Chapter 316
After the pause, Carlos said, “Good. Now that you’re done with him, it’s time to focus on yourself.
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“About the postgraduate admissions exam, thanks to your work on developing U.N2, I recommended you for a
preliminary exemption. So, just prepare your paperwork and go straight to the final exam. It’s mostly a formality.
11
Ariel was stunned.
But Carlos didn’t give her a chance to ask anything. He hung up on her–classic grumpy Carlos behavior.
Still, the news was a pleasant surprise.
If she had followed the typical timeline for the postgraduate admissions exam, she wouldn’t have been eligible until next year.
Ariel suddenly thought of Nancy. The latter seemed to have plans to take the same exam as well.
Ariel didn’t know how far along Nancy was or what her plans were. And honestly, she didn’t care. Other people’s goals were theirs.
All she wanted was to pursue what truly mattered to her. At the very least, she didn’t want to be left with any regrets.
Chad had forced her to take a five–day medical leave. She had bounced back a little during the break.
By Tuesday, she was back at work.
At 10:00 am, Noah came by her office. “Ms. Walker, the people from Veyo Solutions are here for the disaster- response project kickoff meeting.”
Ariel nodded. “Are Mr. Hockney and Ms. Swanson back yet?
“Not yet. I asked. They probably need another 30 minutes.”
Without hesitation, Ariel got up and headed to the conference room.
As she walked in, she saw Nancy already there, seated on the couch, flipping through documents. She looked elegant and composed, the very picture of a polished professional.
When she looked up and saw Ariel, her expression turned cold.
Ariel couldn’t be bothered to care what kind of mood or face Nancy was putting on. She held her own folder and calmly took a seat in the front row.
Nancy didn’t spare her a glance. Instead, she turned to Noah, who had followed Ariel in. “Mr. Hockney’s not back yet?”
Noah didn’t really get her tone and replied politely, “He’ll be here soon, Ms. Stanton. The meeting will start at 10: 30 am.”
Without looking at Ariel, Nancy flipped through the papers and asked in an indifferent tone, “Mr. Hockney and Ms. Swanson didn’t leave anyone behind to oversee things?
“This project can’t afford even the slightest error. Leaving someone with poor health, who might faint at any moment, sounds like a recipe for delays and mishandled issues.”
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Chapter 316
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She had her doubts about Ariel fainting and ending up in the ER.
Just one bump and she passed out? Or was it all an act?
Too bad Nancy wasn’t like Ariel. She had no craving for the spotlight.
Noah’s expression darkened slightly. He instinctively glanced at Ariel.
It was clear Nancy was talking about her.
Ariel looked up calmly, unbothered. She knew Nancy was referring to her fainting at the restaurant.
Was she acting like this because she thought Ariel’s health might drag down the project, or was it because Jayson had carried her out in front of everyone?
“Ms. Stanton, if you have concerns, feel free to send someone else. Faye Tech doesn’t take kindly to mixing personal feelings with professional work.”
Her tone was smooth and measured, but there was an unmistakable edge that cut straight through.
Nancy’s brow twitched. Her usual polished smile was nowhere to be seen.
“A company as big as Faye Tech really ought to make better choices. This is a military project. Putting someone barely involved in charge seems a little reckless. Veyo Solutions isn’t going to suffer losses because of your mistakes.”
Ariel had bought the respect of Faye Technologies‘ employees with money. And now she actually thought she was fit to lead a project?
Noah’s face flushed with anger the moment he heard that. He was about to speak up, but Ariel let out a smile, then raised a hand to stop him.
Noah caught her signal and reluctantly stepped out of the room.
Ariel didn’t bother entertaining Nancy’s passive–aggressive nonsense any longer.
Her gaze was cold and laced with scorn, sharp enough to leave Nancy with nowhere to hide.
“Jayson funded your company while he was still married. If you’re so worried about potential losses, I could help ease your concerns by filing a lawsuit to take the company back. Once you’re no longer the owner, you won’t have to worry about any of this, will you, Ms. Stanton?”
