Everyone there turned to look
Ariel was startled as arge group of people swept in through the door. Leading them was an elegant, striking woman, carrying the cold edge of someone tempered by experience.
No one had expected Evelyn to show up in Sorenta for a surprise inspection
Matt and the others quickly straightened up.
Upon hearing the manager’s words, Evelyn, who had flown over on short notice, was surprised to find Jayson here
<b>too</b>.
She simply said, “Lead the way.”
The manager gestured politely. “Mr. Larkin and his friends are in the restaurant. His girlfriend is here too.”
Evelyn <b>paused </b>imperceptibly.
Clicking her heels softly as she approached, she noticed Nancy sitting beside Jayson.
But soon, Evelyn spotted Ariel standing not far away. Her eyes narrowed sharply, clearly surprised by what she
Evelyn nced at Jayson, who remained calm and collected. He seemed unbothered by the scene.
“Mrs. Larkin,” Perry greeted.
Matt and the others also greeted Evelyn.
Nancy nodded gracefully at Evelyn but did not speak directly.
Evelyn just gave a slight nod in return. “I’m here for an inspection. Carry on as you were.”
She didn’t speak to Nancy directly. Instead, she walked past her without stopping.
“Jayson,e with me,” Evelyn called out, ncing at Ariel as she left.
She ignored everyone else present.
Jayson rose and followed Evelyn out of the restaurant.
Zach, who hadn’t met Evelyn before and <b>was </b>just an outsider, noticed the tension and asked Nancy, “Ms. Stanton, you haven’t met Mrs. Larkin?”
It seemed like Evelyn and Nancy <b>were </b>not familiar with each other. They didn’t even greet each other.
But Nancy was so outstanding <b>that </b>Evelyn probably wouldn’t dislike her.
Matt rubbed his nose <b>and </b>nced at Nancy.
Meanwhile, Perry frowned as he watched Ariel carefully.
<b>Luckily</b>, she seemed unaffected and showed no sign of recognizing Evelyn as her mother–inw. She treated her like aplete stranger.
Nancy sipped her coffee calmly before answering Zach’s question, “Today isn’t the right asion for formal greetings.”
Zach understood at once.
With so many “uninvited” people around, it wasn’t proper for Evelyn to chat openly with Nanry here.
But…
Zach nced back at Ariel.
Was it just his imagination? He thought Evelyn looked like she nced at Ariel before leaving Why?
Jayson followed Evelyn to the <b>office</b>.
Once inside, Evelyn turned to him and asked, “Didn’t Ariel give you any trouble?”
She frowned. “You brought Nancy to meet her face–to–face If she gets triggered emotionally, she might publicly expose your marriage. That would be a disaster.”
Jayson’s expression was indifferent and calm. “She won’t.”
Evelyn didn’t quite understand but reminded him nheless. “With so many eyes around, things can easily spiral out of control and give people something to talk about. Try to keep her calm.”
Although Evelyn wasn’t pleased with Ariel as a daughter–inw, she had to consider the Larkin family’s reputation
If Jayson eventually decided to give Nancy an official status, no hints or signs that he was married to Ariel could be shown today.
Whether it was Ariel or Nancy, Evelyn treated them both the same, like mere strangers.
Jayson nced at Evelyn’s expression, then said coldly, “Ariel is a dignified woman. You don’t need to worry.”
Unless pushed too far, Ariel wouldn’t cause a scene.
Evelyn hesitated but finally epted his words.
She looked at Jayson <b>and </b>asked, “Have you thought this through? Nancy has a solid education and a bright future in the aerospace industry. In the long term, she might even enter politics. But her family background is ordinary. They have nopany or business assets.”
Evelyn had done her homework.
Sarah was an artist who had earned tens of millions of dors butcked apany <b>or </b>capital to support them.
In high society, artists could be cultivated easily and weren’t very impressive on their own. However, Nancy’s sharp intelligence and promising career path were impressive. If the Larkin family wanted to push her forward, it wouldn’t be hard.
<b>Jayson </b>showed little interest in <b>this </b>topic. Before leaving, he said, “I have my own ns. You don’t need to interfere.”
Ariel finished packing her luggage.
Chad had already booked the tickets. They were heading back to Eldoria today.
This trip had inspired her with plenty of new ideas. Once they returned, she nned to discuss Faye Technologies” new directions with Chad.
Chorver 233
Her mood was fairly good.
Coming downstairs, she saw most of the group waiting for their <b>cars</b>. Severalpanies were preparing their strategies after this learning opportunity.
Colin approached as soon as he saw Ariel. “Ms. Walker, why didn’t youe down for the barbecue yesterday?” Chad came over and <b>said</b>, “It was Ari’s birthday yesterday. I was with her.”
Colin was surprised and quickly said, “Happy birthday!”
Ariel smiled faintly. “Thank you.”
Colin hesitated a moment, then added, “Ms. Walker, could I have your contact info? Once we’re back in Eldoria, we might still have a chance to discuss some professional matters<b>.</b>”
Ariel didn’t refuse. She could tell Colin was genuine and straightforward.
They exchanged numbers.
After that, she and Chad went to find Carlos.
Nearby, Perry noticed this and came over. “Mr. Heathorne<b>, </b>have you gotten close to Ms. Walker? What did you talk about?”
Colin replied, “<b>Yesterday </b>was Ms. Walker’s birthday. I just wished her.”
Perry’s expression turned serious at once.
Ariel’s birthday? But Jayson was with Nancy yesterday.
Colin didn’t notice Perry’s change. He couldn’t help but praise, “Ms. Walker is the most insightful young woman <b>I’ve </b>met. Mr. Houston, have you considered recruiting her?
Perry <b>was </b>surprised. It was rare to hear such praise from Colin.
“Recruit her?”
“I spoke briefly with her. She has unique ideas about drone research. She’s one of the few who truly understands the field,” Colin said with admiration and envy.
Perry’s expression shifted slightly, stunned by the <b>words</b>.
Ariel was knowledgeable about drones?