Gary looked genuinely surprised. He gave Ariel another one–over. “Promising young talent, indeed. You’ve accomplished quite a lot at such a young age, Ms. Walker.”

He suspected she wasn’t just any ordinary engineer. Otherwise, Chad wouldn’t go out of his way for her.

Even Jackson turned his attention toward Ariel now. He eyed her from head to toe before letting out a pleased chuckle. “Ariel, you’ve got the looks and the presence. Say, are you and Chad a couple?”

Though in his Sos, Jackson was still sharp and spirited. His question was loud enough for the surrounding guests to catch the gist.

Even Jayson lifted his gaze and glanced over.

Chad rubbed his nose. He noticed Jayson glancing their way, so he leaned in toward the two elders and said softly, “Not yet.”

Jackson’s interest clearly grew. He lit up like a child. “Then you’d better hurry! She’s quite the catch–pretty and capable. There’ll be no shortage of men lining up for her. Wait too long, and someone else will snatch her right up!

11

Upon hearing that, Perry instinctively looked over at Ariel and pressed his lips into a thin line.

Then his eyes shifted to Jayson.

He found Jayson listening to Nancy with his head slightly lowered. He didn’t react to Jackson’s loud commentary. Either he hadn’t heard it, or he simply didn’t care.

Matt turned and nudged Perry. “Seriously, Ariel’s definitely got the looks. I bet a ton of guys would be into her without knowing much else. Don’t you think?”

Perry pulled his gaze back. “…Sure.”

Matt immediately caught the disinterest and waved it off. “Wow. You’re really not hiding how little you like her, huh?”

Just then, Liam and Zach entered from the side path. Liam made his way over to greet Jayson and the others.

“Mr. Spencer,” Jayson nodded in greeting.

Nancy was meeting Liam for the first time after only hearing about him from others. She offered a graceful smile. “Pleasure to meet you. I’m Nancy Stanton.”

Liam gave her a brief glance and nodded in return. “Liam Spencer.”

Jayson asked, “Are you planning to settle back here permanently, Mr. Spencer?”

Liam’s expression remained cool and indifferent. “Not yet. But it’s on the table.”

Nancy glanced at him, lowered her eyes, and seemed to be deep in thought.

ኦ

Just as she was about to speak, Liam checked the time and said, “Everyone, please feel free to move into the inner

garden. We’ve prepared a drone fireworks performance tonight. Hope you’ll all enjoy it.”

Ariel also heard about the show.

Jackson had always been a military enthusiast. He had even served in the army when he was younger.

With today’s advances in technology and the growing importance of national defense, he had specially arranged a

drone fireworks show for the birthday celebration.

He had even gone the extra mile to hire a professional drone operator to oversee the entire performance.

Ariel knew fireworks drones came in different types–some for entertainment, others for military use.

She scanned the drones parked further out in the courtyard. Judging by size and shape, they were mid–to–small range, likely weighing around 130 pounds each.

There were designated spots set up for guests to enjoy the show.

Just as Ariel stepped into position, she sensed someone approaching her but didn’t look over. Her focus was on the operators by the pavilion across the way.

Soon, the drones–rigged with fireworks–lifted off with a rumbling whir. Their rotors sliced the air.

A moment later, they released a burst of newly developed blue fireworks.

Gasps of awe echoed around her.

But Ariel’s brain was working overtime, running calculations on the drone’s load–bearing capacity and the stability of the firework system.

Just in those few seconds of distracted analysis, a sudden chorus of shocked cries erupted. Followed by panicked shouts of “Watch out!”

Ariel’s head snapped up, only to see a buzzing drone veering off course. Its navigation seemingly malfunctioned as it dove straight toward her.