<b>Chapter </b><b>648 </b>


    The higher–ups had also appointed someone to assist Ariel with her tasks regarding the SX alloy<b>, </b>and that person was Elsie.


    By the time Ariel found her, Elsie had already received the relevant instructions.


    Holding several documents in her arms, Elsie looked at Ariel and said sternly, “Other than my mentor, you’re the only person around my age who can boss me around and make me work as your assistant.” <fn6836> Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel</fn6836>


    It was a blunt reminder of the gap between them. Still, Elsie believed she would one day ovee that gap and surpass Ariel. For now, Ariel should at least thank her for her help.


    Ariel checked the address on her phone and replied, “Then you’d better get used to it.” 1


    Elsie was struck speechless. By the time she gathered herself, Ariel had already taken the documents and strode out of the room.


    Frozen for a moment, Elsie quickly hurried after her, grumbling, “Hey! How can you say something like


    that?”


    She nearly bumped into someone as she stepped out.


    Samson looked down at her, and her irritation vanished instantly.


    <b>“</b>You two heading out?” Samson asked.


    Elsie gave a quick nod. “We’re going to test the SX alloy.”


    Samson’s gaze shifted to Ariel’s retreating figure. “Just the two of you?”


    Elsie shook her head. “There are othersing with us.”


    Finally, Samson stepped aside, raising his brows slightly. “Alright. Good luck with your work, then.”


    Elsie blushed and hurried off.


    Samson pretended not to notice her reaction.


    On the way, Ariel tried to read up on thepany Jayson owned.


    It had been established five years ago, and the production of certain materials had been moved back to the country. A subsidiarypany was set up to oversee the process locally.


    Importing those materials from Ulyndor was never easy. The procedures were strict due to their rarity and unique properties..


    When Ariel and her team arrived at their destination, the man in charge of liaising with them, recently transferred from Ulyndor, immediately spotted her.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>“</b>Mrs. Larkin, this way, please.”


    The man’s name was Eric Jacobs. Ariel didn’t recall meeting him before. “Have we met<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Eric smiled. <b>“</b>No, we haven’t. I was based in Lockewin until recently. I just returned a few days ago to oversee operations here. But I know you quite well. Mr. Larkin keeps a photo of you two on his desk at the


    Lockewin office.”


    The photo he mentioned was formal, almost like a wedding portrait.


    A fleeting expression crossed Ariel’s face, but she brushed it aside. “Let’s keep things professional and follow the proper protocols.”


    Rather than ept special treatment, she insisted on following procedure.


    Inside the building, Ariel soon spotted Jayson listening to a report from his subordinates. He was present that day as well.


    As soon as he saw her, he walked over, his gaze fixed on her. “As expected, you were assigned to lead the


    team.”


    All eyes turned to Jayson.


    They watched as the famous Mr. Larkin approached Ariel, yet thetter didn’t even bother to look up. Rumors about their marriage had circted widely. Many spected they weren’t happy together, that at the very least Jayson didn’t love Ariel.


    But the way he looked at her–with a calm yet intense gaze–suggested otherwise.


    It was enough to make people wonder which of the two cared more.


    Ariel remainedposed. Her fingers subconsciously brushed against her lower abdomen. “Was it really necessary for you to be here, monitoring things personally<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    “No.” Jayson nced at the rest of the inspection team, then said casually, “I came to see you.”


    Ariel ignored his words and walked over to Elsie. “Can you help me record the datater?<b>” </b>


    Elsie cast a quick look at Jayson. “Did you two have a fight?”


    “What makes you say that?” Jayson asked, his expression unreadable.


    “She doesn’t seem to want to talk to you,” Elsie replied bluntly. “So I hope you won’t interfere with our work.”


    Ariel stared at Elsie in surprise. There was a frankness about her that was rare in adults–she didn’t even bother to help Jayson save face.


    Jayson shifted his gaze back to Ariel. He didn’t lose his temper. Still staring at her, he asked Elsie, “<b>Since </b>you’re so perceptive, can you also tell me what I should do to get her to talk to me<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Somehow, it felt like those words were meant for Ariel.


    She furrowed her brows. Jayson’s straightforwardness was something she could never get used to.


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