Ariel hadn’t paid much attention to the marital hometely.


    Now, overhearing Nancy mention it, she did a quick mental calction and realized the renovations must bepleted by now. Yet, Nancy had chosen such a moment to bring it up on the phone Ariel’s eyes shed with scorn. Nancy’s intention was


    obvious.


    After ending her call, Nancy spotted Ariel and scoffed. “Do you have a habit of eavesdropping on other people’s conversations?”


    Ariel ced her phone in the designated area and shot Nancy a sideways nce. “Are you that proud about using a second–hand ce? Hasn’t Jayson ever thought of buying you two a new house? But I guess you’re fine with how things are.”


    Nancy’s face darkened, but Ariel ignored her and walked away.


    A deep frown creased Nancy’s forehead. The fallout at Veyo Solutions weighed heavily on her heart, lingering like a shadow she couldn’t shake. The incident had even stolen her sleep.


    She drew a slow breath and straightened her back, bracing herself as she took stock of her current situation.


    The first two rounds of the uing tests were closed–door assessments. Without Carlos and the others‘ help, Ariel might not even make it through these. The third round–the most important would be an openpetition focusing on practical skills.


    Nancy only needed to survive until the final round.


    Moreover, the third test was significant in scale. The top algorithm and system application might be purchased and implemented by the government.


    I! Nancy’s work was acquired and she earned a spot on the national research team, Ariel would be left with nothing. So what if she’d lost Veyo Solutions?


    She stood to gain much more from thispetition–whether it was the chance to learn and grow as part of the government’s research team or the golden ticket to marry into the Larkin family.


    Since the tests were challenging and taken individually, no one really knew how well the others performed.


    After a week, those who passed would be notified to attend the publicly held third test.


    Ariel was surprised by how difficult the tests were–designed to narrow 300 participants down to just three nationwide. She remained calm and cautious,pleting the tests over the course of four long hours. By the time she finished, it was already


    Chatside the building, Janice waited with a bright smile that seemed to chase away Ariel’s exhaustion,


    “You must be fired Chad reserved a table at one of your favorite restaurants. Come on–you deserve a reward!” Janice said cheerfully <b>as </b>they got into the car she handed Ariel a cup of hot cocoa, then floored the <b>gas. </b>


    Janice didn’t ask how Ariel did, she was confident Ariel had everything under control and would have no trouble making the third <b>round </b>


    Ariel sulled ally and looked out the window, noticing a Rolls- parked in the distance it was Jayson’s car, but he wasn’t


    inside


    As Janice’s car passed the Rolls–Royce, someone started the engine and drove out The driver hadn’t picked Nancy up, though. Ariel was puzzled but quickly averted her gaze, passing the quests aside


    Nancy, meanwhile, paid no attention to Ariel after leaving the building. She had more pressing matters.


    She could no longer return to Veyo Solutions and had to manage theplicated equity transfer process. But doing nothing was not an option.


    Getting into a car, Nancy decided to make an appointment with Samson after giving it some thought.


    Having lost her position at Veyo Solutions, Nancy needed a backup n.


    She briefly considered seeking a role at Bluum Corp or their headquarters, but feared the Larkins would make a fuss over her asking Jayson for help, deepening their prejudice against her. So, she opted to meet Samson.


    Yeager Group was the country’srgest military technologypany. Being acquainted with Samson and with her academic background, Nancy believed joining their tech department would be feasible. Plus, their focus on defense tech was a suitable fit.


    Without dy, Nancy called the Yeager Group office and arranged to meet Samson at 3:00 pm.


    The process went smoothly, as expected. Nancy felt it was only natural–no surprises there.


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    Chapter <b>521 </b>