Chad’s gaze shifted to Ariel as soon as Jayson arrived. He couldn’t help but smile seeing her completely unfazed while focused on recording data.

He’d known that she was a strong–willed woman all along. Once she made up her mind about something, she’d pull herself out of it without hesitation.

Ariel had always been good at keeping her emotions in check.

Chad couldn’t help but observe Jayson.

The moment he walked in, he would’ve known that Ariel was here. However, his gaze brushed past her without a second thought.

To anyone watching, regardless if they knew of Jayson and Ariel’s history, it would seem like the two of them didn’t know each other.

The way he’d made her seem like a stranger so effortlessly cut deeper than words ever could.

“Has he ever brought you a hot drink?” Chad huffed before turning to look at Ariel. “Mr. Larkin is quite the thoughtful man, isn’t he?”

She continued scribbling in her notebook and replied without so much a glance up. “No,” she replied truthfully.

The man who was currently playing the role of a perfect, attentive boyfriend to someone else was once her cold, distant husband. It was just a matter of showing care to a different woman.

Chad couldn’t help but chuckle as he patted Ariel on the shoulder. “Little Ari is all grown up now! In order to celebrate you finally shaking off your lovestruck phase–dinner’s on me tonight!”

Ariel looked at him, amused. “Stop teasing me.”

The easy interaction between the two made it clear that they were close.

Perry couldn’t help but steal glances at them before turning his gaze to Jayson, who was standing by the side, currently deep in conversation with Nancy.

He seemed utterly uninterested in what was happening with Ariel, nor did it seem like he minded how close she and Chad seemed to be.

“Everyone, let’s have a seat here. We can share about our takeaways from today,” Tony stepped out to guide the situation. With that, the group slowly began to gather.

Ariel felt like she’d gained a lot today, with new ideas sparking in her mind. She started recording them down as she walked over.

Chad’s expression turned to one of surprise when he caught a glimpse of the contents in her notebook.

They were critical, core technological points that could make or break the industry. Anyone who could access this would be massively important.

No wonder Carlos had been so unsettled all these years. Ariel’s mind was something else–she could make connections and see patterns others couldn’t even dream of.

Frederick had also noticed Ariel’s doodling. He whispered to those around him, “Anyone who doesn’t know better might’ve thought she’s a tech guru here- eager to learn and dive into things.”

Nancy noticed Ariel’s focused state, briefly glanced at the notebook in her hand, and let out an inaudible laugh.

She knew what Frederick was playing at–he was implying that Ariel was merely pretending.

“Today’s session has been eye–opening, but I’m more curious as to why the developer behind the U.N2 hasn’t been revealed—is it someone from the research institute as well? Or perhaps, it’s even Mr. Carlos?” Frederick asked as he walked over.

Zach and the others all turned to Tony, equally curious about the answer to the question. Meanwhile, Jayson quietly glanced over to Chad.

Chad had already made it clear that he wasn’t the developer of U.N2 back then. To this day, there hasn’t been any news about who the real developer was.

“I hope it’s not too forward of me to ask, but could I meet the developer?” Nancy looked at Tony and asked sincerely, “I’d love to exchange some thoughts and insights.”

If given another five years, she knew she could easily reach this level.

Everyone’s gaze fell on Nancy as soon as she spoke.

Zach chimed in, “Any chance you could introduce me as well?”

Although Gary was in the Department of Defense, he never disclosed the information–which meant Zach was just as in the dark as anyone else.

However, Tony merely gave a wry smile. “I’m afraid we can’t at this moment.”

“Why not?” Nancy frowned, perplexed.

Ariel’s gaze remained unchanged, composed as ever.

Tony finally cleared his throat behind his fist and said, “Researchers tend to be a little solitary. Maybe you’ll get the chance when the time is right.”

After all, Ariel’s non–disclosure agreement was still in place. 1

“Or maybe they just don’t want to meet any of you.” Chad leisurely picked up where Tony had left off, smiling as if he was merely joking–but he was speaking the truth.

Ariel had no obligations to cater to them anyway.

Nancy’s expression dipped, surprised to find that the developer was harder to meet than even Carlos. She’d managed to meet him, so she couldn’t understand what made the developer any different.

However, Nancy wasn’t one to push. Jayson would arrange it for her when she felt like it. After all, who’d dare turn him down?

She calmed down and stopped asking. Unperturbed, she looked up at Jayson, and he met her gaze without hesitation. They looked at each other affectionately, as if no one else was in the room.

It was hard for Ariel, who was standing across them, not to notice them, yet she merely averted her gaze calmly.

Chater 29

Perry, Zach, and the others didn’t think much about Tony’s remark. It was only reasonable for a rare talent like that to be somewhat arrogant and standoffish.

Tony said, “This is just one of the exhibit halls–there are still two more zones to visit. Once we’re done touring, we’ll have a briefing on the key policy direction for the upcoming year–it might give you all some ideas.”

With that, he motioned for someone to bring the vehicles around. The zones were spread out at some distance, so a car ride was necessary.

Chad and Tony moved off to discuss some logistical details, while Ariel decided to wait in the car.

Several shutter vehicles were already lined up at the entrance. She glanced around before heading straight to the

nearest one.

Ariel walked over and opened the door, only to meet the gaze of Jayson, who was already seated within.

He was mid–call, speaking to someone on the other end of his online meeting. But the moment he caught sight of her, he said, “Let’s pause for now–someone else is here.”

Ariel immediately understood that Jayson was probably on a call discussing sensitive Bluum Corp intel–he didn’t want her to overhear.

She nodded at him briefly–she wasn’t planning to take the same car as him anyway. Just as she was about to leave, the sharp click of heels echoed beside her.

Nancy walked over and casted Ariel a glance. With a soft tone that belied an air of superiority, she said, “Would you mind moving, Ms. Walker? This seat is mine.”