Was this art exhibition always part of the plan? Or was it Jayson’s way of retaliating after she “threatened” his precious Nancy the other day?
Ariel tore the invitation clean in half and tossed it in the trash.
“Chad, let’s move on to the system programming first,”
She wasn’t going to waste time getting worked up over things she couldn’t change. All it did was burn energy and stir up pointless frustration.
Sure, she had wanted to strip Sarah of that fake artistic gents halo. She had tried once, and Jayson had shut it down without blinking.
Chad looked over at her with concern. Even as a bystander, He felt how infuriating this all was.
But Ariel didn’t look out that window again. She simply lowered her head and quietly got back to work. She had no intention of letting anything delay what she was here to do.
By dusk, Ariel went over the flight control system code she had written that afternoon with Noah and the team.
And when she glanced up again, she could still see the glow and bustle of the art gallery across the street.
She didn’t show any emotion.
After work, Ariel didn’t bother with her car. Janice offered to drive, so she stood by the curb, waiting.
She checked her phone and sent Katie a quick message, saying she was heading home to have dinner together.
Suddenly, a car horn sounded from the roadside.
Ariel looked up and saw a crowd coming out of the nearby restaurant. In the middle were reporters and several familiar corporate executives.
At the center of it all were Nancy and Sarah.
Jayson was there too, along with Matt and Frederick.
They were only a short distance away. Jayson happened to glance in her direction and noticed Ariel.
An aerospace CEO nearby asked Nancy, “I thought Mr. Hockney was supposed to be here today. Didn’t he come?”
Nancy smiled effortlessly. “He couldn’t make it. He’s busy with the research institute, and I didn’t want to impose. But I’m currently studying to apply for his postgraduate program. If I get in, I’ll finally have a reason to bother him.”
Sarah was beaming with joy. No amount of severe liver cirrhosis could hide her glow. Surrounded by a flattering crowd, she looked noticeably better. She carried herself with the air of a refined socialite.
With a gracious smile, she said, “Nancy’s always been bright since she was little. Mr. Hockney holds her in high regard too. But she’s a modest child. No matter how confident she is, she takes everything seriously.”
Alan was surprised to hear that. “Really? I heard Mr. Hockney hasn’t taken students in years. Is he setting a slot aside just for Ms. Stanton?”
Frederick gave Nancy an approving look. “Wouldn’t be surprised. Ms. Stanton already has a graduate degree from overseas. She’s exactly the kind of candidate Mr. Hockney would invest in.”
When Ariel heard that, her lips curled in a cold smile.
1/2
Chapter 320
+25 BONUS
Matt also spotted Ariel in the distance. He leaned toward Jayson and remarked, “We invited Faye Tech, but not a single person showed up. Does Ariel really have that much pull over there?”
Jayson glanced again at the figure standing a few feet away–slim, poised, and stone–faced.
Sarah noticed her too. Her smile widened, and she called of brightly, “Ariel! What a coincidence. Why didn’t you drop by today? I was going to give you a painting to hang a home if you had.”
Ariel hadn’t expected her to speak to her.
And the implication behind Sarah’s words was unmistakable.
Her gaze swept over coldly, stripped of all pretense and warmth.
But Sarah carried on, completely unfazed. “Did something come up? Did Faye Tech keep you too busy with errands to attend?
“I always think you’re quite smart, Ariel. You could try studying more like Nancy. It’d be good for you. Of course, Nancy studied at a top university overseas, which is why Mr. Hockney admires her. Well, you can always start from the basics. It’s never too late to learn.”
Her expression might have been pleasant, but the arrogance and condescension in her eyes and posture were impossible to ignore.
Everything she said was laced with one message–Ariel was no match for Nancy. It was a polished, calculated way to belittle her.
Her smugness and arrogance were unmistakably clear.
Ariel turned toward Sarah slowly, locking eyes with her. Her voice was calm and smooth. “So what you’re saying is that the postgraduate spot under Mr. Hockney is meant for Ms. Stanton?”
