Ariel was unaware of the speculations swirling around her. She and Carlos made their way toward the front row.
As they walked, Carlos said sternly, “Let me know if Cedric Warbrooke ever speaks to you like that again.” Ariel found it slightly amusing that Carlos took the earlier exchange so seriously, but she nodded obediently As they approached their seats, Ariel noticed Nancy speaking with several renowned experts and editors. Still, Ariel quietly returned to her seat without engaging.
Meanwhile, Nancy had just been introduced to Adrian Harrington, an editor, through Frederick.
Adrian greeted her politely. “We can talk more after the event. Have you read any of the recently published research papers, Ms. Stanton?”
Nancy hesitated. She’d been busy lately–even her trip to Nouburgh had felt rushed. She had intended to study the example paper they’d discussed in Nacsall after returning, but she’d been putting it off.
“Not yet,” she admitted.
Adrian smiled knowingly. “You might want to take a look. Several exceptional papers have been published recently.”
His comment sparked her curiosity. Nancy began browsing academic journal websites and soon stumbled upon a paper published in one of the industry’s top–tier journals.
She was surprised. She couldn’t recall hearing about any experts recently completing such a high–level paper.
The journal she was viewing was the most prestigious in their field–very few researchers ever managed to publish there. Now she understood Adrian’s earlier remark.
Still, she didn’t dwell on it. Nancy was just beginning her career. She assumed only seasoned, celebrated experts could achieve that level of recognition. As a newcomer, she didn’t need to concern herself with it yet.
Her mood lifted as she returned to her seat. That day’s event had allowed her to build valuable connections, opening doors to future opportunities and increased visibility.
Excitement buzzed through the crowd at the sight of both Carlos and Cedric attending. After years of anticipation, people were thrilled to see the two greatest scientists of the century at the same event.
Nancy was curious too. She leaned toward Jayson and asked in a hushed voice, “Why did Mr. Warbrooke come today?”
Jayson looked toward the stage. “I spoke to him two days ago. He cleared his schedule to attend.”
Nancy’s lips curved into a smile. She understood the gesture.
Ever since word spread that Cedric was offering technical advice to the Veyo Solutions team, rumors had circulated that he might take Nancy on as a student.
Jayson’s invitation to Cedric was clearly intended to enhance Nancy’s image and promote her research paper. It
was a strategic move- -one that Nancy deeply appreciated. She could sense his care and attentiveness toward her.
Soon, the ceremony began.
As the most distinguished guests from the academic world, both Carlos and Cedric were invited to speak. However, Cedric remained seated, uninterested in giving a speech.
Chapter 466
+15 BONUS
Carlos, given his longstanding relationship with Ashford University, didn’t refuse the request.
After introducing the key guests, Russell took the stage and shared a brief history of Ashford University. He then highlighted several recently published research papers that had made significant contributions to academia. Frederick immediately turned to Nancy, his eyes lighting up. “Your paper must be one of them, Ms. Stanton.”
Nancy smiled modestly.
Just then, Russell clicked on a document, which appeared on the large screen.
“Among these papers, one stands out for its insightful and innovative contributions. It offers fresh perspectives and is flawless in its execution. I’m sure some of you have already read it. To help our students better understand its content, we’ve invited the author to today’s event.”
Nancy looked at the screen and recognized the paper–it was the one she had just seen earlier. She instinctively scanned the hall, her gaze landing on Carlos, then drifting to the older experts nearby.
She tried to guess who might have authored the paper. Given the university’s praise, the person must have an impressive background.
She whispered to Jayson again, “Jayson, who do you think wrote it? Could it be Mr. Carlos?”
Carlos was, after all, a lecturer at Ashford University.
Jayson glanced at the screen, reading the excerpt silently. His lips curled slightly, but he said nothing.
Then Russell smiled and looked in their direction.
Nancy stiffened.
The author was sitting in their row? She couldn’t think of anyone nearby who could have written such a paper.
Still puzzled, she heard Russell announce, “I’d like to invite Ms. Ariel Walker to the stage!” 3
