Ariel was caught off guard by Jayson’s words, but he had already turned and walked out.

    She went to lock the door. When she nced through the peephole, she saw him entering the unit right across the hall. 2

    He opened and closed the door in one smooth motion, not lingering a second longer.

    Ariel stood there, stunned.

    Jayson lived across the hall? Was he out of his mind? He actually left his mansion behind to squeeze himself into this shabby little apartment? Did he really go that far to exin things to Betty?

    But Ariel only thought about it for a moment. Whatever Jayson chose to do was his freedom, and she had no right to interfere. Even though he had been acting strangely today, Jayson had been injured because

    of her.

    She didn’t like owing anyone a favor.

    After making dinner, Ariel thought for a moment, then packed an extra portion into a thermal food container. She set it outside his door, knocked lightly, and went back home without waiting for him to

    answer. 1

    The next morning, Ariel woke early. When she stepped outside, she couldn’t help but nce across the

    hall.

    Having Jayson suddenly as a neighbor was unsettling, to say the least.

    But the thermal food container she had left had disappeared. Clearly, he had taken it in.

    She quickly looked away and hurried downstairs with her bag.

    At Faye Technologies, she ran into Chad, who was just arriving as well.

    Ariel was preparing to join the military base department, and Faye Technologies had projects lined up

    too.

    The bidding process required further discussion. Preparing the tender response was equallyplicated.

    For the next ten days, Ariel barely had a moment to herself and would asionally sleep at the office. (1)

    She hadn’t heard any updates for the SX alloy negotiations Jayson was handling with the higher–ups. But she had received the appointment letter from the government. She needed to report in.

    Havingpleted a series of tedious procedures, Ariel set her ns in order, just as Samson arrived.

    “Looks like we’re not in the same department,” he said with a shrug, sounding a little disappointed.

    Ariel, however, found it a relief. It was better not to bump into each other every day.

    “But Elsie should be with you. You’re the lead, so you’ll probably have to guide her,” Samson added. With

    Ariel’s skills, she was more than qualified to be a mentor.

    “We’ll see how they arrange it,” Ariel replied, keeping it neutral.

    Samson smiled. He always said the kinds of things most people swallowed back. “Honestly, I envy Elsie.

    She gets to work with you directly. I was hoping to learn more from you myself. You’re my role model,

    after all. You’re part of the reason I got into this field.”

    He freely expressed his admiration and humility.

    Ariel didn’t quite know how to respond, but she could see his drive. He wasn’t some spoiled rich heir coasting through.

    If it meant contributing to Croinia’s scientific research, she was naturally more than willing to help.

    “Ms. Walker, please head to Room 1001.” Someone came to inform her.

    Samson gave her a reassuring look. “Your case is special. You’re an exception to joining the research

    team early. The process will be stricter, but just follow their steps. Don’t stress.”

    Only Ariel was allowed to start working before the political review had even concluded. It was an honor

    granted solely because of her exceptional ability.

    Ariel thanked him with a nod and followed the staff member into the office.

    Inside, she found several unfamiliar faces waiting.

    “Ms. Ariel Walker, right?” One of them looked at her with a stern expression.

    Ariel nodded. “And you are…?b” /b

    “We’re from a special department’s HR team, responsible for reviewing your personal information. Some of the documents you submitted two weeks ago contain omissions and errors. We’ll need you toplete

    them.”

    Ariel was surprised. She had put that file together with painstaking care. “Omissions and errors?b” /b

    The man nodded. “Your marital status and spousal information are wrong.”