The venue for the convention was located just a short distance away, opposite the hotel.

Ariel felt a lot better when she woke up the next day. Her throat did not hurt as much as it did yesterday. Still, she took the medicines just to be safe.

A reception would be held after the convention was over. The event would start from 3:00 pm and end around 9:00

1. pm.

Around noon, the doorbell rang. When she opened the door, Ariel was surprised to find Lucas standing before her.

“Why do you look so pale?” Lucas frowned the instant he saw Ariel. She had not applied any makeup. Even her lips were pale. “Are you feeling unwell?”

He reached out his hand and placed it against Ariel’s forehead. “Have you taken any medicine? Should I take you to the hospital?”

Ariel could see the look of concern in his eyes. Still, she took a step backward and averted her gaze. “Do you need something from me?”

Lucas would soon marry Wendy, the daughter of the Johnstone Group’s owner. It was no surprise for someone like him to attend today’s event.

Lucas‘ brows were drawn together in a deep frown when he saw how Ariel was trying to keep her distance from him. After a while, he held out the gift box in his hand to her.

“Take a look and see if you like it. You’ll be attending a formal event today. I think you’ll need a nice accessory. This one suits you a lot.”

Ariel could see a certain luxury brand’s logo on the box.

“I don’t need it.” She pursed her lips.

Lucas shoved the box into her hands nonetheless. “You’re still as stubborn as ever. I’m here to ask you about your mom’s third death anniversary. If you have any plans in mind, let me know in advance so I can help you with it.”

Ariel paused briefly. She did not expect Lucas would remember about that.

Elena passed away a year before Ariel got married. It would soon be her third death anniversary. Jayson probably was not even aware of this.

“Alright, I’ll see you at the convention hall in a bit.” Lucas looked at his phone and stroked her hair as he always did. Then, he turned around and left.

Ariel could tell that Lucas was not fully sincere about what he said. Therefore, she would not take his word for it.

She closed the door and opened the gift box. Inside the box was a diamond necklace with a pendant in the shape of a crescent moon surrounded by stars.

Ariel had been interested in knowledge related to aerospace since she was a child. Not only would she read relevant reading materials, but Ariel had also bought a telescope to observe the moon and stars in the sky.

No wonder Lucas said it would suit her. Ariel had not expected he would remember what she liked.

III A

Ariel frowned slightly and hesitated for a moment. She didn’t own that much expensive jewelry, and she didn’t bring any with her for this trip.

In the end, Ariel changed into the dress Janice had lent her and did her makeup. She wore the necklace and headed out. Ariel figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to dress up a bit nicer since she was attending an important event.

She and Chad headed to the venue together. Most representatives from top companies were already there.

In the main hall, a video showing some of the best creations from recent years was being played on a big screen. Coincidentally, they were playing the clip of the U.N2 reconnaissance and strike drone on the screen just as Ariel got there. The drone was highlighted as one of the key topics of the convention.

Chad raised his brows. “See that? Even after all these years, you’re still one step ahead of everyone else. You probably would have made countless unimaginable achievements if you had chosen not to get married in the first place.”

There were only a few people whom Chad truly admired and respected. One of them was Carlos, and the other was Ariel.

Just like Carlos who resented Jayson, Chad found Jayson annoying too.

Ariel lifted her head and stared at the big screen. She could sense this inexplicable feeling inside her. She took a glance around her. Many people were standing there, watching the clip of the U.N2 drone with admiration.

Ariel smiled faintly. Fortunately, she had not realized her true purpose in life too late.

“I’m going to check out the exhibits over there.” She was interested in seeing the latest creations made by people who worked in the same industry.

Chad nodded. “Go ahead.”

People started gathering around Chad as soon as Ariel walked away.

“Mr. Hockney, long time no see.”

“We’ve heard that Faye Tech is currently working on the development of a new project. Could you share some details with us on what it’s about?”

Chad had gotten used to such social situations. He smiled amicably. “Long time no see, everyone. We haven’t decided on a clear direction for the project yet. So, I really can’t say much.”

Chad could not reveal too much since they had not confirmed or officially announced anything regarding the project.

The people around him understood that Chad had his reasons as well. They made a toast to him.

“The reconnaissance and strike drone you created back then was so impressive. I’m sure people in our industry will feel pressured once they’ve heard you’re working on a new project now.”

“Geniuses like you are hard to come by, Mr. Hockney. You have such advanced thinking even when you’re only in your 20s. You managed to overcome technical difficulties and achieve breakthrough progress. I see a lot of hope for the growth of our country’s aerospace industry.”

While they were showering Chad with flattery, these men sincerely admired him as well.