariel shared a harmonious marital relationship. 1
Cecilia furrowed her brows. “Why did he just leave you here?”
Ariel checked the time. She didn’t reply to that question. “Ms. Pryce, did you drive here? Do you need me to give you a lift?”
Cecilia turned down the offer. “That won’t be necessary. I need to head to my studio to sort out and organize my paintings in a bit. There are many things I need to attend to since I’ve just returned from abroad. Maybe we could grab a meal together when you’re free?”
“Sure. See you around then, Ms. Pryce.” Ariel finally got to see for herself how a lady like Cecilia, from an affluent and prominent family, typically carried and conducted herself.
Chapter 462
