Chapter 306
To Nancy, the scene unfolding before her eyes was downright baffling.
Gary didn’t hesitate for even a second. He walked toward Ariel with clear intent and purpose..
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Someone with Gary’s status had never been the one to initiate anything. Usually, people tripped over themselves just to get on his radar.
Yet now, he was going out of his way to incet Ariel.
Nancy felt an unexplainable tightness in her chest.
Logically speaking, if Ariel ever got an opportunity like this, she would be the one rushing to talk to Gary. But now, things were happening the other way around.
Nancy frowned, unable to make sense of it.
Just then, Jayson finished his call and strolled over. His sharp eyes also caught sight of the scene unfolding in the distance.
Gary looked oddly cheerful as he approached Ariel and extended his hand.
Ariel, calm and composed, returned the handshake with a polite smile.
Nancy pressed her lips together and withdrew her gaze to look up at Jayson. “Jayson, Commander Quinton didn’t say much to me. He had someone else to talk to.”
She didn’t mention Ariel by name. Some people didn’t even deserve a mention.
Jayson looked in that direction, his eyes revealing nothing.
Nancy frowned slightly. “Does that feel a little odd to you too?”
But soon, she noticed Chad walk over to Ariel.
The scene that had been gnawing at her finally started to make some sense.
Gary and Chad knew each other. If Chad had intended to help Ariel make these connections, then sure, some of that respect might have been out of courtesy to him.
This wasn’t recognition Ariel earned on her own.
At that thought, Nancy smirked and didn’t say anything else.
Meanwhile, Jayson casually slipped one hand into his pocket. His gaze was fixed on Ariel as she conversed effortlessly with Gary. Her demeanor was poised, and there was a polite smile on her face. She seemed gracious, yet subtly detached.
Even in front of someone like Gary, she didn’t flinch.
Jayson had met Gary a few times over the years, but he couldn’t recall him ever being this animated with anyone.
Eventually, he tore his gaze away. His lashes lowered just slightly. The faintest hint of emotion flickered behind his otherwise unreadable eyes.
On Ariel’s end, this was the first proper introduction she had ever had with Gary.
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Chapter 306
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The look of admiration in his eyes was obvious. “You’re impressive, Ariel. Carlos really has been keeping a gem hidden all this time.”
Hidden gem was putting it lightly. Someone like Ariel would be highly sought after anywhere in the world.
Even Carlos had once praised her, saying, “We only get one prodigy like her every few decades.”
U.N2 was something Ariel developed when she was just 20 years old. It had already been deployed on real battlefields and exported to multiple countries.
From the moment it was unveiled, it drew strong interest from nations around the world.
By now, it had earned a fierce reputation worldwide as a powerhouse weapon.
To ensure absolute technical control, keeping Ariel’s identity under wraps was essential.
Ariel offered a modest smile. “You’re too kind, sir.”
Chad looked over, eyes brimming with pride and admiration.
Gary waved it off with a laugh. “You’re being far too humble. Carlos probably already mentioned the sixth- generation fighter jet project for the second half of the year. Have you considered it?”
Ariel glanced around instinctively. Thankfully, they were the only ones around here.
She replied softly, “Thank you for the offer. If I can contribute to the Department of Defense in any way, it’d be an honor.”
Gary’s grin widened at her clear response.
Just after finishing a conversation, Samson walked over and caught sight of Gary looking unusually cheerful.
He gave Gary a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Gary glanced at him and knew that Samson had no intention of revealing his identity, so he didn’t go out of his way to strike up a conversation.
Checking his watch, Gary said, “It’s almost lunchtime. How about we talk over lunch?”
