Gary’s intervention nearly shook the entire stadium. For a few seconds after his words, there wasplete


    silence.


    Nancy was almost speechless. Her eyes went wide and panicked as she looked at Ariel, like she was trying to figure out whether Gary was telling the truth.


    She instinctively took a step back. Her face was drained of color. “No way…”


    Nancy wasn’t the only one stunned. Everyone present froze.


    Then, as if someone had struck a spark, the stadium erupted with gasps, murmurs, and exmations.


    Even Zach, who had seen his fair share of chaos, stared wide–eyed, unable to process it.


    The others nearby weren’t any calmer.


    Perry, who had beenposed moments ago, suddenly paled. He looked in disbelief at Ariel standing calmly before them.


    He knew Ariel was skilled, but he had never imagined she could be… this terrifying.


    In that instant, Perry felt a sharp pang of regret. If only he hadn’t given up so quickly back then….


    Frederick, who had just been speaking up for Nancy, was dumbstruck. His expression darkened. The weight of the revtion almost suffocated him, leaving him unable to utter a single word.


    Even Matt, usually nonchnt, froze. After a moment, he nced at Jayson beside him. “Am I hearing things?”


    It was too unbelievable. He almost wished he were still dreaming.


    Jayson said nothing, only raising his chin slightly as he watched the thin, graceful figure on stage.


    Gary then turned to Carlos. “Revealing Ariel’s identity today is truly unavoidable. If we didn’t, she would forever be shadowed by suspicion and nder. A researcher serving the country must never suffer such injustice!”


    He understood perfectly that if Ariel’s identity wasn’t made public today, Nancy’s actions would ensure Ariel was the one under suspicion.


    Mrong, undeniable evidence was the only way to defend her. Otherwise, no words would matter.


    Everyone knew <b>who </b>Gary was. His intervention already spoke volumes.


    Carlos finally rose. His face was stern as he looked at Nancy “You demanded fairness and asked for the developer to step forward. Now, Ariel is the U.Nz developer. What do you have to say now?”


    The question was calm, but itnded like a blow, each word striking Nancy to the core.


    Her face went pale. She could never have expected this tn of events. How could Ariel…


    “How could she be… This must be a misunderstandinger voice trembled. Her mind scrambled desperately for an escape, but everything inside her was in chaos.


    Ariel finally nced at her, showing no hint of emotion. “Mr. Hockney, I have reasonable suspicion that Nancy has stolen and giarized my U.N2 code. I request a full investigation.”


    The moment those wordsnded, Nancy felt her legs give way. A wave of sheer panic washed over her.


    Throughout her smooth, untroubled life of over 20 years, she had never faced anything this serious.


    If the usation were proven true, this wouldn’t be a mere dispute but a grave issue linked to the country. It was enough to destroy her.


    Shocked, Janice turned to Chad.


    Chad gave her a reassuring nce before saying, “If it’s true, her life is over from here on.”


    Janice’s eyes went wide, but she also felt a thrill. Nancy had dug her own grave.


    Carlos‘ gaze hardened. “Even if Ariel hadn’t used you, the gravity of this matter would have drawn a government investigation. If confirmed, Nancy, you could be guilty of giarizing national secrets or even leaking ssified technology. The consequences would be severe.”


    What he said was true.


    Parts of Ariel’s U.N2 technology had started being taught this year at Ashford University by various professors to their graduate students. It wasn’t fully public, so what Nancy did today still infringed on protected technological interests.