As for Zach, he casually greeted, “Long time no see.”

His grandfather, Andy Quinton, used to be a top–level government official and his father, Gary Quinton, was in the Department of Defence. So naturally, he was no stranger to people like Tony.

After that, Zach glanced over at Ariel again with raised brows. He found it amusing how Chad must have been pulling some serious strings for her if she had access to places like this.

Meanwhile, Nancy gracefully nodded. “I’m Nancy Stanton, here on behalf of Mr. Larkin of Bluum Corp. Jayson got held up with things, so he might be running a little late–hope you don’t mind.”

Ariel carefully considered the term “on behalf of Bluum Corp“. Jayson and Nancy must’ve been close enough that he’d give her the authority to speak on his behalf.

Ariel wondered if he was trying to tell everyone how special Nancy was to him.

Tony studied Nancy for a moment. “So you’re Ms. Stanton. I’ve heard about you from Mr. Larkin–he seems to hold you in high regard.”

She smiled modestly, yet the affection in her gaze was hard to miss. Anyone could tell there was something more going on.

Ariel didn’t bother looking at Nancy. She turned around to quietly ask about the exhibits they’d be touring today.

Before Chad could reply, Frederick, who had been staring at her, spoke up. “Some of the world’s top military tech is showcased here, Mr. Hockney. I’m quite surprised you didn’t bring one of your lead engineers here–instead, you brought someone who’s completely out of the loop.”

He chuckled before continuing, “It’s all about what you can do here unlike in your own turf, looks don’t get you very far here.”

That comment was loaded–just shy of outright accusing Ariel of being a pretty face with no use.

Perry couldn’t help but frown, finding the comment insulting. He observed her expression, only to find that she was completely unperturbed.

Chad let out a dry chuckle. “Naturally, Faye Tech has its own arrangements. Are you offering some guidance, Mr. Swanson?”

“Not at all–I just thought it’s a bit of a missed opportunity. It would’ve been a great chance for the engineers of Faye Tech to broaden their horizons. Of course, I’d hate to see your choice of company invite unnecessary gossip,” Frederick said, as if offering his polite concern.

Zach found himself agreeing to his words.

If a company leader started making decisions for the sake of a woman rather than the bigger picture, people on the team were bound to talk. Resentment would build, and it was only a matter of time before things started to fall

apart.

Zach’couldn’t help but wonder–what exactly had Ariel done to have someone like Chad completely wrapped around her finger?

It wasn’t just Chad–even Tony could see the disdain they had for Ariel. He frowned, but he couldn’t say anything

in her defense.

After contemplating, he said, “Anyone working alongside Mr. Hockney clearly doesn’t need their abilities questioned. None of these really matters, so let’s move on–I’ll show you today’s highlights.”

Ariel remained unbothered. They’d been biased from the start, so she hadn’t taken it to heart.

Frederick coldly eyed her before trailing after Nancy to the exhibit hall.

It was only after they’d arrived that they found out that they’d be getting a closer look at the U.N2 reconnaissance and strike drone.

Ariel instantly recognized the display unit. It was the very first successful model she had personally tested.

She had spent countless days and nights pouring over data, inspecting every part–it meant everything to her.

Even Zach’s face lit up with genuine awe and admiration upon closer inspection of such an advanced and groundbreaking piece of technology. Frederick couldn’t stop praising it.

Ariel wasn’t paying attention to their reaction. She felt as if she was transported back in time.

She couldn’t help but step closer to inspect the details. Just as she was about to touch it, Nancy’s sharp voice rang out, “What do you think you’re doing, Ariel?”