Ariel’s hand froze mid–air. She turned and looked over.

Nancy had swiftly made her way over. Her gaze was laced with displeasure when she said, “Do you think this is some kind of toy model? It’s the result of years of hard work by research scientists–you’re not allowed to touch it. without permission!”

Ariel met Nancy’s sharp, accusing gaze–and felt the weight of the gazes of others, who were starting to look her way. She then started frowning.

Frederick stormed over with a hardened expression. “As expected of someone who knew nothing! Didn’t anyone tell you before you came in? You’re only allowed to look at the exhibits here. If you want to handle them, you’ll need to apply for authorized assistance first!”

He thought Ariel was being reckless and disrespectful, far from Nancy, who clearly knew how to carry herself in places like this.

Even Zach had worn a rare look of seriousness. He was raised under strict discipline in a military compound, and knew well the kind of tight regulations research institutes like this followed.

After all, the U.N2 was still military tech. If someone unfamiliar with the system accidentally triggered something by touching the wrong component, the consequences would be catastrophic.

He couldn’t believe how Ariel didn’t even show any ounce of respect or caution.

Zach’s expression darkened slightly. He softened his tone when he said, “It’s best to be cautious if you’re not familiar with the equipment, Ms. Walker.

“What Ms. Stanton said wasn’t wrong–she came from a place of professional respect for the researchers and their work. I’m just offering you a reminder since you’re here with Mr. Hockney–nothing more.”

Even if Ariel was unfamiliar with the field, she could still learn from Nancy’s composed demeanor.

After all, Zach had watched the U.N2 go from prototype to full–scale deployment. The last thing he wanted was to see it disrespected by someone who didn’t understand its weight.

Ariel hadn’t expected to find herself in such an awkward situation.

Their gazes were full of disapproval, condemning her for her “recklessness“, yet she wasn’t at all angry.

After all, they weren’t wrong in a way–ordinary people really shouldn’t be touching something like this..

However, U.N2 was Ariel’s brainchild–she knew it better than anyone else. That was also the reason she’d let her guard down a little.

She replied calmly, “Thank you for your reminder.”

Zach didn’t expect Ariel to remain so calm and unruffled. If it were anyone else, they’d likely be mortified or upset by now, but she remained so unbothered.

He couldn’t help but frown in quiet contemplation.

“Ms. Walker didn’t actually touch anything–it’s not that serious.” Perry couldn’t stand staying silent any longer. He could tell that with Nancy around, the others were looking down on Ariel.

Nancy looked at him in surprise. She pursed her lips, wondering why he would speak up on behalf of Ariel.

Chad and Tony clearly caught some of the conversation when they walked over.

Chad couldn’t help but frown slightly. He lowered his head and whispered to Ariel, “Are you okay?”

He found the entire thing laughable.

The U.N2 in front of them was the same one Ariel had personally tested. She had been there every step of the way -overseeing the first prototype, running countless tests on every part and system.

She not only had the right to touch it–even if she wanted to dance on top of it, she’d have every right to do so.

Even Tony was left stunned. He muttered, “This really is a misunderstanding–too bad Ariel’s non–disclosure agreement hadn’t expired yet.”

Chad did a mental calculation and asked, “It should be soon, right?”

Ariel shook her head lightly. “It’s fine–it’s no big deal.”

She honestly didn’t care much about such a trivial matter. Her self–confidence was strong enough to withstand any misunderstandings.

Only then did Chad smile with satisfaction. “They probably don’t even know how to read you. It’s honestly not worth your time paying attention to them.”

Ariel did not reply to him, merely flashing him a faint, indifferent smile.

However, she was surprised by Nancy’s attitude. There was something else in Nancy’s tone today–something personal.

In the past, she had never paid Ariel any real attention.

Ariel wondered if it was because of Jayson’s visit to the Walker family on the death anniversary that had caused Nancy to harbor some dissatisfaction.