Chapter 467
As soon as Russell made the announcement, Nancy froze. Her expression shifted from curiosity to utter bewilderment.
She turned toward Ariel, who was already rising from her seat.
Gasps rippled through the hall as Ariel stood. Meanwhile, Ashford University students who had entered the hall a bit later- burst into enthusiastic applause.
They had been informed in advance about this special segment. Most had already read the research paper, as the university had purchased access to it from the database. They were thoroughly impressed.
Their admiration deepened when they learned the author was Carlos‘ new student. Ariel’s depth of knowledge and expertise had earned their respect.
Jayson turned his head, watching Ariel’s profile with quiet intensity.
Nancy, on the other hand, felt her heartbeat spike. Her mind seemed to stall, unable to process whether this was reality or some surreal illusion.
Frederick noticed the change in Nancy’s expression. He had just begun to grasp the significance of the research paper after Russell’s explanation. Without thinking, he muttered, “Did they make a mistake?”
Nancy had told him a prominent figure in the field likely wrote the paper. And yet, the author had turned out to be Ariel?
Frederick hadn’t lowered his voice, prompting Chad to frown and shoot him a sideways glance.
On stage, Russell smiled warmly at Ariel. “Ms. Walker, we’d love for you to share more about your research paper with our students.”
Nancy finally snapped out of her daze. Russell had indeed invited Ariel to speak.
Ariel made her way to the stage and stood at the podium, where she could see the whole hall.
It was likely her first time giving a formal introduction before such a large crowd.
“Hello, I’m Ariel Walker,” she said.
Jayson’s dark eyes remained fixed on her.
Nancy’s expression hardened as she watched Ariel ascend the stage. Her lips lost their color.
How could this be? How could Ariel possibly be connected to such an exceptional, well–written paper?
Ariel had prepared thoroughly for her speech. With one hand resting on the podium, she spoke with poise and clarity. Her voice carried a quiet strength.
She explained several key points from her research paper in detail. Her insights were undeniably impressive. Even students seated in the back rows could follow along, thanks to her clear and engaging delivery.
A faint smile played on Ariel’s lips. She shone as she stood before thousands, including many seasoned experts she deeply admired. Yet she remained composed and self–assured.
Nancy stared at Ariel intensely. As she listened, she felt as though her heart was being squeezed. She understood just how valuable and informative Ariel’s presentation was.
She turned to glance at Jayson beside her.
He leaned back in his chair, eyes unreadable, yet clearly focused on Ariel. He seemed relaxed, listening intently.
Nancy’s hands clenched into fists on her lap.
Cedric narrowed his eyes as he watched Ariel. He, too, listened closely. After a moment, he glanced over at Carlos.
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Chapter 467
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Ariel’s voice was calm and soothing, drawing listeners into the top. Even after she finished speaking, the audience remained absorbed, processing her words.
Then, applause began—soft at first, then swelling into thunderous clapping.
Students in the back rows even stood, moved, and were inspired by what they had heard.
Many of Ashford’s students were top achievers from their hometowns or previous schools–diligent, driven, and ambitious.
Today, Ariel’s speech had left them in awe.
In the front row, Jayson could feel the admiration radiating through the hall. Eventually, he joined in, slowly clapping along with the others. Nancy stiffened at the sight.
Ariel stepped down the stage.
As she returned to her seat, Chad stood and gently patted her head ‘Congratulations! From now on, people will know who you truly are.”
Ariel’s mood lifted. She smiled faintly at him.
Jayson watched their exchange in silence.
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