Ariel nodded.
She nced toward the judges‘ table. Most of them were already seated. Besides Carlos, there were a few others she recognized
-all heavyweights in the field.
The stadium was huge, ideal for a tech showcase. Spectators gradually filled in.
As Ariel walked past, she spotted Jayson, who had personally escorted Nancy.
Nancy’s expression tightened slightly when she saw Samson paired with Ariel. She didn’t greet anyone and turned to Jayson.” You go ahead. I’ve got this. Don’t worry.”
Jayson nodded.
Ariel didn’t spare him a second nce. She turned back to discuss strategy with Samson.
Nancy looked at Samson, feeling slightly intimidated by his abilities. Yet the thought that he was interested in Ariel made a trace of sarcasm curl her lips.
Ariel was more capable than she had imagined. Though she hadn’t aplished much<b>, </b>she had caught a man’s attention. No wonder Jayson didn’t care for her. 2
With a frosty expression, she moved past Ariel to join her own team.
Jayson returned to his seat beside Matt and Sarah.
Perry had ast–minute engagement and wouldn’t be here today. He would only be able to attend the crucial round the day after tomorrow.
Matt couldn’t hide his surprise at the scale of the event.
The money being spent was staggering, obvious to anyone watching. Everything was just top–notch.
Beyond the organizers, most of the audience were industry insiders and investors.
Chad sat nearby, disinterested in small talk. His eyes were fixed on the stage.
After a while, thepetition officially began. The drones required immediate intervention for stability.
This was hardly a challenge for Ariel. She dynamically adjusted the parameters to achieve precision.
Her hair slipped loose<b>, </b>cascading down her neck.
Samson noticed it. He walked over and gently brushed it behind her shoulder, holding it lightly without touching her skin. Keep going.”
Ariel was immersed in her work, barely registering the gesture, but the audience saw everything.
Frowning, Matt stood up. “What’s Mr. Pryce doing? Isn’t he staring at Ariel a bit too openly?”
Her husband was right there.
Jayson watched quietly without saying anything.
Sarah, however, let out a small chuckle. “Ms. Walker really knows how to get along with others. She’s surprisingly popr.”
Chad happened to hear that clearly.
He turned around. “Oh, Mrs. Stanton, you’re here too? Wouldn’t your recent giarism scandal affect Ms. Stanton’s reputation?
Sarah’s <b>face </b>darkened. She had been hit right where it hurt.
Chad sneered. How could he not hear the subtle jab Sarah was making at Ariel?
Smiling, he tilted his head and continued, “If Ms. Stanton doesn’t score better than Ariter, it would show that her charm
doesn’tpare, and her skills fall short as well.”
Sarah frowned at those words. The statement was absurd. How could Ariel score higher than Nancy?
But as the first round ended two hourster, the results told a different story.
Ariel’s team topped the charts. Nancy’s face went pale. Every data point from her teamgged behind Ariel’s.
It wasn’t until they stepped down that she barely regained herposure.
Jayson’s seat was near the judges‘ table.
Nancy drew a deep breath and approached him. “Jayson, every team has a different average level of ability.”
Ariel had benefited from being paired with Samson, and her scores naturally soared. 1
The grouping wasn’t fair.
She knew Samson’s skills were extraordinary, and even Elsie graduated from Pembroke University, one of the most prestigious schools abroad.
The two of them were basically carrying Ariel the whole way.