Ariel was even at the top of her class.

If she weren’t that outstanding, Carlos wouldn’t have been so upset that he needed medication to lower his blood pressure when she married Jayson.

But during her college years, the Sanderson family didn’t pay attention to her. And after she married Jayson, the Larkins barely cared either. They only knew she studied physics, just like Leonard.

They thought it wouldn’t help much for the business.

Her value after marriage seemed to be reduced to when she could bear heirs for the Larkin family.

Later, even the decision to have children came with an evaluation of whether she was qualified intelligence–wise.

Freya was truly amazed. To her, physics alone was already challenging enough. How could Ariel manage to double major?

She couldn’t help but ask, “What was your minor?”

“This field is complex. Considering your health, I’d suggest you lean toward computer science.”

Aríel didn’t answer Freya’s question but instead carefully broke down the pros and cons and various factors to consider within the majors.

Freya listened intently. Her admiration grew stronger.

After their chat was nearly done, Perry appeared. When he saw Ariel and Freya talking so happily, a faint smile curved his lips before he approached.

“Ms. Walker.” He sat down beside Freya.

Ariel nodded slightly at him. “I still have some matters to handle at Faye Tech. I should get going.”

She wasn’t planning to stay longer. She had told Freya everything she intended to anyway. From here on, it was Freya’s personal choice.

Perry pressed his lips together, then slid an exquisitely packaged box toward Ariel. “I heard your birthday was two days ago. It’s a bit late, but… happy birthday.”

Ariel froze, looking at him with suspicion.

As Perry met her cool but puzzled gaze, his heart skipped a few beats, but his face remained calm.

He explained, “This is a gift from Freya and me. I know you haven’t been feeling well. This is a custom aromatherapy candle. It helps with sleep and relaxation.”

Ariel was about to refuse but stopped herself and glanced at Freya.

Freya nodded eagerly and said sweetly, “Ms. Walker, please accept it. This is a birthday gift, but it’s also a thank- you gift for taking the time to talk with me today.”

Ariel finally understood that the gift had been Freya’s idea, so she didn’t refuse again. “Thank you.”

Seeing that Ariel’s expression held no disdain, Perry immediately felt the tension in his chest ease.

After saying goodbye, Freya gave Perry a disdainful look. “You bought the gift yourself, but you had to drag me into it? Are you afraid she would refuse?”

+25 BONUS

Perry slowly withdrew his gaze and ignored her remark. Instead, he asked the main question on his mind. “What did Ms. Walker tell you?”

Freya immediately spilled everything excitedly from start to finish.

Perry’s expression shifted from relaxed to increasingly serious, even shocked.

A double degree? What was Ariel’s minor?

Moreover, the advice she gave Freya was impressively insightful. It was a thorough analysis based entirely on the direction of aerospace engineering.

No wonder Colin had praised Ariel so highly. Her knowledge was far beyond that of a mere assistant’s. As far as he knew, a physics major could absolutely participate in drone research and development. Suddenly, Perry recalled seeing Ariel’s name as one of the project leads on the Faye Technologies‘ project.