Chapter 191
Having Jayson accompany Nancy onstage changed the meaning entirely.
His status already placed him in the top tier of the elite. Rather than saying he was giving a speech with Nancy, it was more like he was boosting her image.
There were many top–tier executives and corporate heads present. Seeing this would almost certainly give Nancy a clear path in her career.
Even Chad frowned, then glanced at Ariel beside him.
If that really happened, it would be no different from publicly confirming their relationship.
Ariel returned his look with a calm gaze.
It didn’t matter to her.
At this point, how could she not see how much Jayson valued and cherished Nancy? It no longer came as a surprise.
Noticing that Ariel was completely unfazed brought Chad some relief.
Nancy tilted her head toward Jayson. “Jayson?”
Jayson glanced at his watch. With a trace of regret in his voice, he replied softly, “I have a call coming in soon. I have to take it. You go ahead.”
Nancy looked briefly disappointed.
But it made sense. Jayson was always busy. He often took long international calls even in the middle of dinner. It was understandable.
Nancy smiled. “Then could you at least walk me to the stage?”
She gestured down at her heels. “They’re too high, and it’s a bit slippery.”
Jayson lowered his eyes to look and smiled faintly before replying casually, “Of course.”
He stood and offered his arm with gentlemanly grace.
With a sweet smile, Nancy slipped her hand through his.
The two of them walked right past Ariel.
Thunderous applause erupted behind them.
Ariel watched the scene like an outsider as Jayson escorted Nancy up the stage under the spotlight.
A handsome man and a beautiful woman stood side by side, radiating charm. The students burst into excited cheers.
Renee suddenly dashed over and held her phone high, recording from multiple angles. “Good luck, Nancy!”
Perhaps Nancy had heard the shout. She glanced down toward the audience, then turned back and shared a smile with the man behind her.
Behind Ariel, some of the guests began whispering in hushed voices.
1/3
Chapter 191
+25 BONUS
“Walking her onstage himself? That’s too sweet. This is what it means to lift each other up.”
“No one else gets that treatment.”
“Exactly. Mr. Larkin’s always been known for being disciplined and rumor–free. But for the right woman, he gives her his full support. That’s the kind of man who gives you security.”
“If I were a man, I’d like someone like Nancy too. She’s beautiful, accomplished, perfect for social settings, and definitely wife material. They’re a real power couple.”
Chad heard it all. He sneered and muttered to Ariel, “They should really get the ‘Most Virtuous Couple‘ award.”
Ariel said nothing.
Now, watching their so–called affection, she felt completely detached. She had reached a state of inner peace.
Onstage, Nancy’s theoretical knowledge was impressive, and she spoke with a calm confidence that commanded respect. She carried herself with elegance and poise.
Ariel looked up, only to catch sight of Jayson gazing at the stage. There was unmistakable admiration in his eyes.
She turned to Chad. “You’ll be up next.”
Chad nodded.
When Nancy finished, Chad stepped up as the final speaker.
He shared fascinating stories from the aerospace field, gave an overview of recent decades of progress, and ended with invaluable career advice for the students.
Finally, he introduced the innovative highlights of Faye Technologies‘ new project.
Ariel glanced around.
The audience was clearly captivated. The reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic.
As Chad wrapped up, he flipped the presentation to the final slide.
Smiling, he said, “And that’s it for today. If any of you are interested, feel free to reach out. Faye Tech looks forward to strong collaborations.”
At that instant, the back rows erupted in thunderous applause. However, the front row remained quiet.
Jayson stared at the projection screen.
The list of project leads for Faye Technologies‘ new project included seven names.
Chad was at the top, with Ariel listed just below him.
Jayson narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
And he wasn’t the only one. Zach and Frederick both frowned immediately. Their faces showed clear disbelief, or maybe they thought they had misread.
Nancy’s smile began to fade the moment she spotted Ariel’s name. Confusion and surprise passed through her
eyes.
2/3
Chapter 191
+25 BONUS
But once the shock wore off, she chuckled inwardly.
Why would Ariel’s name be included on a key project at Faye Technologies? Had there been a mistake?
“What’s going on?” Frederick leaned over. “That can’t be right, can it?”
Nancy pressed her lips together. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who thought it was absurd. It just didn’t add
- up.
Zach glanced at Ariel’s profile, then saw Chad step off stage. He was the first to walk over.
“Mr. Hockney, this project’s tech scope is bigger than I imagined. But… if I may ask, why is Ms. Walker listed as one of the project leads?”
The others began to gather.
Frederick added, “Mr. Hockney, is this some kind of joke?”
For a project of this magnitude, it was unlikely such an error would occur.
Chad, seeing the small crowd forming, pulled Ariel slightly closer and into the center. Raising an eyebrow, he said, “It’s not a joke. Ari is indeed one of the project leads.”
Frowning, Frederick looked Ariel up and down, then suddenly let out a laugh. “Mr. Hockney, this is a serious project. You’re putting a junior employee in a lead position? That’s a bit much, isn’t it?”
Zach gave Ariel a complicated look. He seemed genuinely incredulous. “Well, it seems you and Mr. Hockney share a close bond. He’s going all out to support you. Honestly, having a friend like him in your corner is something to envy.”
Ariel raised her eyes to meet his.
She understood what he was implying. He meant Chad was playing favorites and pulling strings to prop her up.
Zach didn’t believe for a second that she had actually contributed.
Nancy understood the subtext too.
She nodded, then said with a professional air, “Mr. Hockney, I know this project needs investors, but naming a non–specialist as lead could raise doubts.
“It might cause people to question Faye Tech’s standards and credibility. Perhaps you should reconsider for the sake of the bigger picture, Mr. Hockney.”
