55
“Oh? Sounds like you really admire the developer of U.N2,” Chad said, giving Matt a meaningful look.
Matt replied, “Who wouldn’t? I’m sure everyone admires a genius developer like you.
His words were half genuine admiration and half strategic flattery, a veiled attempt to initiate a partnership. Faye Technologies was the rising star in the technological industry. His father had reminded them that getting on good terms with Chad was sure to guarantee a profit.
Ariel stayed silent and calm the whole time. After all, ambition and opportunism were part of human nature.
Her hand moved toward a napkin at the same moment a larger, bony hand approached from the opposite direction. Their fingers brushed briefly, a warm, surprising touch that sparked through her like static electricity, prompting an immediate upward glance.
Jayson was watching her, though he remained composed. When her eyes, wide with surprise, met his, his expression didn’t even flicker.
Then, he pulled his hand back as if nothing had happened.
Ariel did the same, but the sensation lingered. It felt warm, numbing, and annoyingly hard to forget.
She frowned slightly. Jayson had gone out of his way to avoid contact with her all night, so what was about that sudden coincidence?
Would he think she’d done it on purpose? She quietly frowned to herself.
No one noticed the little interlude.
Nancy calmly chimed in, “I’ve always admired Mr. Hockney. U.N2 is the goal I strive for, and when I sought to join his team, it was to learn from the best. But I believe my time to work with him will come.”
Her talent was the root of her unshakable confidence. One day, she would lead the team and develop something to
rival U.N2.
Chad couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well then, I wish you all the best, Ms. Stanton.”
They had no idea that what so many people desperately chased after as their ultimate goal was just the starting point for Ariel.
سلام
Matt jumped in with a compliment. “You’ll will definitely make it, Nancy. You’re outstanding, and I’m confident you’ll make a name for yourself in the development field. Perry, Jayson, and I all have faith in you.”
Lost in thought, Jayson handed her a canned drink and murmured, “Yeah.”
Nancy looked at him and smiled sweetly.
Freya didn’t quite understand the business talk or aerospace jargon, but she did know that Ariel was amazing.
When Matt and the others downplayed Ariel, she instinctively wanted to speak up for the latter. Just as she was about to speak, a small piece of cake appeared on the plate in front of her.
She looked up and was met with Ariel’s gentle, composed gaze.
“This one’s good. Try it,” Ariel said.
Chapter 55
+25 BONUS
Interrupted, Freya immediately forgot what she’d meant to say and leaned in close to Ariel.
She adored Ariel. The latter was just so soft, warm, and sweet! Why couldn’t Ariel be her sister?
noticed right away t
Renee Ariel was passing the cake to Freya and pouring her juice. She frowned and shot Ariel a look of displeasure.
Ariel noticed but paid no attention to it.
Renee grew upset. What was going on with Ariel? The latter would usually make sure she was taken care of, but she’d completely ignored her that night.
After praising Nancy to the skies, Matt turned to Ariel and casually said, “We’re out of meat, Ms. Walker. Could you put more on the grill? Also, bring that bottle of beer over and open it.”
