Ariel had been swamped these past couple of days.
+25 BONUS
Carlos had given her last–minute notice that she would be going straight to the final exam, so she needed to dive back into review as quickly as possible.
She didn’t let her confidence cloud her judgment. She went over the material again in her spare time. After all, it had been years since she was last in an academic setting.
No one would succeed without putting in the work.
Carlos had opened up this opportunity just for her. She didn’t want to let him down. If she was going to do it, she was going to give it her all.
By Friday, Ariel and Chad held a densely packed meeting with dozens of engineers from the technology department.
They reviewed and debated proposals for the flight control system, propulsion system, and navigation.
Not long after noon, Alan from the new energy company showed up.
Aside from the military project, Ariel had another venture in early–stage development. She had discussed the concept with Alan, who was both impressed and excited about it.
Once things wrapped up, Chad offered politely, “Mr. White, have you eaten? If not, you’re welcome to try the Faye Tech cafeteria.”
Alan waved him off with a grin. “Thanks, but I’ve got something across the street. Maybe next time.”
Chad raised a brow. “Well, let us walk you down, at least.”
Alan laughed. “No need, really. I’m literally just crossing the street. It won’t even take a minute.”
Ariel looked up but didn’t press further.
Just then, Alan pointed toward an artfully designed building across from Faye Technologies. “It’s over there. I’m heading to an art exhibit.”
Both Ariel and Chad turned to look.
From where they stood, they could see a steady stream of people flooding into the building. One luxury car after another pulled up outside.
The place looked lively and bustling with activity.
“What’s going on over there?” Chad asked, sounding curious.
Alan’s smile turned a little cryptic. “Ms. Stanton’s mother is holding an art exhibition. Word is she’s somewhat known overseas. This is her first exhibition since returning to Eldoria. I got an invite.”
Ariel’s gaze drifted toward the building. Her expression didn’t shift much, but her eyes shimmered with something unreadable.
Chad’s smile faded. “Ms. Stanton sure can pull a crowd, huh?”
Alan’s expression turned wry with a hint of amusement. “Well, Ms. Stanton and Mrs. Stanton might not be a big deal on their own. After all, Mrs. Stanton is considered just a mid–tier artist at best in Eldoria. But Mr. Larkin?
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Chapter 310
+25 BONUS
Now that’s a different story.
“Sure, some of the invites came under Ms. Stanton’s name but most were sent out under his. When Mr. Larkin extends the invitation, all to support his future mother–in–law’s event, who’s going to say no?
“Plus, word is Mrs. Stanton’s only putting ten pieces up for sale at this exhibition. Every cent will be donated to charity with full transparency. That helps her establish a solid foothold in Eldoria.”
Thankfully, Alan didn’t continue further. He simply apologized, “Anyway, let’s talk over a meal next time. I need to head over there now.”
Chad had someone escort Alan downstairs.
Shortly after, a few formal invitations were brought up to the office. They were from the exhibit across the street.
Ariel glanced at the envelopes. One was addressed to Faye Technologies, and the other was for the Walker family.
An invitation meant for the Walkers had been delivered to Faye Technologies.
Chad’s face darkened immediately. “What are the odds this exhibition happens right across from us? Seems like someone wanted to make sure we’d see it.”
So many people, so much fanfare. Who was it really meant to impress? And they even came in person just to deliver the invitation?
There were countless prestigious galleries in Eldoria. Sarah and Nancy didn’t have to choose one right across from Faye Technologies.
And that invitation, which nearly ended up at Katie’s…
This wasn’t a coincidence. It was a deliberate provocation.
Sarah and Nancy wanted Ariel to watch as they stepped on everything Elena once had and turned it into something dazzling.
They wanted her to see Jayson helping elevate the reputation of the very people who stood against the Walker family.
“There’s media coverage too,” Chad said as he watched from the window. “If this gets enough buzz, the Stanton name might triple in value overnight.”
Ariel quietly stared at the invitation in her hands. Several printed images of the artwork were displayed on it. The style and layout mimicked Elena’s.
Ariel’s chest rose slightly with the surge of emotion. But in the end, she forced herself to push it all down.
At the Spencer family’s last exhibition, she had nearly secured one of Sarah’s paintings to have it compared with Elena’s for authentication.
But Jayson had stepped in at the last moment and taken that chance away from her.
And now, he was the one putting Sarah and Nancy in the spotlight and letting them bask in all the glory.
2/2
Chapter 3rd
+25 BONUS
Now that’s a different story.
“Sure, some of the invites came under Ms. Stanton’s name but most were sent out under his. When Mr. Larkin extends the invitation, all to support his future mother–in–law’s event, who’s going to say no?
“Plus, word is Mrs. Stanton’s only putting ten pieces up for sale at this exhibition. Every cent will be donated to charity with full transparency. That helps her establish a solid foothold in Eldoria.”
Thankfully, Alan didn’t continue further. He simply apologized, “Anyway, let’s talk over a meal next time. I need to head over there now.”
Chad had someone escort Alan downstairs.
Shortly after, a few formal invitations were brought up to the office. They were from the exhibit across the street.
Ariel glanced at the envelopes. One was addressed to Faye Technologies, and the other was for the Walker family.
An invitation meant for the Walkers had been delivered to Faye Technologies.
Chad’s face darkened immediately. “What are the odds this exhibition happens right across from us? Seems like someone wanted to make sure we’d see it.”
So many people, so much fanfare. Who was it really meant to impress? And they even came in person just to deliver the invitation?
There were countless prestigious galleries in Eldoria. Sarah and Nancy didn’t have to choose one right across from Faye Technologies.
And that invitation, which nearly ended up at Katie’s….
This wasn’t a coincidence. It was a deliberate provocation.
Sarah and Nancy wanted Ariel to watch as they stepped on everything Elena once had and turned it into something dazzling.
They wanted her to see Jayson helping elevate the reputation of the very people who stood against the Walker family.
“There’s media coverage too,” Chad said as he watched from the window. “If this gets enough buzz, the Stanton name might triple in value overnight.”
Ariel quietly stared at the invitation in her hands. Several printed images of the artwork were displayed on it. The style and layout mimicked Elena’s.
Ariel’s chest rose slightly with the surge of emotion. But in the end, she forced herself to push it all down.
At the Spencer family’s last exhibition, she had nearly secured one of Sarah’s paintings to have it compared with Elena’s for authentication.
But Jayson had stepped in at the last moment and taken that chance away from her.
And now, he was the one putting Sarah and Nancy in the spotlight and letting them bask in all the glory.
2/2
