Ariel didn’t know the details of Veyo Solutions‘ new system yet.
But with engineers from multiple countries assisting Nancy, it was no surprise they had results to show.
That much, she didn’t find suspicious.
Chad scoffed. “Jayson really did clear the path for Nancy. Just as we hit a bump, Veyo gets to bask in the spotlight.”
Ariel didn’t respond. She didn’t care what Jayson did.
Right now, what mattered was finding solid proof and calming down their business partners. These were no small tasks.
After wrapping up a meeting with one of their partnerpanies, Ariel felt a dull ache forming behind her eyes. ‘It wasn’t that she was overwhelmed, just drained.
All the unexpected chaos had forced her to burn through more energy than usual. Now, even standing upright felt like a challenge.
Chad noticed. “It’s lunchtime. Let’s go eat first.”
Ariel didn’t argue.
They chose a restaurant nearby in the World Trade Center. It was a members–only establishment. Chad, being a ck–card member, had ess to the upper–level dining area.
When they reached the floor, they passed by a private table behind a decorative screen.
Just then, a voice called out, “Ari? What a coincidence! Do you want to join us?”
Ariel turned to her side and saw Morgan and Lori, along with Jayson and Nancy.
Jayson looked over too. His gaze paused on Ariel’s face for a moment.
He didn’t say a word, nor did he show any intention of asking about the recent patent dispute between Faye Technologies and Veyo Solutions.
Nancy sat poised and graceful. She looked at Chad and suggested, “Mr. Hockney, if you don’t mind, why not sit with us?”
Chad almostughed at how shameless she was. Anyone watching this would never guess the twopanies were currently in a heated dispute.
Morgan smiled as well. “We all know each other. And it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Ari. We were just finishing a chat with Ms. Stanton about our partnership. You should join us. We can catch up a little.”
Ariel looked at him coldly. “Catch up on what? If you can eatfortably sitting across from the woman who ruined your daughter’s marriage, good for you. But I’m not that forgiving.”
Morgan’s face instantly darkened. He was obviously furious
<b>Lori </b>immediately stood up. “Ariel, is that how you talk to your father? Have you no conscience?”
Even Nancy’s expression stiffened. She gave Ariel a look of disbelief.
“Am I a Sanderson? Stop acting like we’re family.” Ariel was done acting polite.
To her, the Sanderson family was a den of wolves. She had been chewed down to bone dust over the years. In the
end, Morgan had delivered her to Jayson’s bed in exchange for a marriage she had fought so hard to hold on to.
“You…” Lori was livid. “No wonder your love life’s a mess! With a personality like yours, who could stand you?”
Jayson lifted his gaze and looked at Lori.
Morgan noticed that look. He assumed Jayson agreed with Lori. Otherwise, Nancy wouldn’t be here.
Nancy caught every word. A faint smile tugged at her lips, though her expression remainedposed.
Chad sneered. “Impressive parenting, Mr. Sanderson. I’ve learned something today.”
Morgan’s and Lori’s faces soured instantly.
Nancy cut in before it escted. Looking at Chad, she said,” Mr. Hockney, we’re willing to give Faye Tech some time. But you know how this works. If this issue blows up, everyone will want answers. I have a responsibility to my team. So…!
ant for
After a pause, she continued, “If Faye Tech fails to produce evidence, we will move forward with legal action.”
That would mean revoking Faye Technologies‘ patent permanently.
Ariel’s gaze turned cold. Her voice was calm as she retorted, “We’re also giving Veyo time to control the rumors and put a stop to this kind of behavior. Don’t let it spiral out <b>of </b>control. If it blows up, you won’t be able to contain it.”
Nancy frowned.
But Ariel had already turned and walked off.
Chad gave Jayson onest look, then turned to Nancy. “Ms. Stanton, be wise.”
Nancy couldn’t understand why they were still acting so arrogant. They were clearly neck–deep in trouble.
But she paid them no mind. She figured it must be an act.
Ariel didn’t let the drama ruin her appetite. Health came first. She needed energy to fight.
After lunch, she and Chad stopped by the Hockney residence because she suddenly remembered something. The flight control system hadn’t been entirely built from scratch in recent months. She had already started working on the concept years <b>ago</b><b>. </b>
She used to have a few rted files stored on her oldptop but that device had long been discarded.
But around five years ago, while staying at the Hockney residence and pulling all–nighters with Chad to finish her thesis<b>, </b>she had used Carlos‘ptop to draft parts of the technical proposal and base code. The core technology had gradually been refined step by step from there.