Chapter 286
Chad found it a bit strange as well.
He had never met Samson before. It was their first time meeting during the engagement party, Yet, Samson seemed quite interested in the Faye Technologies team.
“Perhaps it was because… I was really likable?” For once, Chad sounded a bit smug and narcissistic.
Ariel couldn’t be bothered to respond to that. She replied curtly, “We’ll attend the seminar. It’s never a bad thing to exchange and learn new knowledge from other people.”
Chad dropped his gaze and focused on replying to Samson’s message.
After that, Chad met up with Jayson and his team to discuss their terms for the joint bidding.
Initially, Chad thought Jayson would be more assertive and would not allow Faye Technologies‘ team too much authority over the project. To his surprise, Jayson was very accommodating the entire time. He had no objections to all of the requests from Faye Technologies.
Ariel understood what Jayson was trying to do.
Jayson’s goal wasn’t to maximize profits for Veyo Solutions from the Department of Defense project. Rather, he saw it as a chance to elevate the company’s visibility and lay down a solid foundation for its future.
He was looking at the bigger picture for Nancy and Veyo Solutions.
Tender matters notwithstanding, it remained uncertain whether Nancy could truly rise to the challenge of leading Veyo Solutions, even with all the backing she’d gotten from Jayson.
Ariel treated the matter with care and caution. After discussing the contract’s details with Chad, she also added some terms regarding the liability for the breach of contract.
With everything double–checked and accountability clauses clearly stated in the contract, the team wrapped up their tender submission.
The bid for the tender was held at Eldoria’s Public Resources Trading Center.
It was slowly getting warmer outside.
On the day of the tender, Ariel wore a purple formal suit. Her top had a fitted cut around the waist and a ruffled hem. She was wearing a form–fitting, mid–length skirt. Ariel looked formal and feminine but not too flashy.
Numerous bidders from all across the country showed up at the center. Many famous, prominent figures were gathered there.
After entering the main hall, Ariel quickly spotted the most extinguished guest of the event that day.
A group of men surrounded Stanley as he moved around inside the hall. Except for important personnel, the information regarding the location and other details of today’s tender had been kept a secret from most people.
Ariel finally understood why a lot of security guards had been stationed around the venue.
Stanley noticed Ariel too.
Ariel reminded Chad that they should greet Stanley. Then, she and Chad went over to meet him.
“Ariel, we meet again.” Stanley had a lot of respect and admiration for Ariel. The dominating presence that he usually had while facing the reporters‘ cameras had dissipated slightly.
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Ariel chuckled softly. “Mr. Pryce, this is Chad Hockney. You probably already know him.”
Chad acted a lot more formal and polite around Stanley. “Long time no see, Mr. Pryce.”
Normally, Chad wouldn’t have the chance to meet or talk to high–level official like Stanley. It was Carlos who knew Stanley and would meet him from time to time. Chad had only met Stanley once back when he was doing his work at the research institute.
Stanley patted Chad’s shoulder. “Let’s grab some coffee together next time. You have a lot of capable, talented people working for Faye Tech now. With you and Ariel managing the company, I foresee a bright future ahead of you and your team.”
“I can’t thank you enough for your kind words.” Chad nodded humbly.
Ariel smiled as well upon hearing those words.
At that moment, there was a small commotion in the distance. They could vaguely hear people calling out the name “Mr. Larkin“.
Chad turned around and glanced in the direction from which the noise was coming.
At the entrance, Jayson and Nancy walked side by side as they entered the hall.
With Jayson’s status and background, even the top executives working at companies based outside of their city
knew who he was. They all went over to greet Jayson.
As for Nancy, she had grown increasingly accustomed to these social situations after attending similar events with Jayson on numerous occasions.
Soon enough, Jayson noticed Ariel’s group. He fixed his gaze on Ariel for a brief moment.
Ariel stood out in her classy, elegant outfit. Even though it was supposed to be a rather formal event, there were a few men who could not stop themselves from looking her way.
Jayson stiffened slightly. He swiftly averted his gaze and spotted Stanley, who stood before Ariel.
Shortly afterward, Jayson led Nancy as he made his way through the crowd to Stanley.
“Mr. Pryce.” Jayson had a calm look on his face as he greeted Stanley.
Stanley paused briefly. He scanned Jayson from head to toe.
Stanley knew quite a lot about the current head of the Larkin family. Bluum Corp was one of the leading companies in their country, having produced many tools and technologies imperative to the development of various sectors.
Their company had also worked closely with government agencies on various projects previously. The company had a strong, solid foundation.
Stanley nodded.
“Mr. Larkin, is Bluum Corp participating in the bidding too?” he asked.
Jayson smiled slightly. He replied in an unhurried tone, “Bluum Corp will only be assisting. The company that’ll be joining the bidding is Veyo Solutions.”
Ariel had expected this to happen. Jayson would never miss the opportunity to introduce Nancy to someone important like Stanley.
Nancy recognized the man before her as well. Normally, common people would never even get the chance to meet
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an influential person like him. Therefore, Nancy was feeling quite surprised and excited inside.
She introduced herself in a polite manner. “Mr. Pryce, I’mancy Stanton. I’m the representative of Veyo Solutions. It’s an honor for me to be able to meet you here today.”
Stanley cast her a sideways glance when Nancy started talking.
She seemed to gain a lot of confidence with Jayson standing by her side. Stanley could also see the ambitious, confident look reflected in her eyes.
Then, Stanley glanced furtively at Ariel, whose expression was calm and indifferent.
He had learned from Carlos that Jayson and Ariel were married.
At the moment, Stanley could see how Jayson was treating Ariel as if she were a complete stranger. Moreover, Jayson was being all kind and caring to another woman.
Stanley found the situation extremely absurd and ridiculous as he watched what was happening in front of him.
He had no intention of speaking to Nancy. With one hand against his back, Stanley merely gave a slight nod expressionlessly. It was impossible to tell whether he had actually taken notice of Nancy or not.
Then, Stanley looked at Ariel and said in a gentle tone, “Ariel, you two should go ahead and focus on what you need to handle first. I’m going to head in first.”
Ariel nodded. “Alright.”
With people trailing behind him, Stanley soon made his way to the other side of the hall.
Meanwhile, Jayson had a pensive look on his face as he directed his gaze at Ariel. It was pretty obvious how different Stanley was when speaking to Ariel.
As the person who was given the cold shoulder, Nancy had also noticed the preferential treatment Ariel had received.
A small frown creased her forehead. She felt a little upset and disappointed.
However, Nancy quickly figured things out.
It was not that Stanley had no interest in her. He had probably given such a lukewarm reaction because he hardly
knew her.
On the other hand, Chad was Carlos‘ only son. Carlos would often meet important people like Stanley for his work. Naturally, the Hockney family must have formed strong connections with these high–level officials.
Stanley probably knew Chad.
As the person working for Chad, Ariel would also receive more attention and enjoy special treatment from Stanley.
Otherwise, what could possibly make Ariel so special that someone like Stanley was treating her differently?
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