Chapter <b>360 </b>


    Nancy couldn’t agree with that.


    Now that Veyo Solutions had teamed up with Vireon Technologies, she felt even more certain that Ariel’s actions toward her were petty and immature.


    Some students from Ashford University’s aerospace program and people from otherpanies also showed up for the institute’s open day.


    A few executives who had previously attended Sarah’s art exhibition out of respect for Jayson made a point toe over and greet Jayson and Nancy.


    There were scheduled programs scattered throughout the day.


    Before long, Carlos arrived, walking alongside a man in his 40s with amanding presence.


    The moment they entered, the event grew noticeably livelier.


    Ariel recognized the man walking beside Carlos. It was Andre, one of the earliest students Carlos mentored. He wore sses and carried himself with a schrly grace.


    Nancy noticed Andre and greeted him politely, “Professor Jones.”


    Andre gave her a brief nod, then his eyes caught Ariel. He paused, then offered her a warm smile and a small nod of acknowledgment.


    Nancy frowned subtly at the sight.


    Frederick noticed the shift in her mood and leaned in to reassure her. “Don’t take it personally. Ariel is Mr. Hockney’s student now. Of course Professor Jones would greet her. Without Mr. Hockney, no one would even know who she is.”


    Nancy agreed with that.


    Unconcerned, she smiled. “I know. I’m not bothered.”


    Noticing that she wasn’t too shaken, Frederick rxed a little.


    Nancy looked at Jayson and moved in so close she nearly touched him, then said softly, “Jayson, I’m a bit nervous about meeting Professor Jones today.”


    Jayson nced down at her. “Don’t be. It’ll be fine.”


    That brought a small smile to Nancy’s lips as she nodded.


    Meanwhile, Carlos brought Andre over to the coordinator nearby and gave some instructions about which areas would be open.


    While they were talking, someone overheard Nancy greeting Andre.


    They were surprised that she had chosen Andre as her supervisor. “I don’t get why Ms. Stanton didn’t choose Mr. Hockney. I heard her exam results were phenomenal.”


    It wasmon knowledge at the time that Nancy had been aiming for Carlos‘ mentorship. And yet, somehow, it was Ariel who ended up as the chosen student.


    They couldn’t help sneaking nces at Ariel now.


    Had she really outpaced Nancy?


    Jayson nced sideways with a detached expression, casting a faint look in Ariel’s direction. As his gaze lowered, the corner of his brow lifted ever so slightly.


    Nancy stayedposed and responded evenly, “It’s a bitplicated, but everything worked out as it was meant to. Thank you for your concern.”


    But these were veterans in the business world. They were the best at reading between the lines.


    It didn’t take long for them to wonder if there was more to Nancy’s seemingly casual remark.


    Their eyes drifted toward Ariel again, then to Chad, who was leaning in to whisper something in her ear.


    Was there more to the story?


    Frederick felt a pang of sympathy for Nancy. He looked at her with concern.


    Despite having the upper hand, she was forced to ept this situation and keep herposure to face everyone as if nothing were wrong.


    Matt tilted his head with a grin. As if suddenly remembering something important, he pped his hands. ” Speaking of the postgraduate admissions exam, it just hit me! Isn’t today the day Ashford University releases the admissions results?”