Nancy went up to Janice as soon as she entered the room. She held out her hand, acting like they had never had any past conflicts or disputes. “I hope we’ll enjoy a good, fruitful experience working together this time”

Janice pointed to Ariel, who was beside her. She raised her brows. “You can tell that to Ark. I’m not the person you should be saying that to.”

She did not hold or shake Nancy’s hand either.

Nancy’s fingers curled slightly. She glanced at Ariel out of the corners of her eyes and pulled her hand bad Alright. Let’s get started, then.”

She was not going to extend a greeting to Ariel. Nancy sat on the couch opposite them and flipped through the pages of the contract. She did not even bother looking up.

“I had a look at the contract. Faye Tech wants absolute say In deciding when to run the finished product’s trial and in Nexura Solutions‘ manufacturing process?”

Ariel looked at her impassively. “Is there a problem with that?”

Nancy kept her head down as she looked through the contract. “Moreover, you’ve requested us to have the sample ready within two weeks‘ time. Some of your requirements just seem a bit too harsh.”

She did not even respond to Ariel’s question first. It was as if she did not hear her at all.

Ariel noticed it too. Nancy appeared to be reluctant to discuss work–related matters with her.

It might be because Nancy felt that Ariel was in no position to do that with her. Perhaps what happened at the hospital the other day was also a major contributing factor to why Nancy was acting this way.

Ariel was actually quite surprised that Nancy did not report the incident to the police afterward.

Anyhow, work was work.

Janice had also noticed Nancy’s seemingly gentle yet haughty attitude by then. She acted as though she would be putting herself down by talking to Ariel.

Tom could vaguely sense something strange from their exchange.

He stepped in and said, “Having the sample ready in two weeks should be fine. However, we might have trouble executing our tasks smoothly if Faye Tech demands to have full control over our work process. Ms. Walker, you may rest assured and put your faith in the quality of our products.”

Ariel had a calm expression. However, she did not concede. If none of you can make the call here, our people can reach out and talk to Mr. Larkin instead.”

Ariel’s tone sounded harmless, yet those words packed quite a punch.

Tom’s brows twitched. He did not expect Ariel to be so obstinate regarding the matter. He subconsciously cast a glance in Nancy’s direction.

After all, Jayson had put Nancy in charge of handling these matters as a representative of Nexura Solutions. Yet, Ariel just implied that she could skip this discussion with Nancy and talk to Jayson instead. She clearly couldn’t care less about showing Nancy any respect.

Janice nearly burst into laughter. Ariel managed to make Nancy lose face with a simple remark.

Nancy finally turned her eyes to Ariel.

It was obvious that she had the authority to make the decision on behalf of Nexura Solutions. Yet, Ariel wanted to skip discussing with her and talk to Jayson instead.

Nancy didn’t like how conceited Ariel was. She felt that Arie ought to know her place now th divorced her.

that Jayson had

Nancy closed the folder containing the contract. “Ms. Swanson, I’ll discuss these terms with Jayson again. Let’s have a look at the parts first.”

Janice was in a pretty good mood. She ended up dragging Ariel along.

During that time, the two groups of people discussed and negotiated things several times. Mostly, it was Nancy asking various questions regarding some of the requirements Faye Tech had

In the end, their meeting dragged on for an hour.

Janice had the urge to yell at people at that point. They were supposed to settle the matter before noon. Yet, they were still with these people when it was almost 2:00 pm. Janice was famished.

She directed her gaze to Ariel. “Are you hungry? When on earth is this going to end?”

Ariel was still feeling alright. She hadn’t had much of an appetite lately anyway.

Just then, a group of people showed up by the door carrying take–out bags from Indigo. Ariel turned her gaze toward them. Those people placed the nicely packed boxed meals on the table.

Nancy happened to pass by the area. Her brows arched. “What are these?”

The person leading the group replied, “Ms. Stanton, Mr. Larkin ordered these. He knows that you haven’t had lunch. So, he ordered some food and had us deliver them to you. You should take a break from work.”

Nancy seemed to have recalled something. She shook her head and chuckled. “I couldn’t make it to have lunch with him today since I was busy with work. He could even tell that I wouldn’t have time to grab lunch.

“I’m alright. I’ll WhatsApp him and let him know the food’s here. Thanks for your hard work.”