Chapter 423
Setting this aside, the fact that Jayson brought Nancy to a conference of this caliber and let her appear alongside top international scholars meant he had placed her at a level she couldn’t have reached on her own.
He really did know how to shape his future wife.
Ariel hadn’t expected her old research paper to be used a
used as a case study either.
But what she really cared about was the third research paper she lid submitted recently. She was still waiting to hear back on
that one.
Chad glanced toward the front. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Steven.”
Ariel nodded.
After all, she had kept a low profile ever since developing U.N2 and was still considered a newcomer just beginning to make a name for herself in the field. It was only natural that many people didn’t know who she was.
Meanwhile, Nancy had walked over to Jayson. He was still seated, eyes on the screen where the last paper remained displayed.
“Jayson?” She sat beside him and caught a glimpse of the author’s name–A. Walker. “That name’s kind of similar to Ariel’s.”
Though she couldn’t tell exactly what the “A” stood for.
Jayson gave a quiet nod. “It does.”
But Nancy didn’t think it had anything to do with Ariel. After all, she was still young five years ago. There was no way she could have written something at that level.
Besides, if Ariel really were the author, she wouldn’t be some nobody, let alone a housewife for all those years.
It just didn’t add up.
Satisfied that Ariel had nothing to do with the paper, Nancy smiled. “I couldn’t follow a lot of it today. I think I’ll ask one of my professors to help me download a full copy once I’m back home. I’d really like to study it properly.”
She didn’t have access to the paper right now. It would either need to be purchased or pulled through her professors.
And truthfully, she was curious about the mysterious author behind it.
“Yeah, it’s got solid academic value. You should take a closer look, Jayson said as he withdrew his gaze and stood up.
Steven Pollard was a professor of applied sciences at Hillford University, with a broad range of research spanning into bioengineering. He was one of the most renowned figures in the field internationally.
He knew who Chad was, of course. The son of the legendary Carlos. They had met a couple of times before.
The moment Steven spotted Chad, his arms opened wide in welcome. “Chad, it’s been too long!”
Steven had always liked Chad. The former wasn’t rigid like some older professors. Despite being nearly 60, his energy was still infectious.
“Professor Pollard, it’s good to see you again,” Chad greeted him warmly, then gestured to Ariel at his side. “This is Ariel Walker, Faye Tech’s chief engineer. She’s the one behind the flight control system you’ve heard about.”
Now that Ariel had made her return, Chad was naturally doing everything he could to bring her back into the spotlight.
Steven looked stunned. “Ms. Walker, you’re so young and pretty.”
Ariel smiled, composed and confident, and shook his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Professor Pollard.”
Steven was genuinely intrigued by Ariel’s system. After discussing some technical questions with her, the look in his eyes grew even more surprised.
She was leaps ahead of his own grad students.
As they wrapped up, Steven extended an invitation. “Any plans tonight? Should we have dinner together?”
He wanted to catch up with Chad and hoped to continue the conversation with Ariel as well.
Chad offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, we’ve got an urgent meeting to attend tonight. Maybe next time.”
Steven didn’t mind at all. He waved his hand and said, “No worries. Actually, I’m having my wedding here tomorrow. My wife’s Nascallian. Why don’t you both come?”
Chad blinked, surprised.
If he remembered correctly, this was Steven’s fourth wedding. And every time, it was a big, loud celebration.
At nearly 60, Steven was devoted to science but apparently just as devoted to love.
“Of course, we’d love to,” Chad agreed without hesitation.
Right then, Jayson and Nancy walked up.
Spotting Jayson, Steven smiled. “Mr. Larkin, if you’re free tomorrow, you’re welcome at the wedding too.”
Jayson glanced briefly at Chad, then at Ariel, before giving a polite nod. “It would be my honor.”
