“She’s definitely crossed the future Mrs. Larkin. Does Ms. Walker think Ms. Stanton will let Faye Tech off once she marries into the Larkin family?”
Ariel silently read the product’s description and information label, all while overhearing the speculative comments. Done with the product, she was about to turn away.
At that moment, Ariel spotted Nancy putting down a label. Nancy then turned and walked past her, a smirk playing on her lips.
Clearly, Nancy had heard those people talking as well.
Ariel was about to step away, but Frederick approached, a frown and a contemptuous look instantly appearing on his face when he saw her.
“As expected of someone from PR,” he sneered. “You stepped up during the chaos, appearing to sacrifice yourself by shouldering full responsibility. Yet, the tables turned, and you quickly benefited, misleading people into thinking you’re the developer of your company’s new system. You caused such a huge fuss and emerged as the biggest winner. Aren’t you a clever one, Ms. Walker?”
While Ariel gained various benefits from the incident, Nancy alone bore the consequences for things she hadn’t even done.
Ariel looked at him. “Nancy hasn’t given you a leash yet?”
Frederick paused briefly, contemplating what she meant by that.
Chad came up to them and snickered, “Ms. Stanton probably hasn’t made up her mind to adopt him yet. She probably doesn’t even see Mr. Swanson as a bit on the side. There’s no way she’s getting him a leash and a tag any time soon.”
Frederick finally understood what the two of them were implying. His face darkened. “Mr. Hockney, that’s a really crude way of speaking to another guest.”
Chad grinned. “That’s because I sincerely hope your dreams will come true soon, Mr. Swanson.”
Frederick stiffened.
Ariel couldn’t be bothered to argue with someone like him. She patted Chad’s shoulder and headed elsewhere.
She had just moved to another spot when Samson caught up with her.
“Ms. Walker.” Samson was stopped by another person a while ago. He was gradually losing his patience as he spoke to them. Eventually, he managed to slip away with an excuse and went looking for Ariel.
Ariel lifted her head. She smiled faintly when she noticed it was Samson. “I’ve seen quite a few excellent products from Yeager Group. Your company must have a lot of brilliant, capable people working for you.”
Samson’s eyes crinkled as he stared at Ariel’s face. “I can take you to the Yeager Group’s exhibition zone some other day if you’re interested in seeing more.”
Ariel asked curiously, “Is it really fine for me to visit a place like that?”
“Of course. You’ve been granted exclusive access to the place.” Samson tilted his head and smiled brightly at her. All the while, he gazed at Ariel intently.
Ariel appreciated having these opportunities to learn more and exchange ideas. She felt rather thankful to Samson.
1/2
Chapter 411
+25 BONUS
Ariel’s gaze shifted to the latest drone model, noticing its cool design on the nearby table. She reached for the drone, not expecting it to be so heavy. She’d barely lifted it when it slipped from her grip.
Seeing what was happening, Samson quickly acted. He moved one hand under Ariel’s, supporting both her grip and the drone, and then took the drone from her with his other hand.
A dry, unfamiliar warmth spread across the back of her hand. Ariel, without much thought, calmly withdrew it.” Thank you.”
Samson lowered his hand and curled his fingers, eventually balling his hand into a fist, hoping the warmth would linger on his skin a bit longer.
As Zach approached, he caught sight of the interaction. From his vantage point, it appeared Samson had seized Ariel’s hand. He stopped in his tracks, staring at them, utterly bewildered.
He watched Ariel walk off, then moved quickly toward Samson. Zach’s brow furrowed as he looked at the seemingly pensive Samson. “What was that just now? Why were you holding Ariel’s hand?”
Samson turned to meet Zach as he rubbed the tip of his thumb and index finger slightly. “I wasn’t trying to hold her hand. It was an accident.”
That made a lot more sense to Zach. He was about to speak when Samson shrugged, stating frankly, “I am interested in her, though.”
With a hardened expression, Zach stared at Samson in disbelief, exclaiming, “Ariel is married! Did you not know?”
2
