Chapter 358

Chapter 358
Ariel just gave a faint smile, offering neither a yes nor a no
Kristen let out a chuckle. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. I know in our industry, it’s standard to keep key engineers‘ identities under wraps. But I’m not trying to pryor poach. I’m just curious.”
She was honest.
Ariel smiled politely. “No worries. We understand.”
Kristen genuinely liked Atiel. She was impressed by how someone so young could remain so composed and clear- headed, especially in how she analyzed the situation.
“So? What do you think, Ms. Ulmer?” Samson finally asked while raising an eyebrow at Kristen.
Kristen glanced at him. “If Faye Tech and Yeager Group get the chance to work together, I believe we’ll make great partners. After all, our philosophies seemed to align well.”
Ariel caught the implication.
Pleasantries were exchanged, and the lunch went by smoothly and pleasantly.
By the end of lunch, Kristen, ever the busy woman, had to slip out early. She had other things to take care of.
Samson paused as they walked out and turned back to Ariel. He held out his hand. “Ms. Walker, I hope this is just the beginning. I look forward to working with you.”
Ariel nodded and shook his hand lightly. “Likewise.”
Only then did Samson look over at Janice. He gave her a polite nod before heading off.
As Janice watched him leave, she let out a low whistle. “Younger men really do have their charm.”
Ariel didn’t know what to say.
Janice was clearly riding a wave of admiration. “Did you notice? Mr. Pryce is pretty considerate. He knows how to carry himself. And he even went out of his way to bring someone like Ms. Ulmer along.”
Ariel agreed with that. “Getting Ms. Ulmer to show up in person is not easy.”
Janice drew in a sharp breath. “Mr. Pryce must have some serious pull. Ms. Ulmer has seen it all. Even with Faye Tech being in the spotlight now, it shouldn’t be enough to impress her. Unless…”
She waggled her brows at Ariel. “Do you think maybe Mr. Pryce is her sugar baby?”
No one had ever heard of Kristen being married or in a relationship, after all.
Ariel was rendered speechless.
She lightly smacked Janice’s forehead. “Cut the gossip. Let’s go back to the office.”
Janice was really just joking. She didn’t really believe it.
Back at Faye Technologies, Ariel took some time to review Yeager Group’s development history.
As a major military tech company, Yeager Group was well–versed in the field. However, there was a clear distinction between military systems and civilian applications, which naturally created a gap between them and
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other major companies.
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Having a good relationship with them was definitely a win Frequent collaboration down the road could push both sides forward.
Later in the afternoon, just before the end of the day, Ariel received a call from Carlos.
“Tomorrow’s Aerospace Day. The research institute will be open to visitors. Come by with Chad and the others to check out the current research direction.”
Ariel lit up at that. Opportunities like this were rare. She hadn’t set foot in that dreamland for researchers in a long time.
She agreed immediately, then dropped a message to Chad and Janice in the group chat.
Every year, the aerospace research institute would open its doors for just one day on Aerospace Day. Experts from all over would come to visit, exchange ideas, and explore.
Of course, most of the facilities remained off–limits. Only selected areas were open to the public.
Janice didn’t have much of a tech background, so she decided to hold down the fort at the office.
When Ariel and Chad arrived at the institute, they immediately spotted a familiar figure not far away.