Chapter <b>86 </b>


    Nancy was taken aback but didn’t show it.


    After all, Carlos had met the most brilliant minds from all over the country. It wasn’t surprising that he’d have high standards.


    Still, who could he be talking about?


    Chad barely contained hisughter.


    Age wasn’t the only factor.


    The drone that Nancy helped develop was, at most, a form of entertainment for drone enthusiasts. It wasn’t even in the same league as the reconnaissance and strike drone Ariel developed.


    But, of course, Ariel was already considered a genius among geniuses.


    Carlos noticed the teasing look in Chad’s eyes and cast him an icy stare.


    Chad shrugged. Why was Carlos taking it out on him? He wasn’t the one who shoved Ariel into a life of marriage.


    “I know I do indeed have to continue my efforts.” Nancy quickly collected her thoughts and humbly agreed with Carlos.


    She understood what Carlos was trying to imply.


    As of now, her achievements weren’t up to his standards, so, naturally, it wasn’t the right time to request him to go through her thesis. She could only put off her intention and think of something else.


    Jayson followed their conversation, but he didn’t react much. In a gracious andposed manner, he said, “Take your time. You have plenty of opportunities.”


    Nancy instantly rposed herself. She knew she would have the chance to prove her worth.


    Meanwhile, many of the corporate executives present approached Jayson and raised their sses to toast him. Jayson continuedworking.


    Ariel had just finished going through her slides when she received Chad’s text. He had quite a lot to say, and his messages kepting in.


    “My old man wasn’t impressed. If it were any otherpany, she would have been highly sought after. Too bad she got too ambitious and tried to get in touch with someone from an entirely different league, like my old man. She must’ve suffered an emotional blow.”


    Another text came in. “Jayson was cool about it, though. He didn’t once intervene. I don’t know if it’s because he had faith in Nancy or if he’d already seen thating.”


    A third text quickly followed. “If he’d already guessed that my old man would react this way yet was still willing to throw away 200 million dors just to invite him, he must’ve been head over heels in love with Nancy!”


    Ariel was emotionally numb. Jayson was indeed extremely nice to Nancy. The apple of his eye didn’t have to say a word, and he’d get rid of all obstacles in her way.


    On the other hand, she poured her love on him yet gained nothing in return.


    She was no longer interested in what happened next. Getting up, she went to take a shower.


    It was almost 10:00 pm. The reception must be nearing its end.


    She had just changed into her pajamas and left the bathroom when the doorbell rang.


    Though puzzled, she opened the door, only to see Jayson, whose brow was creased with a frown. With his coat draped over his arm, he entered the room without casting Ariel a nce. He reeked of alcohol.


    Ariel went after him. “Why have youe?”


    He must’ve drunk a lot. Rubbing his temples, he said, “Grandma called.”


    Ariel immediately understood. Betty must’ve called to check where he was, so Jayson came over just to put on a front.


    When her gaze focused on him again, he was already on the couch. His head was tilted backward as he shut his eyes. He seemed to feel ufortable.


    Ariel pressed her lips together before asking, “Well, should we call Grandma?”


    Jayson didn’t answer her, nor did he open his eyes. His well–defined Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.


    Ariel knew he would have a headache whenever he overdrank. She used to massage his temples for him back then and prepare oatmeal for him so that his stomach would feel better.


    But it was different now.


    Walking over to him, she showed no signs of concern. She asked matter–of–factly, “Jayson? Can you still talk with Grandma over the phone?”


    Jayson remained silent, as though he were asleep.


    Ariel’s lips were pressed into a thin line. Right then, she felt helpless.


    She decided she wasn’t going to bother about him anymore. He’d leave on his own when he woke up. She should go to bed.


    As she turned around, a burning hand caught her slender wrist. His hand felt so hot that she shuddered.


    She was still stunned when he pulled her into a warm and muscr embrace, plopping her onto hisp. He grabbed her waist ferociously.


    His steamy breaths brushed against her lips. With one hand, he grabbed her by the neck and pulled her toward him as he kissed her lips. In a hoarse voice, he muttered, “Don’t go. I miss you…”