Chapter 474
For a while, the events at Ashford University’s anniversary became sensational news. Many students began idolizing Ariel after reading about her on the university’s online forum.
Evelyn was stunned when she heard the news. The more she learned, the more bewildered she became. It all sounded too
surreal.
Ariel had suddenly become the top figure among her peers in the academic world.
“Mom? Where’s Jayson?” Renee asked urgently as she arrived home.
“He’s probably in his study,” Evelyn replied, recalling that one of the maids had mentioned Jayson had returned briefly to retrieve his seal.
After a moment’s thought, Evelyn decided to check on him.
But Renee was quicker. She had darted off toward the study.
Jayson’s study was his private space. Normally, no one entered without permission. He had just set down a book when the door opened and Renee appeared.
He gave her a sidelong glance. “Do you not know how to knock?”
Renee shrank back a little. “Sorry, Jay…”
But her curiosity got the better of her. “I heard from my classmates that what happened at Ashford University today was related to Ariel. Jay, is that true?”
She was utterly confused. According to her classmates, Ariel had earned the admiration of many of Ashford’s top students.
Renee had even heard that Nancy had been completely crushed. It all sounded absurd.
From her memories, Ariel had always been a quiet, gentle woman who managed the household. Aside from her beauty and cooking skills, there was nothing particularly remarkable about her.
Evelyn, who had reached the door, overheard Renee’s words and turned her gaze to Jayson.
Jayson lowered his eyes and continued organizing his things. “It’s true.”
Renee was stunned. “What do you mean? Isn’t Ariel just normal? Why didn’t she ever tell me what she was capable of?”
Her mind struggled to process the revelation.
The woman she had looked down on had just outshone Nancy, the person she admired most.
Jayson looked up. “Maybe it has something to do with whether you ever showed her proper respect.”
Renee was speechless. Her face turned pale.
Evelyn furrowed her brows, staring at Jayson. “Is that really what she’s capable of?”
She looked thoughtful.
Jayson retrieved what he needed and headed for the door. “Even one of the country’s top researchers confirmed that Ariel completed her papers independently. Is there something you still doubt?”
Evelyn lowered her gaze, then looked up again. “You should avoid attending public events with Nancy for now. Go.. Ariel instead. It’ll help build a positive image.”
Those words halted Jayson in his tracks. He narrowed his eyes at Evelyn and smiled faintly. “Mom, I don’t think you should concern yourself with that.”
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He paid no mind to Evelyn’s reaction and just walked out of the room.
Evelyn’s expression hardened as she watched him leave. She understood what he meant—he had no intention of distancing himself from Nancy, despite everything. He was making that choice knowingly.
She had rarely needed to worry about Jayson, even as a child. He was shrewd, opinionated, and brilliant in business. Yet now, he was making a reckless decision–for Nancy, an ordinary woman.
Evelyn usually refrained from interfering in Jayson’s personal life offering advice only when necessary. But it was clear he wouldn’t listen this time. She frowned, beginning to consider the situation more seriously.
Meanwhile, Renee’s thoughts were elsewhere.
Though shocked by the news, she was secretly pleased. Still, she felt annoyed that Ariel had kept this from her.
After some thought, she decided to call Ariel and demand an explanation.
But when she dialed the number, she was met with, “Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is no longer in service…”
Renee froze, stunned.
Did Ariel cancel her number? Or did she change to a new number? When did that happen? And why hadn’t she been informed?
Her eyes reddened with frustration. She couldn’t understand why Ariel would do such a thing.
Ariel had gained much from the anniversary event, but it had also drained her.
She and the other experts had chatted for hours before calling it a day. By the time she got home, she was so exhausted she nearly collapsed.
She slept for 13 hours straight, waking up just after 8:00 am the next day.
When she arrived at Faye Technologies, Chad had already finished meeting several clients.
With a moment to spare, he stopped by Ariel’s office to grab some water. “A lot of people heard about yesterday’s event. Since this morning, we’ve been flooded with calls from companies wanting to collaborate.
“Jan’s still meeting clients in the conference room. I don’t think any other company has experienced something like this.”
Luckily, Ariel had come in late. Otherwise, she’d be swamped with meetings too.
Even those who had doubted Ariel’s ability to develop the new flight control system were now convinced after learning about the incident that had taken place the previous day.
“Thanks, Chad,” Ariel said sincerely. She was grateful that Chad and Janice had handled most of the workload.
Chad smiled. “No need to thank me. Jan and I should be thanking you. Without you, we wouldn’t have achieved so much so quickly.”
Ariel chuckled. “We made it happen together. Each of us plays a vital role.”
Chad handled technical support, administration, and leadership. Janice managed operations. Ariel focused on research and development.
Both Chad and Janice had always been considerate, doing their best to lighten Ariel’s load so she could focus on her work.
Ariel appreciated their support deeply.
Just then, Cassidy knocked and entered. “Ms. Walker, you have a guest.”
Chad glanced toward the door.
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Cecilia stood outside, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Her brows arched when she saw Chad. “Oh, Mr. Hockney, you’re here too. Sorry, I only brought flowers for Ms. Walker today. I’ll bring you a bouquet next time?”
Chad shrugged. “You do enjoy teasing people, Ms. Pryce.”
Cecilia was indeed just joking. She turned her eyes to Ariel, gave her a playful smile, then walked over and handed her the bouquet with a wink.
“Congratulations on your amazing speech yesterday! These are from someone who’s currently away on a business trip.”
Ariel instantly knew who she meant.
Chad watched the exchange.
Was Cecilia trying to help Samson pursue Ariel? Was she playing matchmaker?
Their expressions must have given them away, because Cecilia tilted her head and said bluntly, “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Then she looked at Ariel and added seriously, “Ms. Walker, why don’t you ditch Mr. Larkin and choose my brother instead?”
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