Chapter 452
Zach wanted to ensure that Ariel wouldn’t misunderstand is intentions. He studied Ariel’s expression but saw no noticeable changes in her emotions. Zach breathed a small sigh of relief.
It didn’t matter to Ariel whether Zach had shared the information with Nancy or not. They were merely business acquaintances. Zach had the freedom to do whatever he wanted.
Therefore, Ariel didn’t respond to Zach after hearing his explanation. She turned her eyes to Chad instead. “Chad, let’s head inside now.”
Chad nodded and cast a glance at Zach, who had a glum look on his face.
Zach’s apology didn’t mean Ariel had to forgive the pain and trouble his ignorance had caused her.
Ariel and Zach barely knew each other, yet he had repeatedly mocked and chastised her. Even if Zach had already offered her an apology, Ariel didn’t necessarily have to forgive him.
Anyone had the right to be upset if they had been subjected to unfair treatment. Ariel had shown Zach a lot of patience and forbearance by holding back from yelling at him.
Zach could feel a headache coming. He wished to work with the Faye Technologies team on more projects in the coming days. Whether it was for their partnership or out of guilt, Zach still hoped to resolve the awkward situation between him and Ariel.
They had been invited to attend a short meeting today. The Department of Defense’s representatives would explain their demands and requirements to give the different teams a general idea of what they were looking for.
The actual work would commence later on.
Nancy spotted Ariel as well. She had an inkling the Faye Technologies team wouldn’t miss out on an opportunity like this.
Five groups of people had shown up for today’s meeting. Amongst them; Chad and Zach were both somewhat related to some people currently working for the Department of Defense.
Chad was speaking to the person in charge of handling the project.
Meanwhile, Zach was seated next to Ariel. After a moment’s consideration, Nancy decided to greet him. “Mr. Quinton, is Vireon the supplier of the materials for this project?”
She didn’t think Zach would make a big deal of it after having witnessed what happened during the birthday party. They would remain objective when it came to doing business.
People would only care about her skills and abilities, rather than her personal relationships.
Zach couldn’t help but find the situation absurd. He lifted his head to look at Nancy, baffled that he had believed her to be the victim this entire time.
Looking back at everything that had happened, Zach couldn’t believe how brazen and thick–skinned Nancy was all this time.
Nancy was clearly taunting Ariel by acting chummy with Jayson time and time again right in front of the latter’s
eyes.
Zach’s expression remained unchanged. He twirled his pen. “Ms. Stanton, did you not see that Ms. Walker is here too? Why are you only speaking to me?”
Nancy stiffened. A hint of displeasure flashed through her eyes.
Chapter 452
+15 BONUS
She wondered if Zach had said that deliberately. He was well aware of the discord between her and Ariel.
Ariel was rather amused by Zach’s reaction and thought process. However, she wasn’t interested in what those two were talking about. Ariel didn’t even spare Nancy a single glance.
Nancy didn’t answer those questions, naturally. She replied flatly, “The meeting’s about to start soon. I’ll head back to my seat first, Mr. Quinton.”
She turned around and walked away. Anyone could tell Nandy had nothing but scorn and disdain for Ariel.
The Department of Defense’s representatives provided the teams with basic information and technical support they would require.
Ariel nodded slowly as she listened to the list of demands.
Based on those demands, she had come up with a rough idea and wrote it down in her notebook.
Zach happened to catch a glimpse of what she had written. He was shocked when he saw the plan and sets of data jotted down in Ariel’s notebook.
Ariel already had some idea of what she wanted to do. She didn’t even have to discuss with her team first to brainstorm for more ideas.
This was Zach’s first time observing Ariel without some form of bias or prejudice. He realized how Ariel was paying her full attention to the briefing.
Additionally, she consistently grasped the key points of the discussion. Ariel was extremely knowledgeable and professional. She was definitely not just a wallflower.
The five teams representing different companies would take turns giving speeches in front of everyone. They would explain their company’s strengths, their understanding of the Department of Defense’s requirements, and the solutions they had come up with.
The Veyo Solutions team’s representative was none other than Nancy. Using the slides she had prepared in advance, she gave an articulate presentation of her plans.
Chad was quite impressed with Nancy’s attitude as he observed how calm and composed she stood in front of
everyone.
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