The shock of it all rippled through the crowd. Who could have imagined thepetition would end like this?


    Nancy’s giarism was already explosive, but Ariel’s true identity was an even bigger bombshell.


    Frederick’s face went from red to pale, but he couldn’t utter a word.


    Janice noticed Frederick’s outburst. Her face darkened with anger, but she no longer wanted to interfere. Nancy was under government investigation, and that was far beyond Frederick’s reach.


    With aplicated expression, Cecilia stared at Jayson for a moment before finally asking, “Mr. Larkin, aren’t you worried?”


    With her words, those nearby finally started to catch on.


    From start to finish, Jayson hadn’t shown the slightest crack of emotion. He sat there like none of it had anything to do with him.


    Jayson slowly nced at Cecilia. “It’s just an investigation. Why should I be worried?”


    Cecilia frowned at his words. The sense of strangeness in her chest sharpened by the second.


    Nancy had to be dealt with, yes. However, thepetition itself still had to be concluded.


    Without a doubt, Ariel rightfully took first ce.


    Now that her identity had been revealed, who could possibly argue? Shock was the only reaction left.


    Everyone in the field knew of U.N2, the groundbreaking work from years ago that had shaken the industry. Everyone had assumed it was created by one of the old experts. Who would have guessed it was the work of a young woman?


    Ariel was only 20 five years ago.


    The realization hit the room like another wave. What kind of terrifying, once–in–a–lifetime genius was this?


    Ariel hadn’t expected things to escte this far today, especially not on a national stage. Under normal circumstances, once her non–disclosure agreement ended, she would only asionally be introduced at fixed events within the field. Nothing this grand would ever have happened.


    Researchers weren’t supposed to be celebrities.


    Yet here she was, with both fame and recognitionnding squarely at her feet.


    And under this spotlight, no one could ever again try to pull cheap tricks on her.


    In fact, she might just be one of a kind in the research world.


    The energy in the stadium still burned bright.


    When Carlos turned to Ariel, a rare smile tugged at his lips. “Ariel, the honor is rightfully yours.”


    That one line lit the ce up all over again. Cheers rang out from every corner. 1


    On this grand stage, Jayson stood below, watching Ariel shine above them all. She was dazzling and


    untouchable. After a pause, his lips curved into the faintest smile.


    Looking at Ariel, Janice couldn’t help but wipe at the corner of her eyes.


    Chad chuckled at the sight and reached out to ruffle her hair. “Don’t cry.”


    In fact, he was moved as well. They all knew Ariel deserved it.


    From this moment on, her name would carry the weight of honor itself.


    Only then did Chad nce at Jayson again. Bluum Corp’s massive sponsorship had helped make this stage possible. In a way, it had be one of Ariel’s stepping stones.


    But Nancy’s scandal…


    Ariel wondered how long the investigation into Nancy would drag on.


    When she finally stepped down, she found Samson waiting for her. His gaze lingered on her, heavy with unspoken feelings, but what finally escaped was nothing more than a yful remark. “Guess I really do have good taste.”


    Ariel understood that his feelings must beplicated right now. He had once told her straight out that


    U.N2’s developer was his idol.


    “Sorry, I was under some restrictions, so I couldn’t tell you,” Ariel apologized.


    Samson’s gaze burned into her for a moment before he shrugged with a smile. “It’s fine. I get it. Still, it’s a


    lot. I’ll need some time to let it sink in.”


    Ariel knew her identity had hit plenty of people like a lightning strike.


    As she turned, her eyes caught sight of Jayson, already heading toward the exit. 2