The location tag on Ariel’s post showed that she was at a hotel in Halread, and Betty saw it.

Ariel wasn’t sure how she should answer that question. “We are attending the same function.”

She didn’t elaborate on whether or not they had come together. After all, she had indeed not known Jayson was coming previously.

Besides, he came here with Nancy. Naturally, she shouldn’t let Betty know about that.

Betty’s smile broadened. “That’s great. You two should spend a few more days there. Take it as a vacation. It’ll help deepen your bond.”

Ariel smiled and said nothing.

Betty didn’t know that with Nancy there, Jayson wouldn’t have the time to “deepen their bond” with her. She didn’t even know which room he was staying in.

“Where’s Jayson? I don’t see him.”

Ariel pondered briefly before saying, “He’s still socializing with the other guests and may not be back so early.”

Betty frowned. She huffed, “He’s always socializing. It’s not like he’ll lose anything if he doesn’t attend the function! His time would be better spent accompanying you!”

Ariel softly replied, “It’s alright, Grandma.”

Jayson was paving the way for Nancy’s career. To him, that was far more important than anything else.

“Fine. What about this–when he returns, you should video call me. I’ll tell him off on your behalf!” Betty was evidently displeased. “That’s decided. You should take a rest now, Ari.”

Ariel wanted to object to that idea, but Betty had already ended the call.

Feeling helpless, she held her forehead. Still, she didn’t linger on it for long. Putting aside her phone, she continued going through her slides.

Meanwhile, Carlos hadn’t left the reception.

Jayson was the reason he had attended the function.

That young man was bold and decisive. He willingly parted with 200 million dollars in support of their country’s development in the aerospace field, so of course Carlos had to show him some respect.

Glasses clinked. Carlos wasn’t interested in social interaction. He left Chad to deal with them instead.

That was until Jayson approached him with Nancy. He subtly sized them up.

Nancy smoothed out her dress and graciously greeted him. “Mr. Carlos, I’m honored to be acquainted with you today. I’m actually in aerospace engineering too. May I get your guidance on some questions?”

Carlos adjusted his glasses and gave her a once–over. “Mr. Larkin told me about you, that you obtained your PhD overseas.”

Nancy smiled. “That’s true. I took up an integrated master’s and PhD program. Our country is leading in the aerospace engineering field thanks to your contribution.”

Flattering words were necessary, but that was also no doubt the truth.

Standing beside them, Chad kept silent with a glass in his hand.

As Ariel said, if Nancy managed to get Carlos to acknowledge her, nothing Chad said would work. He should just watch how things turn out.

Jayson was even more composed. He calmly accepted the toasts offered by others and their compliments, allowing Nancy to interact with Carlos on her own. He seemed confident in her.

“You attended a great college. Since you have a PhD qualification, tell me more about the projects you’ve participated in during your internship,” said Carlos, nodding.

He seemed friendly, but Chad knew that meant he wasn’t quite impressed yet.

Nancy handed Carlos her phone. “I’ve participated in the research and development of this drone, which Artio Corporation in Merinia launched last year. I believe you know about this company.”

Carlos gave it a quick skim. “So, you weren’t the main developer?”

Nancy paused before nodding. “I hadn’t graduated back then. Although I came up with the idea, I could only partner up with my senior in the development of the drone.”

At such a young age, she had already had the experience of working for a top–tier company, even at the international level. She was aware of her strength.

Within the country, only a handful of those her age could rival her.

“Hm, that’s not bad.” Carlos withdrew his gaze.

Nancy’s lips curved into a smile, but in those gentle eyes of hers, a subtle hint of arrogance shone.

Right after, Carlos said, “Still, your achievements could only be considered mediocre at best. There was once someone who led the development of a military drone at the age of 20, and the government recruited her. Ms. Stanton, compared to her back then, you’re not young anymore.”