After all, it was 500 million dollars.

This project was clearly a money pit. Even though Faye Technologies stood out in the industry, securing that kind of capital wouldn’t come easy.

At present, there weren’t many in Eldoria with the capability to handle aerospace projects and the willingness to invest heavily in them.

Jayson’s Nexura Solutions was one. Zach was another.

How many investors outside their circle would it even take to pull together 500 million dollars?

“Jayson, what do you think?” Nancy turned to him.

Jayson toyed with a metal lighter, eyes dark with thought. After a moment, he smirked. “Maybe.”

Zach glanced over as well.

He seemed to agree that Chad would eventually come to his senses and choose the bigger picture over personal ties.

He might even come back and invite Nancy to join the research team temporarily.

Back at Faye Technologies, Chad tossed a file onto the desk with a sneer. “They don’t doubt the project at all. What they really doubt is you. They want me to kick you out so Nancy can swoop in and have it all to herself.”

Jayson probably didn’t want Ariel involved with the team either.

Nancy had made her intentions clear. She wanted in on the technical development.

There was no way Jayson would want Ariel to overshadow her.

Ariel calmly gathered the documents. “What if we invested using our own funds?”

Chad froze. “500 million dollars? Faye Tech doesn’t have that kind of liquid capital.”

“What if I do?” Ariel looked up.

Chad raised a brow slowly. “You? 500 million dollars?”

Ariel nodded. “I signed the divorce papers with Jayson. He gave me our marital home. That place is worth at least 500 million dollars. I was planning to sell it anyway. Now seems like the perfect time.”

As for the billion–dollar divorce settlement Jayson had promised, it was to be paid over three years. She hadn’t received the first payment yet.

Ariel used to be deeply attached to that house. After all, it held three years of memories with Jayson and was a place she had poured her heart into.

But now? Jayson meant nothing to her, and the house even less.

“Well then!” Chad clapped his hands. “Self–funding means we hold the power. That’s definitely ideal.”

He never would’ve guessed Ariel had so much money.

For an investment of 500 million dollars with no short–term returns, many would hesitate. Even with Faye Technologies partnering with the government, securing funding would still take time.

But if Ariel could cover it, then the only things left to worry about were the technical development and production timeline.

Ariel didn’t waste time. Once her decision was made, she immediately began contacting the real estate agent to sell the house.

She had weighed all the pros and cons. Sure, self–funding meant giving up investor promotion. However, since it was a government–backed project, promotion and market expansion would come naturally in the later stages

anyway.

Those people were not important.

After making sure Georgia had a new job, Ariel listed the property for sale at the lowest price possible. Her goal was to sell quickly, and she had no patience for haggling and delay.

The next day, Ariel and Chad visited Jonathan to discuss the next phase and potential contractors.

But Jonathan said, “Mr. Larkin came by with Ms. Stanton yesterday. He recommended she join the team. I’d like to hear your opinions.”

Ariel’s gaze sharpened. Annoyance flashed in her eyes.

Jayson knew she was working at Faye Technologies, yet he still recommended that Nancy join the team. How were they supposed to work together under the same roof?

Besides, Chad had already politely declined.

But Jayson’s position gave him easy access. He could speak to Jonathan whenever he wanted.

Without hesitation, Ariel replied, “Apologies, but Faye Tech already has its technical team arranged.

We’re not adding new members at this time.”

As soon as she said that, the person who had just arrived outside suddenly paused.